You can’t take this scenic drive around the Monterey Peninsula without paying for it. About ten dollars, in fact. It does seem a bit ironic that a toll is needed to access exclusive neighborhoods, but this is one of the best-known destinations in northern California.

The Monterey Peninsula is famous for pricey golf courses, multimillion dollar homes of residents like Charles Schwab and Clint Eastwood, and some very expensive lodging. But along with all the wealth there are wonderful sand dunes, lonesome beaches, lush forests, incredible views and terrific photo opportunities. (And the homes you pass along the way will motivate you to go buy a lottery ticket!)

The self-driving tour map, which is included with your toll fee, highlights 21 points of interest..some historical, some natural, some manmade, but all worth seeing. The route is clearly marked with red-painted dashed lines on the pavement.

You can enter the Seventeen Mile Drive through any of five gates. The most convenient entrance from Monterey is to take Highway 68 off Highway 1.

This is a great ride for bicyclists, who must enter through the Pacific Grove gate but don’t have to pay a fee. The New York Times recommends renting from Adventures by the Sea, which rents bikes for less than $10 an hour and is only five miles off the most scenic parts of the drive.