The 17-mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA

The Lone Cypress Tree at 17-mile Drive

The 17-mile drive was one of the places we explored when we were in San Francisco during my younger brother's work assignment in the Bay Area last spring 2007. Because my younger brother only had one day to spare for exploring due to his hectic work schedule, we were at a toss then where to tour him around. I asked a friend who lives in San Francisco if she only has one day to wander from San Francisco, which she would prefer to tour friends or family: go North to Point Reyes National Seashore and Muir Woods National Monument, or go South to Big Sur. Not stopping at all to think, she said with such joyful tone, "BIG SUR!" Adding that it is her favorite place on Earth, more than Prague! Haha, of course, it is hard to compare the two, since Big Sur is more about nature, and Prague is a historical and cultural city. 

Me and My Younger Brother at Spanish Bay

17-mile drive is not part of Big Sur, but because the drive to Big Sur passes this area, we decided to explore this one first. I must say though that because of this, we were not able at that time to explore the whole stretch of Big Sur. What we thought was a short 17-mile drive actually went longer. From my experience of this place, Point Lobos and Big Sur, if you only have a day and wanted to experience Big Sur, I believe this is one place you could skip. It will save you some entrance fee as well. But I am not saying that this is not a beautiful drive,the 17-mile drive is probably one of the most beautiful drives in the world, only that, Big Sur is really a lot more beautiful and magical for me. If you have however more days to explore, then, I believe this place is worth visiting!

Here are some facts I have learned from  the site of 17-mile drive:

The Lone Cypress Tree at 17-mile Drive

1. The Lone Cypress Tree is recognized among the "10 Most Magnificent Trees in the World" by World Amazing Events.com, February, 2009. 

Fanshell Overlook

2. During the CA Sea Lions birthing season, portions of the shoreline are protected from visitor intrusion with fencing. Actually, in the photo above, my younger brother was simply looking out at the opposite shoreline which was closed at that time because of harbor seal pupping season (April 1 to June 1).

3. Many locations along the Drive have starred in motion pictures including National Velvet with Elizabeth Taylor, The Caddie with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, One Eyed Jack with Karl Malden and Marlon Brando; and Escape from Witch Mountain (Disney).
For more information and how to get here, please click Pebble's Beach 17-mile drive.
If you want to check out my post on Big Sur, please click: Come, Experience, Big Sur!

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