More said: "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?"

Actually, I DID see the date, but thought that my observation, like so many others, was still current despite it.

Maybe you're thinking that the view has changed? That overbuilding has suddenly been arrested? That the drive really IS worth the money they charge?

I sure don't, regardless of the date.

17 Mile Drive? Stay away! I live in that area and and would not mind a few less gawkers.

Is the area beautiful? Yes! Just watch the Pebble Beach tournament on TV in February. They don't run those tourneys in Buffalo or Detroit for a reason.

I'm sure things haven't gotten better in the last 2 years...

Liz, what on EARTH possessed you to top this old chestnut -- hostility to California? What a colossal waste of time! Start a new thread with a new thought or sit on your hands!

Now that people have dug this out, I don't see what all the fuss is about. The road along 17 miles drive is beautiful! And don't just drive it, walk it! Do it around sunset and start from Spanish Bay. One of the most beautiful and breath taking road IMHO. Yes, Highway 1 from Carmel to Big Sur is beautiful too but that is different. It doesn't have the golf course, the deer or the seals. I would do this anyday.

But then, I didn't have to pay the 8.25 to get in since i used to live there

My experience there was in '64 and '68... it was worth the drive at the time...yes the beautiful cypress trees that dot all the post cards... and I had a red, '65 mustang convert... 5 on the floor, folks... and took to the sandy area (2 young women we were) and found the car was sinking in teh sand and two young men helped push us out ... so my recollection might be a bit rosy. However, it was pristine enough then that deer walked the golf course... There are other wonderful things to do on PCH (Pacific Coast Highway).... San Luis Obispo has probably grown up much since then but was lovely and quaint...even with the Santa shop there.... but don't forget the Sandpiper and the Hearst Castle... the Castle tour is opulence of the era that is hard to imagine....Patty Hearst (Randolph's granddaughter) has done a public TV tour a couple times, but the TV version only begins to touch the grandeur, size, etc..... try that if you're crusining PCH... or go to Palos Verdes and take a drive up the mountain side. I formerly worked at Northrop Nortronics, the think tank Carson use to monologue about, and it is directly across the water from Catalina Island, which can be seen on a clear day. Low cloud area...but green and luscious.

You know what I like about 17 mile drive, all the beautiful dogs being walked. It is a dog show. And I like the sound the cobbles make when the waves roll them. And I like seeing the Hindus having picnics at the picnic tables, with all their prepared foods spread out.

And hey, you do not drive in, you walk or bike for free.

Driving is a rippppp off. If you know different ways to get in, you can still admire the homes, on secluded streets.

ttt

The best way to see the 17 Mile Drive is to go by bike! Start at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove and proceed south along the coast. Enter the P.G. gate (cyclists enter for free!) -- and cruise past Bird Rock and Point Joe, as well as all the Pebble Beach Golf courses. Exit at the Carmel Gate, and bike along the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Take a break at Carmel River State Beach, 12 miles from your starting point, and then enjoy the return trip. If you take a picnic lunch, you will have a day that you will remember all your life!

Rusty

We live in Pacific Grove. Best way to enjoy 17 Mile is to not pay for it and do it in a convertable.

No matter what the cost, it sure beats living in Detroit, Michigan and getting snow dumped on you for free. We did that also for a few years. This beats that, hands down! February on the Monterey Peninsula versus same time in Detroit.....no contest, even at $8.50.

By the way, the money collected is used to maintain all of the roads within the development (including 17-mile drive). It is private property so the owners must maintain all roads.
Residents pay as well; sort of like the assessment fees charged to condo owners.
If I was paying to live in that area, I sure as heck wouldn't want thousands of cars roaring through everyday, leaving me and my neighbors to pay for the wear and tear. This way the people who drive help pay for the roads.

I used to take the 17-mile drive every day thru the Del Monte forest to Pebble Beach, where I worked. Not a day went by that I didn't marvel at my good luck. Of course, I didn't have to pay.

If these people had taken a few minutes to learn a little of the history and lore of this beautiful gated area, they might have enjoyed it much more. Guess they couldn't be bothered, then wondered why they didn't "get it". They probably zoomed right past the best parts.
There are few places I'd rather spend a little time at than The Lodge at Pebble Beach with it's famous views, trees, restaurants and shops--a perfect destination in itself. If you have an aversion to beautful places and things, take Andrew's advice and "stay away".

I'm with you 100% winerycat. We visited the area and had a wonderful convertable drive, Pebble Beach lunch, wildlife watch, beautiful warm weather, etc. It was truly a spectacular afternoon during our stay in Carmel. I can't wait to go back. -Different strokes, huh?
Paul

Well, I loved the drive. My girlfriend drove and was a perfect tour guide. However, we didn't pay because she knows someone and we stopped by to say hello on our trek through their neck of the woods. I guess it's all about what you expect to see along the way. I was open-minded and loved every bit of it.

Hey stop picking on Detroit (we can do that on another thread)! This is about the 17 mi dr....

If you like lovely homes, landscaping, ocean views, and famous golf courses, its definitely worth it. If not, there's plenty of free scenery nearby on the PCH.

I've driven the 17midr twice in the last 20 years and enjoyed my trip both times. Thanks for the advice on how to skip the fees, even though they weren't budget busters....

Sorry about picking on Detroit. Too easy to do. There is a trick to seeing the 17 Mile Drive at no cost that the locals know. It is..........naaaa, not on this forum.