Is the drive down Carmel Valley Rd nice? I read some winerys are on it, anything else? It seems the 17 mi drive gets some mixed reviews and wondering how this road differs?

I think it's a very pretty road -- lots of beautiful rolling hills and gorgeous properties...idyllic California ranch land.
I think 17 mile drive is beautiful too, but if I remember correctly, you can end up taking it the "wrong" way, and the drive will not be nearly as scenic...

There are some great wineries in Carmel Valley and the town itself is a nice stop - if you want to go further from the coast the road gets very senic as it goes over the mountains towards Arroyo Secco - This is one great roads in the area, perfect for a motorcycle etc...
Spring is the most beautiful time with the poppies blooming etc...

This is a nice road, but not what I would call "scenic". Try to stop at the HELLER WINERY tasting room. It will be small, yellow and on your left as you are driving away from Carmel. Great wine. We are in their members club.

BERNADUS also has a tasting room that is good.

There are also nice shops along the way. Plus the CAFE RUSTICA is a well known restaurant that is worth a stop for lunch.

The road differs in that most of 17 Mile Drive is ocean views and magnificient homes near Pebble Beach area. Plus you can stop at Pebble for a drink or dining. Carmel Valley Road is zero water as it goes inland. You see more rural areas, some mountain views and it will be warmer.

If it were my choice, I'd go for the 17 mile drive every single time. Try to stay along the coast and not inland where the residents want to be left in peace anyhow.

Maybe it's because the Carmel Valley is like a lot of other country roads in California. If I wanted to go wine tasting, I'd go either north to the "Sonoma" or Mendocino wineries or south to the great big rolling hills of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara etc. counties. Wine tasting is purely subjective. It's all what you PERSONALLY would like.

BTW, had a great Beringer Merlot last night, so smooth! I'm not usually a Merlot drinker, but this was a good Merlot!

Go for the 17 mile drive! The coastal views here are gorgeous. Go to Roy's for dinner and your entrance fee will be reimbursed. Stay for the bagpiper at sunset, it's a real treat! ***kim***

If you are coming in from the south on the 101 and have extra time it is a nice alternative to the Monterey turnoff further north. It is a beautiful drive. There is hardly any traffic,but it is a very windy road. I noticed a lot of new winery signs last year and a lot of cattle crossings. It is about two hours from one end to the other. It is entirely different than the 17 mile drive, which in my opinion should not be missed -- especially the second half.

Here is a "trick" for the 17 Mile Drive if you are entering from the Carmel Gate. You will pay your fee and the arrows will direct you to the right. If you simply go to the left (not illegal) you will hit the beautiful homes and Pebble Beach area very quickly. It makes the "great" part of 17 Mile Drive appear much quicker than the arrow route they send you on. Check this out on the map they give you and you will see what I mean. This is great way to do the drive if you have limited time.