17-Mile Drive is a picturesque road through Pebble Beach and Pacific grove near Monterey. 17 mile drive passes through some of the world famous golf courses, mansions and hugs pacific ocean all along making way for scenic 17 attractions. 17 mile drive is not a place to drive through in a hurry. Entire drive is scenic and each stop is picturesque. It takes a minimum 3 hours to complete the loop.
How to get there
- Distance from San Francisco via I-280S CA-1S is 120 miles.
- Distance from Los Angeles via I-5 N and US-101N is 323 miles.
- Nearest Airport – Monterey Peninsula Airport
- Entry to 17 mile drive – 3 most common entry points to 17 Mile drive are :
- Highway 1 at Highway 68 if coming from Monterey or CA Highway 1
- Pacific Groove Gate via Sunset Drive
- San Antonio Avenue toll gate from Carmel
- Timings – Open from Sunrise to Sunset . The gates are manned 24 Hours a day.
- Entry Cost – There is an entry fee (as of Jan 2020) is U.S. $10.50 per vehicle. See Travel Tips below to know more about reimbursing entry fee . No entry fee for bicycles and Motorcycles are prohibited.
Must Explore 17 Stops at 17-Mile Drive
1. Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay beach is the first stop if we enter 17 mile drive from Monterey. It is named after Don Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish Explorer. He camped here with his crew in 1769 while trying to find Monterey Bay. There is ample parking spots and a very beautiful beach with lots of pebble stones on shore. You may also see some kelp on the shore. There are a few picnic tables and one can spend entire day gazing at the roaring waves.
2. Restless Sea
Restless sea is in between Spanish Bay and Point Joe. As the name suggests, the ocean always seems restless. Waves constantly converge into each other. Make sure to have a look at the unique offshore turbulence generated by the submerged terrain off Point Joe. It feels serene to watch dancing waves the entire day from this point.
3. Point Joe
Early mariners mistook Point Joe as entrance to Monterey Bay which led to many shipwrecks. In early 1900s, a man named Joe lived in a driftwood hut here, selling trinkets to tourists and tending goats. It is still debated whether Joe was named for the Point or the Point was named after Joe.
4. China Rock
In late 1800’s, this rock was the site of a small Chinese fishing village. Chinese fishermen were the first to mine the rich marine treasures of Monterey Bay as mentioned in Monterey County Historical Society
5. Bird Rock
This wildlife hub is said to be buzzing with birds, seals and sea lions. Unfortunately there were very few birds and no seals when we visited. It is said that until 1930, Bird rock was covered in 4-5 feet of Pelican and cormorant guano, when it was harvested as fertiliser. Sea lions took advantage of the cleaned-off perch and have been sunbathing since then.
6. Seal Rock
We were really unfortunate to not spot even one Seal at this point. However we were told that this is one of the great spot to picnic or hike on the boardwalk towards the colourful Gingerbread house.
7. Fanshell Beach Overlook
Turquoise blue water of the Pacific ocean on one side and green golf course on the other side. It feels heavenly. This point is said to be the primary pupping habitat for harbor seals on the Central coast.
8. Cypress point lookout
This point is popular amongst sunset watchers, thanks to its southwest views. This point is closed from April 1 – June 1 (pupping season) as the White sand of the beach is home to harbor seals, who each spring return to bear their young.
9. Crocker Groover
Crocker groove is home to the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress tress in existence. This point is named after Charles Crocker, who is responsible for building the luxurious Hotel Del Monte in Monterey and the original 17-Mile drive.
10. Lone Cypress
This point is also known as the Midway Point on the original 17-Mile drive. For more than 250 years, The world famous Lone Cypress has braved the elements atop its rocky pedestal overlooking the Pacific ocean. The cypress has been held in place with cables for 65 years now. This iconic tree has been the logo for Pebble beach resorts since its founding in 1919.
11. Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point
Ghost Trees Point is a unique stop full of spooky sun bleached Cypress trees. It is also a surf spot, with swells approaching 50 feet in the right winter conditions.
12. Pebble Beach Visitor Center
This is a great stop to learn about Pebble Beach history, pickup souvenirs or grab a refreshment for the drive.
13. Pebble beach Golf Links
No public course in the United States can match the major championship pedigree of Pebble Beach Golf links.
” Pebble is a piece of sacred ground. They say it’s the greatest meeting of land and water in the world. This course was heaven designed “
Johnny Miller, 2-Time Major Champion
Amateur golfer Jack Neville and Douglas Grant built this in 1919 and is ranked the No.1 public course in America. Pebble beach hosted sixth U.S. open in 2019 . More can be learnt about the the rich history of Pebble beach at the wall of champions behind the first tee.
14. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center
The Pebble Beach Equestrian centre opened in 1924, five years after Pebble beach golf links. It hosted the U.S. team trials ahead if the 1960 Olympics.
15. Ford Meadow
This meadow was dedicated to the memory of Robert F. Ford, a generous donor to the work of Del Monte Forest Conservatory. We spotted few Deers at this Spot.
16. Shepherd’s Knoll
This Spot offers a unique elevated view looking down on Monterey Bay. This place is named after local railroad man Abraham D. Shepard who built the upper scenic route on 17 mile Drive in the forest
17. Huckleberry Hill
It is said that from tree top level view of Huckleberry hill, one can spot Santa cruz. However i couldn’t spot at all. This place is filled with hills which have been set aside as permanent preserved forest.
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Travel Tips
- The entry fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market. Admission is complimentary for overnight guests of The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay and Casa Palmero. However make sure to check the official website for detailed information.
- Always drive along the red-dashed line marks of the 17-Mile Drive tour to avoid venturing aimlessly into the private properties of neighbourhood roads.
- Restrooms are located along the route however if you are travelling with a toddler then make sure to carry a urinal bottle (boys/girls).
- Best time to visit 17 mile drive is between April to November which also happens to the busiest time of the year.
- If you are planning to stay at one of the lodges at the Pebble beach then visit official website for reservations.
- Drones are not allowed.
- I recommend carrying Binoculars to watch birds/seals/sea lions at the Pebble beach.
