17-Mile Drive Guide | Monterey to Carmel Stops: Spanish Bay to Lone Cypress [4K]

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Take the iconic 17-Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel! Real-time POV guide with scenic stops, foodie tips, and where to park for the best coastal views.
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We drove this route on a calm spring (almost summer!) morning in May 2025 — and trust us, it’s worth waking up early for. This drive truly represents everything people think of when they think of California!

So what’s included in this video? You’ll follow us in real time on a relaxing 16-minute journey through the main highlights of the 17-Mile Drive — including:
📍 Spanish Bay – windswept beach views and beautiful boardwalks
🌊 Restless Sea – where the waves never seem to stop crashing
🪶 Bird Rock – a hotspot for sea lions, pelicans, and sometimes even harbor seals
🌲 The Lone Cypress – arguably the most famous tree in California, standing against the wind for 250 years

You’ll also pass by other iconic stops like Point Joe, China Rock, and Cypress Point Lookout — all while we share tips for visiting, the current cost to enter the route, and where to stop or skip depending on your timing.

💵 Entrance Cost: $12.25 per vehicle (2025) – cash or card accepted; dine at one of their restaurants and you'll get this back (if you spend over $35)
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for soft light and fewer cars, or golden hour if you love dramatic sunsets
📷 Photography Tip: Bird Rock and Lone Cypress are two of the most photogenic spots. Bring a zoom lens for wildlife!

We started the drive from the Pacific Grove Gate (near Monterey) and ended near Pebble Beach and Carmel — this is the direction we recommend if you’re coming from Monterey or planning to end your day in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

🔥 Quick Tips for Driving the 17-Mile Drive:
- Stop at the official gates to get your brochure map (it includes the numbered stops)
- Bathrooms are available at Spanish Bay and the Lodge at Pebble Beach
- Weekdays are much quieter than weekends or holidays

💡 Want the best camera for road POVs? I filmed this with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 in 4K HDR — super compact with excellent stabilization. It's a bit pricier now than when I got it in 2024!
▶️ Osmo Pocket 3 on Amazon ($799): https://amzn.to/4dXAUfX
▶️ ND Filters (a must to get qualify filming): https://amzn.to/3ToTtjm
-- these are the ones I purchased, and actually forgot for this trip. Had to compensate using fast shutter speed which made the video a bit choppy!

Thanks for watching — I hope this video helps you plan your own peaceful drive through Monterey’s most iconic route! If it did, give me a LIKE 👍 and SUBSCRIBE for more scenic POV journeys around the world!

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