Scenic 17-mile self-guided driving tour in Monterey

Enjoy this driving tour that focuses on scenic driving along the pacific coast and through the famous pebble beach and lone cypress, from Del Monte to Carmel-by-the-sea.

Embark on this scenic drive in downtown Monterey, near the historic Fisherman's Wharf. Your explorations along Monterey's Pacific Grove will bring you to Cannery Row, immortalized by John Steinbeck. This Cannery Row ends at Monterey's second most famous attraction: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is an optional stop, for those looking to get up close with a huge variety of sea creatures. Then reach the Point Joe. Learn the story of two well-known shipwrecks, St. Paul and Celia. Discover why this ocean is known as “The Restless Sea”.

Head to Bird Rock and Seal Rock, both always are teeming with life. Learn how to spot the differences between seals and sea lions and identify a couple of the most common birds in the area. Afterwards, make your way through the Crocker Grove, which honors the man who almost single-handedly built 17 Mile Drive. Crocker put a lot of effort into beautifying the coastal drive while preserving its natural history and terrain. Continue the adventure through the Lone Cypress. The Lone Cypress stands dramatically at the edge of a cliff, shrouded in fog. Its roots are embedded in a rough outcropping on a granite hillside and it is framed by a backdrop of loud, crashing waves.

Finally, make your way to the scenic tour of Monterey's 17 Mile Drive where the tour ends at the world-famous Pebble Beach, a paradise of pristine white sand and sensational coastal cliffs.