17 Mile Drive by Lhenne1
So this isn't completely Carmel, it runs from Asilomar to Carmel, mostly through Pebble Beach. To drive the entire 17 miles is windy and gets a little bit boring. The route used to run along the coastal road in Pacific Grove. When Pebble Beach closed it up, they wanted to keep the name "17 Mile Drive" so they made it loop through the hills, into the woods and behind the hospital. If you're going to drive it, save the time and stay along the coast. The drive now costs $9.25 (as of 4 August 2008) per car. Take your receipt to one of the Pebble Beach resorts and treat yourself to a snack and some drinks and you can get the price of the drive knocked off your bill.
Along the drive, you'll see the Lone Cypress, the Ghost Tree, Stillwater Cove, Bird Rock and (my favorite) the Restless Seas. You'll also pass the famous golf courses of Pebble Beach and depending on the time of year, may see a tournament being played.
