17 miles drive

Lone trees, waterfall and seals. Bridge of view and the hums of gull all around the ocean. Definitely combines to make a perfect drive. 17 miles drive has it all to satisfy  your weiry eyes and refresh your mood.  With Christmas fever on the roll we chose to drive all the way up o Carmel Beach to mark the advent calendar. 

Below is the list of attraction we stopped by splitting the days into two to make the most of the trip.  For best view and scenic drive chose the Highway 1 route. Though there are five more gates to reach here but then the drive becomes monotonous void of natural sea view. 

DAY 1

Bixby Bridge

Driving through the winding pacific coast we first encountered the Big Sur coast and Bixby creek bridge. The most photographed bridge and touristy spot due to its open-spandrel arch  design and location. The bridge is 120 miles (190 km) south of San Francisco and 13 miles (21 km) south of Carmel in Monterey County. 
Luckily it had just rained and perfect timing to witness the rainbow hallowing over the cliffs.

Rocky Creek Bridge

As we resumed our drive surpassing lush green and mild cloudy skies, we halt at The Rocky Creek Bridge. Another open-spandrel arch bridge in California, built in 1932 is like another brother of Bixby bridge. There is Rocky Creek Beach just below the Rocky Creek Bridge which can be reached by hiking down the steep slope. Unfortunately the land below the bridge is currently private property. The road access north of the bridge is clearly signed “Keep Out” so don’t venture down that path. We were just glad clicking high on the cliff all glee and teeth. 

Carmel by the sea

The next stop brought us to  Carmel by the sea, the town made famous by Clint Eastwood. If you got time you can explore this small town full of surprises. Walking in this small toy town was a real fun like you are a character in some fairy tale. It very much reminded me of Goa in India. 

The town is bordered by the Carmel beach where you can always relax seeing the white sand meet the clouds. The sun was running down quick bringing in more clouds. We were more quick to click in more pictures in and around the beach. 

We put up in the Carmel Inn for the night. Make sure you do advance booking since holiday season have less chance to get you rooms. Save your bucks by pre booking. 

My friends suggested us not to miss the great food at Dametra cafe and so we picked this spot for our dinner. I had my plate of gyro which really turned out to be the best like the halal guys have them in New York (except for the price ;) Ani had his lamp chop sticks while my in laws went for salad and mild meat entress. You will be surprised that the space is very small and dainty with crowd coming in just to favour the food along with the live music.

These two fellow are the real charm of the restaurant who will make you stop thrusting your fork into your meal and mesmerize you with his melodious song. Me a tone dead personality was surprised to find myself listening to him like the hunger was never the reason i came here for. 

After the wonderful food and the music stuck stone deep in some corner of our heart we did night stroll passing art galleries walking up the Ocean avenue marveling inside the beautiful decorated window panes of bakeries and other shops.  

While my in laws seemed bit tired we made them cozy inside the Tavern Inn with green tea for each one of them. Another living room comfort zone with live music enlightening the night it is a dog friendly place. 

DAY 2

The lodge at Pebble beach

 Another day bright and sunny we were welcomed with complimentary breakfast and coffee. After quick shower and checking out for the day we headed for the drive again. The weather was mild and breezy as we drove in our convertible BMW. The first stop for the day was The lodge at Pebble beach. The place was already packed with energetic golf players, visitors strolling in the souvenir shops with Christmas songs in the air. 

The Ghost tree of Pescadero Point

Do not assume this name as a warning that the tress are haunted with witches sitting atop. The trees got their name because of their white and gnarly look making the area of Pescadero Point as another attractive spot to stop by. 

Foresters predict that the few still living cypress trees will soon join their ghostly brethren due to a blight of beetles that will kill much of the cypress and pine in California over the next 20 years. One of the few things to do before you die. 

The Lone Cypress

250 years old and still standing defeating the rugged wind, draped in winter fog and getting beaten up by waves on granite remains. The most photographed tree in North America you will never wish to overlook. While we were more dazed with the blueness everywhere this tree stood embellished the view pretty much. 

Birds rock

It's pretty obvious which rock along the coast is "bird rock" because of all the white stuff they deposit on it. On a typical day, you'll see Brandt's cormorants, pelicans, and California sea lions sharing the rock - and a harbor seal or two hanging out near the water line. Sea otters float in the kelp beds - and you might spot a sea lion having a noisy territorial dispute with a cormorant.

The Restless Sea

Another spectacular stop if you are keen to listen to the crashing of waves on rocks coupled with the cries of gulls. We spend fifteen minutes looking around and listening to the nature's call like this was the moment we have been yearning all of our life. 

Spanish Bay

Known for stacked rocks it is perfect place to let your pets go loose with the waves and enjoy picnic on clear cloudless day. 

The Inn and Links at Spanish bay

The last stop of 17 mile drive. We came here to watch the sunset, listen to some bagpipe music and drink with some amazing wine tasting. While the green turfs really made us go kiddish we could not help lying down and run barefoot on the grass. 

Tips for the scenic 17 mile drive

• There are 5 entrances. We entered through the Highway 1 Gate.
• The toll is $9.75 (as of June 2016) unless you’re a resident or guest of a hotel.
• If you eat at one of the restaurants and spend more than $30, you can get your entry fee reimbursed.
• It’s open 24/7 (anyone try astrophotography here?).
• Check the webcams for weather. Fall and Spring are the best seasons to go. The weather is clearer. June gave us some gloomy weather.
• Fanshell Overlook is closed during April-June to protect the harbor seals.
• Bring your long lenses if you want to photograph the birds and seals.
• If you bike, it’s free to walk or bike the 17-mile drive. Motorcycles arent allowed in this highway though you can get cycles for free.
• Make sure there aren’t any major golf tournaments.