🚗 Bay Area Day Trip｜17-Mile Drive & Carmel-by-the-Sea

Just explored the classic scenic route: 17-Mile Drive & Carmel-by-the-Sea! A perfect easy day trip from the Bay Area—about 2 hours’ drive 🚙💨. 🛣️ 17-Mile Drive Entrance: Pacific Grove Gate Exit: Carmel Gate Toll: $12.25 (credit card or cash only—no Apple Pay! ⚠️) We followed the recommended spots from the brochure 🗺️, drove leisurely, stopped for photos, and finished in about 2 hours. 🌊 The views were stunning—wide-open coastline, dramatic waves, and lush greens. You don’t need to stick strictly to the “must-see” spots—just pull over wherever calls to you! 🏘️ Carmel-by-the-Sea A quaint but quite commercialized town—good for a break and a meal. We tried A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar (decent Google ratings), but… Service was friendly 🦪 Food was a bit too salty Oysters were disappointingly small 😅 Maybe try another spot! The town has galleries, antique shops, and souvenir stores—nice to wander if you’re into that, but it didn’t blow me away. 📸 Still a relaxing and photogenic day—worth doing once if you love coastal drives and lazy strolls! #BayAreaDayTrip #17MileDrive #CarmelByTheSea #CaliforniaCoast #RoadTripVibes 🚗🌊📸