Monterey & 17-Mile Drive 2024 | A Christmas Coast Walk

Overview

This Christmas trip was deliberately easy: walk around Monterey Fisherman's Wharf, then drive into 17-Mile Drive for ocean views and coastal stops.

Overall, it was a light walk plus scenic drive route. Not tiring, but very photogenic.

Fisherman's Wharf | Full Holiday Mood

We started at the wharf. There were plenty of holiday decorations, and the whole place felt festive. A coastal town plus Christmas decor makes vacation-style photos very easy.

17-Mile Drive | Beautiful Coast, Many Mansions

The second half was 17-Mile Drive. It is basically a "walk a bit, reach another viewpoint" kind of route. Rocks, waves, and sky layers were all beautiful, especially around sunset.

We also wandered around Carmel for a bit. The street scenes and small shops had a good mood.

The most direct feeling while driving this route: the scenery is beautiful, the houses are huge, and it is hard not to feel a little envious.

Takeaways

1. Christmas is a good time for an easy family Monterey plus 17-Mile Drive outing.
2. Fisherman's Wharf has strong holiday atmosphere and easy photos.
3. Leave some time around sunset for 17-Mile Drive; the light is much better then.