as I was saying...
develoment isn't bad, I just don't need to spend time seeing it on vacation.

Dear Cal:
You are an oddball in more ways than one. How old are you? Fifteen?!

Is this a public road or is it in a park? I still think it's absurd to pay to drive down a road whether it's $10 or 2¢. I remember seeing the lone cypress tree (and was a little disappointed with all the cables holding it up) and driving by some golf course years and years ago, but I don't remember paying for it. Who collects this money anyway?

I'd wanted to go back some day... but maybe not.

I did not know that spending an hour of their time and $8.25 would bother so many people. Who cares where the money goes? The fact is that it costs $8.25 ( one year ago ).

In any even, I suggest that those folks that are worried about either the time or cost, simply skip it and do something else. This subject is not worth getting all bothered about.

I appreciate the compliment about my age but unfortunately you are off by about 45 years.

Pleasant travels.

I've been unable to post here all day but I'll try this again.

I am just genuinely curious, Cal, about who decided to charge for this - the government, the residents? Is is a private road? What is the money used for - road maintenance, scenic upkeep, what? I've heard of tolls on highways but never on scenic drives. I am truly surprised to hear of this. Is this a common practice in the US, or elsewhere?

$8.25 isn't really the issue. I just think it's tacky to charge for a view.

We have a marine scenic drive in my hometown which also passes through an expensive neighbourhood and golf course but nobody (I hope) would dream of charging for this.

April, the 17-mile drive dates back to the time when much of the Monterey peninsula was owned by the Del Monte Corporation (they of canned tomato fame). As John noted, the Drive began as an oceanside trail between Monterey and Carmel. It was paved some time in the early 1960s. Because it passed entirely through private property, Del Monte set up a tool booth at either end, put in lots of picnic waysides, and contentedly collected coins from those who wanted a look at a pristine bit of coastal California.

But for any number of reasons, greed probably being high up there on the list, Del Monte began developing the property. First came Pebble Beach, one of the best golf courses in the world, but self-control has never been in great supply among developers. Today, or at least the last time I was there three years ago, the entire peninsula has pretty well been bulldozed in the name of commerce (and yes, Liz, "recherché" means more money than taste).

I reiterate my advice that a lunch reservation at the Inn at Spanish Bay will get you through the toll booth for free.

Yeah, I'm sure Del Monte needed the extra money(!). Thanks very much for the explanation, Neal, which was very interesting. I honestly don't remember paying a fee when I went through there - must've been in the '70's, but maybe I've forgotten.

All are entitled to own and develop their property. 17 mile is a giant, fancy place for wealty people to live and it always has been. At least they have building codes. Unlike my city, Tampa, who bulldozes trees and all to build identical boring sand-colored houses in boring subdivisions. I can't wait to get there again to roam around and enjoy the homes and the scenery. The deer make my heart jump. I also like to get landcaping ideas there.

Good for you Carol. I agree with you 100%. The 17 mile drive is not like driving through some residential tract. There are still lots of trees and the waterfront has changed very little. One thing that the development has done is move the deer down to the golf course. There is almost always huge herds of deer on the fairways down by the ocean.

I'm from the UK so don't know if I should join in this domestic dispute but on my first visit to the States last year, my wife and I drove from San Francisco to San Diego on PCH1 wherever possible and thought it was wonderful. Part of the beauty was the variety of the landscape with the Big Sur being the most memorable and even Hollywood having its place. We did the 17 mile drive and felt that it was a further part of the variety - it was what it was and we enjoyed it. Is the issue here the fact that a "rich" neighbourhood (sp. I'm english remember)takes money from those who may be less rich? Didn't bother us. We judged our holiday as a whole and not bits in isolation and would gladly repeat the experience.
Sorry to intrude folks.
Andy

I don't think there really is a dispute. Most of the people defending the drive enjoy it for the same things that I didn't enjoy. My point was just to let others know what the drive was like so that they could decide for themselves if they wanted to go. It's a win-win. Those of us interested in other things can avoid the drive and make the drive less crowded for those of you who like golf and such.

To the top for a new set of travelers.

Since it has been brought up again, I will tell you that we enjoy the 17-mile drive. I think the homes are interesting and the golfers in our family loved seeing Pebble Beach. The last time we were there several parts were partioned off to protect the turtle eggs--the least they can do for the species in such a developed area. I agree, it's not for everyone. If you're expecting 17 miles of ocean-front scenery, take Big Sur. However, the 17-mile drive did offer us a different flavor of the coast.

17-mile drive is not what we Californians brag about...but try instead driving Big Sur and stopping off in some of the parks...like Julia Pfiffer...

To the top for Tim

Sorry for all those who think today's drive is worth seeing or worth paying for ...

Liz, you're absolutely right. I first drove it in 1966 while stopping briefly in Monterey on my way to Vietnam, and somehow the memory of it nourished me. Then, I messed up and drove it again just last year.

What a sad disappointment. You really can't go home again.

I remember driving with my parents on 17 Mile Drive and they would point out the famous people's houses, like Merv Griffin with two griffins at the end of his drive. My parents were caught up in the beauty of the coastline, the poshness of the houses and the lovely golf course at the time so I'll always have fond memories of sitting in the back of my dad's Buick Wildcat enjoying the drive. Maybe I'd better not go back so my cherished memories won't be spoiled like ExCal.

Amusing story from 17-Mile Drive

I was on business in Carmel looking at a retail store that was for sale along with a client and 2 colleagues. We were in his limo and decided to take a tour of 17-Mile drive.

We stopped at a scenic overlook and naturally, the tourists immediately looked at the 5 white guys in suits getting out of a limo.

For fun, my client turns to me and with a loud voice says "Ryan, were going to blast away those rocks where the seals are sitting for the Marina. That hillside, we're leveling it for the CONDO'S. Thousands of them."

The look of shock and horror on their faces was unforgetable.

What's really amusing is Excal's response to Liz, who posted this topic over 1 and a half years ago. Doesn't anyone check the date before they start pecking away?

"Golf courses and cemetaries. What a waste of prime real estate!"
-Rodney Dangerfield in "Caddyshack"