In the hills above the fairytale-like town of dog-friendly Carmel-by-the-Sea (take a walk on Carmel Beach, three blocks from downtown), the one-and-only 17-Mile Drive — founded 1881 — is a must-see for nature lovers and photographers. Five gated entrances give access to the private estate nestled among Monterey cypress and pines of the Del Monte Forest, home to the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. Admire outstanding ocean views at every turn; peek at multi-million dollar mansions; pull over at the lookout framing the iconic windswept 250-year-old tree, the Lone Cypress. Tip: Keep your $10.75 (per vehicle) admission ticket stub to redeem it against a meal (over $35) anywhere within the gates. pebblebeach.com/17-mile-drive