![]() And above the trees, the unmistakable wingspan of a California condor, vigilant for a meal. Near Pescadero Point I looked up to see the rich green canopies of Monterey cypresses overhead - a view that might have been obscured in a motorized metal box. We also found ourselves observing all sorts of sightseers: the family eagerly asking if we’ve seen any seals the guy ignoring signs and hand-feeding potato chips to squirrels the man quizzing his kids on why Bird Rock is so white (“Poop!” they yell, correctly) the carload of older folks too underwhelmed by the Lone Cypress to get out of their parked vehicle. Squadrons of pelicans soared overhead as seals snoozed on rocks that didn’t look comfortable (I’m guessing their built-in blubber helps). We caught a glimpse of sea otters, their furry heads popping above the surface from their haven of the kelp forest. Biking past them, I stop myself from lingering too long on the opposite of what beckoned us here.Īlong the way, drivers and cyclists alike stopped to admire the rugged shoreline, mesmerizing blue water and the wildlife it sustains. Nor are the multi-million-dollar homes that peek out from the tree line along the route. Well-manicured, professional-grade golf courses aren’t found in the wild. I don’t fool myself into thinking of Pebble Beach as “untouched” natural beauty. But there are also rich details you might miss behind the wheel - the wildflowers blooming along the road, the sea breeze on your face, the symphony of waves crashing, birds singing and sea lions barking in the distance. You’re more aware of your surroundings in practical ways - the bumps and cracks in the asphalt, the curves in the road and the cars that zip along next to you. The experience is a mix of freedom and exposure, blending to ensure you stay in the moment. ![]() ![]() Remember, though - motorcycles are not allowed on the drive.That’s easier to see from the seat of a bicycle. There’s an entrance gate just off PCH, at the junction with Highway 68 between Carmel and Monterey. If you’re not staying in Monterey or Carmel, you can still do the 17-Mile Drive from the Pacific Coast Highway. Doing the Drive from the Pacific Coast Highway But armed with advice from Bobby, we found our way back onto the drive to return to Carmel by the equally lovely inland route, driving through woodland and back to the gate where we came in. Here you’ll have to do a bit of smart navigating if you’re to continue the drive inland, as it’s another area where the directions are not clearly marked. ![]() Eventually the drive brings you into Pacific Grove, not too far from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. In all there are 21 stops marked on the map, including Bird Rock, where you should see plenty of birds as well as harbor seals and sea lions, the Seal Rock Picnic Area, and the Cypress Point Lookout. The fee helps towards the upkeep of the drive, and provides you with a very helpful map showing the highlights, and scenic places to stop. The drive is actually a private road, with a small entrance fee to pay (just under $10 at the time of writing), although cyclists and local residents are exempt. There are five entrances to the drive, one of which was just a half-mile from the Lamp Lighter Inn. As he lived in Pacific Grove and worked in Carmel, it was a drive he was very familiar with. We were staying at the Lamp Lighter Inn in Carmel and the manager, the very helpful Bobby, not only encouraged us to take the drive he gave us advice on his personalized version, to help us get the most out of it. Likewise, if you’re staying in Monterey you should make the drive to Carmel and spend a day in this beautiful and unique little town. If you’re staying in Carmel you’ll want to spend at least a day in Monterey, where there’s plenty to do including visiting Cannery Row and the amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is on our list of the top sights to see on the whole of the Pacific Coast Highway. ![]()
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