Monterey 17 mile drive in late Feb. Best to go clockwise or counterclockwise from Carmel?

[KENTGA]

First trip there. I plan to take my time on the drive and spend several hours on it. Wondering if one way is better than the other? Staying in Carmel so I'll use that entrance.

Thanks, Kent

 

[sssanti]

First trip there. I plan to take my time on the drive and spend several hours on it. Wondering if one way is better than the other? Staying in Carmel so I'll use that entrance.

Thanks, Kent

I would drive with the ocean on my right. The ocean views may be better. The 17 mile drive is inside a development with houses and golf courses. Access to the coastline is blocked by houses in some areas. When I was in Carmel in December, I enjoyed more walking on the state parks with undisturbed nature south of Carmel and near Big Sur. One park close to Carmel is Point Lobos. I spent there much longer than in the 17-mile drive. I did not go into the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, but you can see big dunes from the road. It could be an interesting place. In Carmel there are also a couple of photo galleries, Weston and West Gallery, with some B&W classics that I found interesting.

 

[tsinsf]

I second the idea that spending time in Pt Lobos would be much better than the 17 mile drive! Avoid the weekend.

 

[Gman58]

Kent, I'm gonna third the motion to not spend too much time on the drive, and instead opt for a little more time at Point Lobos, Carmel Mission, town of Carmel in that area. I think Point Lobos has restricted hours, sunset and not sure in the AM- better check.

Gary

 

[KENTGA]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to be there on a Sunday and stay in Santa Cruz one night and then spend 1/2 day in Monterey and Pacific Grove and then head to Carmel Monday afternoon until the next Monday AM and will have all day Tuesday and Wednesday and 1/2 day Thursday free before my photo workshop begins on Thursday PM until Sunday PM. Not counting workshop, I plan to go to 17 mile & Carmel > McWay Falls. I am very flexible.

Edit: Thanks for the heads-up about the 17 mile drive. I don't really care about making photos of houses and may make a couple of golf course shots. Guess I'll stick to the few places along the ocean and then head south to Carmel and Big Sur.

Thanks, Kent

 

[bbmach]

First trip there. I plan to take my time on the drive and spend several hours on it. Wondering if one way is better than the other? Staying in Carmel so I'll use that entrance.

Thanks, Kent

I'll add a +1 to keeping the Pacific on your right. If nothing else, easier to pull off if something catches your eye or interest.

Sounds like you'll have some time, so in addition to the other great suggestions like heading south on the PCH / Highway 1 to Big Sur (now that the highway has been repaired), think about heading inland on Carmel Valley Road. It doesn't take long to find interesting roads, farmland and the beautiful valley.

There is also plenty of sea life and whale watching in the Bay... the Laguna Seca race track, etc.

Have a great trip!

Dave

 

[migus]

First trip there. I plan to take my time on the drive and spend several hours on it. Wondering if one way is better than the other? Staying in Carmel so I'll use that entrance.

During my conference travels a decade ago I've scouted this scenic area mainly on foot and bike --also incl. Los Lobos, Big Sur-- using mostly some P&S and perhaps the early NX100. Here are some OOC snaps, all were pinpointed on G-maps in Picasa (retired, like the NX line).

Having good friends in Monterey, i have lovely memories. I'd favour evenings and sunsets. Be prepared for some wind and perhpas fog. Mitch

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SQeiDNyVYsZBeTwk2

San Francisco and Monterey · Monday, Apr 2, 2007 📸

Shared album · Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[sssanti]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to be there on a Sunday and stay in Santa Cruz one night and then spend 1/2 day in Monterey and Pacific Grove and then head to Carmel Monday afternoon until the next Monday AM and will have all day Tuesday and Wednesday and 1/2 day Thursday free before my photo workshop begins on Thursday PM until Sunday PM. Not counting workshop, I plan to go to 17 mile & Carmel > McWay Falls. I am very flexible.

Edit: Thanks for the heads-up about the 17 mile drive. I don't really care about making photos of houses and may make a couple of golf course shots. Guess I'll stick to the few places along the ocean and then head south to Carmel and Big Sur.

Thanks, Kent

Other additional spots I enjoyed along your route were Pfeiffer Beach and the Rte 1 arch bridges like Rocky Creek, Bixby Creek and Granite Canyon near Big Sur, plus Shark Fin Cove near Santa Cruz.

 

[Brian D3300]

Since you are going to Santa Cruz you might want to check out a few spots in Davenport as well, which is just a short drive north of Santa Cruz.

 

[KENTGA]

I'm coming from San Jose and 1st stop is Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Davenport will be on the way to Santa Cruz.

Thanks, Kent

 

[Brian D3300]

I'm coming from San Jose and 1st stop is Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Davenport will be on the way to Santa Cruz.

Thanks, Kent

Very nice. I have shot at both places a few times as they are pretty close. A lot of great compositions are possible.

I think there is actually a bit of small bloom along the coast as well with the yellow flowers.

 

[Pentax645]

Swimming upstream here, but I prefer to drive south to north so the sun is behind you. Enjoyable and interesting for sure and worth a slow drive, but much of it just isn't that photogenic unless you are there at the sweet hour. Good food at Pebble Beach and one other less high profile restaurant whose name escapes me now.

Larry

 

[mosswings]

Swimming upstream here, but I prefer to drive south to north so the sun is behind you. Enjoyable and interesting for sure and worth a slow drive, but much of it just isn't that photogenic unless you are there at the sweet hour. Good food at Pebble Beach and one other less high profile restaurant whose name escapes me now.

Larry

This is true. I'd agree that the reasons for 17 mile drive are mostly to see the houses and golf courses. We used to drive it during Christmas week, but really to just watch the surf on the north side of the peninsula. The parks south of Carmel and the Big Sur are far more rewarding for the photographer.

South to North is better for the light, but not for parking spots, of which there are few.

 

[calson]

Better to go from the Pacific Grove entrance but no reason not to leave from Carmel entrance and then turn around when you get to the PG gate.

Best way by far to experience 17 mile drive is on a bicycle as you can stop anywhere along the road as there are very few pullout areas for cars.

 

[h2odavid]

Point Lobos is beautiful. Also wonder along the coast in Pacific Grove, the town just north of 17 mile Drive .Carmel . If you like nature, a great place to stay is Asilomar State reserve in Pacific Grove. Some of the rooms have fireplaces and they have a basic cafeteria there. Nice little Walking paths down to the beautiful coastline.

 

[Mordi]

Point Lobos in the AM


17 Mile Drive near sunset


17 Mile Drive


Big Sur, site not recollected...

Cedar tree shot with old Tokina 17mm - Canon FD 24mm f2 for others, I think...

 

[Gman58]

If you must see the 'Lone Cypress', it's near the south end of the 17 mile drive close to Pebble Beach, if I remember correctly. IMO it's overrated, but someone is going to ask if you went there so you better do it I suppose. Also, you should visit Pebble Beach. You can get a nice brew at the 19th hole and it gives a good view of Carmel Bay.