Yesterday, I left my Airbnb in Santa Cruz and drove to Monterey, about an hour away to explore areas around Monterey and Carmel. Although I’ll be spending two nights in Carmel, the weather forecast doesn’t look the greatest, so I thought I should check it out today. I paid $12 to drive along the 17 Mile Drive at Pebble Beach. It wasn’t worth it. I saw nicer scenery elsewhere.
I drove along the Coast of Pacific Grove, stopping at different scenic viewpoints. Even when it’s cloudy, I think you can get great photos. The wildlife was nice to capture.
Lovers Point Park was photogenic.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey was colorful and lively.
Point Lobos Natural Reserve was nice, I’m not sure it was $9 nice, the senior rate. I may have mixed up which photos were taken where, since I took quite a few.
I had dinner with someone that I met. He’s interesting and funny. The dinner was excellent and the sunset was pretty. Now I have a new friend.
Today I’ll be back in Carmel for two nights.
Sherry Lachelle Travels 
My mother-in-law lived in Pebble Beach before she passed away and I used to visit that neighborhood regularly. Family members of residents are permitted to enter without paying the fee. In my opinion, the 17 Mile Drive fee is simply a way to minimize the number of people driving into the neighborhood and surrounding golf course area. You get the same views from the Pacific Grove area. Pacific Grove and Carmel can get very crowded and parking can be limited on the weekends. Pebble Beach doesn’t want the same challenges as Pacific Grove and Carmel. On one hand, if I were living in such a pristine environment (and paying to live in that location), I wouldn’t want crowds stampeding through my front yard and traffic endlessly passing by my bay windows either (it can get very bad) but on the other hand, the area is unique, Monterey has wonderful history and the aquarium is top-notch. People should see these things. I feel a renewed respect for the environment every time I visit.
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That makes sense. I thought it would be something extra special but like you said the other areas are just as nice if not nicer. For the coastline.
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