The Central Coast of California is well-known for its majestic mountains, dramatic rocky-coastline, scrumptious sanddab, and amazing white sandy beaches. It's simply STUNNING!! If you're in the process of scheduling a family (or romantic) getaway to the beautiful Central Coast of California — you'll definitely want to check out the most AMAZING scenic drive in Northern California, 17-Mile Drive. This prodigious scenic drive combines gorgeous ocean views, luxurious golf courses (including the famous Pebble Beach), beautiful harbors, and a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. If you're unfamiliar with this historic scenic drive you may be surprised just how breathtaking, cultural, and
romantic this scenic drive can be. Needless to say, the Central
Coast of California is one of the most AMAZING places to explore,
especially if you want a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean. Here's a sneak peak of what you can expect on this unforgettable scenic drive.
The Spanish Bay
Gaspar de Portolà, the early Spanish explorer, and his crew camped here in 1769 while searching for Monterey Bay. A scenic 17-Mile Drive stop, this gorgeous bay is also perfect for a romantic strolls around the shoreline or an unforgettable picnic with that special someone. It's SO beautiful here!
Bird Rock
Here you'll find harbor seals and birds, it's very beautiful and worth the stop.
The Ghost Tree
Sounds scary, right? With a bleached trunk from the cold wind, this unique Monterey cypress has a sinister silhouette. Don't get too close — you've been warned!
With amazing weather year round (cloudy, but somewhat warm), you can wile away the afternoon hours and take an unforgettable jaunt down this beautiful landmark. It's gorgeous, right? A drive down the Central Coast wouldn't be complete without seeing 17-Mile Drive, showcasing the Del Monte Forest and famous Pebble Beach. This unforgettable drive is the perfect destination for those seeking spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean or those who want a mini-getaway to California.
Our Favorite Spots
- The Ghost Tree
- Spanish Bay
- Bird Rock & Seal Rock
- Pebble Beach
- The Restless Sea
- Fanshell Overlook
- China Rock
No matter which 20 spots you stop to see, there will most definitely be endless fun and adventurous things to see (and do) on 17-Mile Drive. If you're planning on taking a nice drive down 17-Mile Drive, make sure to plan enough time to see all the beauty and stops this scenic drive has to offer. Oh, and be sure to bring $9.75, which is the cost to view this scenic drive. Also, they'll give you a driving guide to help you along the way. Have fun!
Have you ever been to California? If so, where?
Disclaimer: On occasion, Mama of 3 Munchkins may feature luxurious vacations that we've taken. We are not compensated NOR have we received anything in exchange for these type of post.
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Among the many things you might like to do is to take a walk to the neighboring town of Lake Placid, only two miles away. Here you will find shops along Main Street and you can stop at the Cottage for lunch. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are some of the activities available at Mirror Lake
What a beach. My son would be so fascinated by exploring here.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever come out this way, take him! I just know he'll LOVE it!
DeleteI've never been but would love to one day! That ghost tree looks cool!
ReplyDeleteThe fog makes it look really creepy!
DeleteWow, it really is stunning, its magical!
ReplyDeleteIt's very stunning! This was my first visit and one I'll never forget.
DeleteI have driven it many times, it is beautiful! I have not been back since 2005 would love to get back soon!
ReplyDeleteThis was my first time and I can't wait to go back someday!
DeleteWow the Ghost Tree looks awesome! I'd love to check it out some day.
ReplyDeleteHow gorgeous! I'd love to visit California someday.
ReplyDeleteIts beautiful! Im not a big fan of California but they sure do have some nice spots.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you're not a fan of California.
DeleteI love going to CA, and even though I live at the beach visiting California beaches is a whole other experience.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the beach, and I SO wished that I lived near one.
DeleteI must get to that Ghost Tree area. That is so spooky and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI know, right? And, in person it's so amazing!
DeleteWow, what beautiful places! I have been to California a million times but always Southern California {San Diego, Anaheim, etc.}
ReplyDeleteSouthern California is a little more popular, but Northern California has a few nice things here too.
DeleteMy family and I recently drove through California on the way to VEgas… California truly is breathtaking…. We currently lives in Oregon and I must agree that the Pacific OCean is definitely a site to see… Ghost tree sounds spooky but I am definitely interested in someday see in it
ReplyDeleteYes, California is definitely beautiful and next time you're out this way be sure to check out 17-Mile Drive.
DeleteSounds very idyllic and I like your pictures, even though it does look quite haunted. Never been to California, but can easily believe it's a lovely country and full of sun.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, there's plenty of sun here (too much) but it's a lovely place to visit, especially if you love beaches and mountains.
DeleteMy oldest daughter is absolutely obsessed with the beaches in Southern California. Since we have never been to this one, it would be a great adventure for her!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter would love it! I've been to a few beaches in Southern Cal, but they're not as welcoming as the ones in Monterey.
DeleteI loved the 17 mile drive. We took it on our way to San Diego from San Jose. I love my pictures that I took and yours are great. Thanks for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Norma! I can't wait to take the drive again one day!
DeleteWe work in California a lot, and have often talked of driving there. We will do it next time, beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Brian! It's an amazing drive, especially if you take one of the scenic routes.
DeleteI grew up in Central California, so I've visited Monterey many times. It is a stunningly beautiful place :) Glad you enjoyed your trip there.
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Erin! I've been to Monterey several times, but this was my first time taking the drive, it's so beautiful. The cliffs are a little scary but it was so fun!
DeleteOh goodness, it's all so beautiful. I hope to make that drive one day.
ReplyDeleteIt's very beautiful! Hopefully, you'll make it out this way one day.
DeleteThere is nothing like the Pacific Coast. I am partial to the Washington state/Oregon coastline, however this is gorgeous! The picures are amazing, and it has been awhile since I headed down that way. Maybe some time I will have to take my daughter down there!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I've always wanted to visit Oregon (it's on my bucket list) and I've heard it was very beautiful out there.
DeleteThat is beautiful! We live in Oregon and make trips to the coast all the time, the scenery is a lot the same. My hubby and I are planning a Cali trip for our anniversary this year, maybe Pebble Beach should be on the agenda! :)
ReplyDelete-Tiff
You'll love it, it's a great place for a anniversary and everyone there is so nice and friendly.
DeleteYour photos are stunning! What beautiful scenery! If we are ever in the area, we will have to take this route.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendy!
DeleteI have NOT been to California, but I've ALWAYS wanted to go to San Francisco. Now I want to check out central coast!! Those trees are stunning!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to San Fransisco in so long, but I've passed by a few times and it looks like they have so much to do there.
DeleteWow. Wow. wow. Chicago has nothing on that coastline. Thanks for the beautiful pics (and the idea for another trip!)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Kelly! And, we'd love to have you visit Cali one day.
DeleteI used to live in southern California, now a resident of Central Ohio. We lived there for 6 years until I was in the third grade. I have been to Northern California once when my cousin lived in San Leandro. I never heard of the 17-mile. The last trip I made with my family was 2007 and stayed a week in Temelcula, so next time I should visit this beautiful place. I am interested in the ghost tree, sounds eery.
ReplyDeleteIt looks creepy but in person it's really stunning. I haven't been to Temelcula or San Leandro, but I know Carmel is very beautiful, which is where 17-mile is located.
DeleteYour photography is stunning. And I love the colors and style of your blog. To answer your question, I've been to CA - Burbank, Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Would love to go back and take your suggestions!
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks Lindsey! I'm glad you like my photos and blog colors. I've been to Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and I'm looking to go back there also, so fun!
DeleteI love these photos! That bay is beautiful. I visited Cali back in 2003 - I'd love to go again!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kecia! And, hopefully you'll come back to Cali soon!
DeleteThose ghost trees are so hauntingly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAren't they? So beautiful!
DeleteI lived near there 30 years ago. It was beautiful then and still is. Your pictures are great too.
ReplyDeleteI lived near there 30 years ago. It was beautiful then and still is. Your pictures are great too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peggy!
DeleteI have never been to the West Coast, but that part of California looks gorgeous! Your pictures and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emilee! And, hopefully you'll be able to come out this way soon.
Deletethat is some fantastic scenery. The ghost trees are cool.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the trees look really amazing in person and the fog makes them look spooky cool.
DeleteIt is simply stunning! I adore the California coast!
ReplyDeleteI adore it, too!
DeleteYou have reminded me of a beach I used to drive past as a university student travelling home to see my parents. It looks very similar and I just got the urge to feel sand between my toes on a summery day. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have that same urge right about now, lol!
DeleteI've never heard of ghost tree but it's a little creepy but beautiful for pictures!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's very beautiful! And, the kids just absolutely love it! I bet when your daughter gets older, she'd love to go!
Deletesure does look lovely!!! Though i am not much a beach dweller here in vancouver... never liked the smell lol... plus im scared of sea life thank you to pinochio...
ReplyDeleteI don't like the smell either, but the water here doesn't have that strong odor like some places do, plus it's more of a scenic route rather than just going to the beach.
DeleteWhat a lovely beach! I have not been to California yet, but I will add this drive to my bucket list! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynnette! And, you'll love it!
DeleteHow beautiful. My husband would love to visit Pebble Beach for the golf course though.
ReplyDeleteWe really didn't get to check out the golf course, it was very busy and the parking was very limited. We did get to drive by it and it was so beautiful, and very green.
DeleteI had never heard of this. We plan on getting over to California on our road trip next summer, and I think we will definitely have to check this out!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're in for some fun! A California road trip is very nice, especially if you drive the scenic routes, like highway 1.
DeleteI love when someone blogs with pictures it really makes things interesting so good job with that! I have never been to Cali and likely never will be since I am in Canada but its awesome to know that those picturesque "views" we see on TV shows really do exist and ANYONE can see them! Thanks for the lovely post!
ReplyDeleteStunning photos! They look like they should be featured in a magazine! I hope to do some traveling to the west coast some day soon!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful beach! I would love to spend a day there.
ReplyDeleteYour photography is beautiful! Looks like such a beautiful drive.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! It makes me want to plan a trip to the beach! :) There's something relaxing in the listening to the waves hit the shore! :)
ReplyDeleteExtremely interesting post. I have never been to California so it is nice to see your wonderful pictures and learn about a part of the country that is 3,000 miles away from me!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Makes me want to go visit and explore... maybe in a couple of years! Just too far away right now! Love the ghost trees!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome and I love all the different landscapes. I have only been to southern Cali and hope to go to the north sometime soon to visit friends.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pics Ty! We lived in Cali for a year, never saw the coast. Would love to go back and visit.
ReplyDeleteThat ghost tree looks so cool, and yet a little creepy.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to California but one of my best friends lives in San Diego and one day I will get the chance to visit him. Pebble Beach looks very beautiful. You captured it well!
ReplyDeleteWe love the beach, but we're east-coasters. Maine's rugged coast is the one we call home. We've not yet made it out to California, but that looks really cool!
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to fly cross country and visit San Francisco back in 2005. I'm hoping to make it out to a conference in Anaheim next February!
ReplyDeleteWhile I have been to California several times I have never seen these beautiful sites! I really didn't know much about them. My husband and I just bought a new camper and this sounds like a great place to start! Thanks
ReplyDeleteOh wow!! These are amazing images!! The views are breathtaking. I've never been to California, but I've always wanted to go to San Diego. The Ghost Tree sounds soooo fun!
ReplyDeleteWhitney
My husband and I are native Floridans. We still live near the beach and take those beautiful moments for granted. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRelaxed Thairapy
We lived in Monterey for 18 months and hated how fast our time went! I LOVED living there and can't tell you how much I miss it! For me there was only one down fall... how expensive it was to live there... I keep asking my husband if there is any other way he can get the military to pay for him to go back there!!! I would move in a heart beat! LOVE LOVE LOVE your photos! I need to share with you the photos I took while I was there!
ReplyDeleteI have not been to California since I was a kid. Your pics are beautiful. Definitely will add this to my "list".
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing. I am desperate to move out of SoCal. Is NoCal the way to go?! The pictures posted are gorgeous and I do love the cloudy weather! Do you happen to know the cost of living compared to SoCal?
ReplyDeleteOh what a beautiful site! I love it!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your pics of the ghost tree!
ReplyDeleteI have been - but just the usual touristy places...Anaheim and San Francisco :)
ReplyDelete