How to Explore 17-Mile Drive: Must-See Stops & Ways to Experience It
Rocky coastline, windswept cypress trees, sandy beaches, famous golf courses, and plenty of places that make you want to pull over for a better look: 17-Mile Drive packs a lot into a relatively short stretch of the Monterey Peninsula.
The scenic route travels through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, connecting some of the area's most recognizable coastal landmarks. And while the name might suggest something you simply drive from beginning to end, that's only one way to experience it.
You can drive 17-Mile Drive, bike it, explore portions on foot, or make it part of a larger sightseeing trip around Monterey and Carmel. The right choice depends on how much time you have and how you like to explore.
17-Mile Drive Guide
What Is 17-Mile Drive?
17-Mile Drive is a scenic route through Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula, winding through Del Monte Forest and along stretches of the Pacific coastline between Pacific Grove and Carmel.
Visitors have been coming this way for a long time. The original scenic route introduced travelers to Pebble Beach in 1881, and today the drive is known for its coastal overlooks, beaches, cypress forests, wildlife, impressive homes, and legendary golf courses.
There are 17 designated scenic stops along the current route, but don't let that number turn your day into a checklist. Part of the appeal of 17-Mile Drive is choosing where to linger and where to keep moving.
Is 17-Mile Drive Worth It?
If you're visiting Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, or Carmel, 17-Mile Drive is absolutely worth considering, especially if this is your first time on the Monterey Peninsula.
The route combines several things the area does particularly well. You'll see rugged stretches of Pacific coastline, beaches, wildlife viewing areas, cypress forests, and some of the most famous golf scenery in the country, all within a relatively compact area.
It's also easy to adapt to your schedule. You can make 17-Mile Drive one part of a larger day around Monterey and Carmel or slow things down and give yourself several hours to explore.
The important part is not treating the "17 miles" as a challenge to complete as quickly as possible. The stops are the point.
Must-See Stops Along 17-Mile Drive
There are 17 official scenic stops along 17-Mile Drive, ranging from forest overlooks to famous coastal landmarks. You certainly don't have to stop at every one, but a few are particularly helpful to know before you set out.
Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay is an excellent introduction to the coastline, with a broad sandy beach, ocean views, and a boardwalk running along the shore. It's the kind of place where a planned five-minute stop can easily become a much longer one.
Point Joe
Point Joe overlooks the turbulent stretch of water known as the Restless Sea. Beyond the views, the area's rocky coastline hints at the navigational challenges that faced early mariners approaching the Monterey Peninsula.
Bird Rock
Keep your eyes and ears open here. Bird Rock is one of the route's better-known wildlife stops, with opportunities to see seabirds and sea lions along the rocky coastline.
Fanshell Beach & Cypress Point Lookout
This portion of the route puts the Pacific front and center. Fanshell Beach and nearby Cypress Point Lookout are worth slowing down for, particularly if coastal scenery is what brought you to 17-Mile Drive in the first place.
Crocker Grove
17-Mile Drive isn't all ocean views. Crocker Grove takes you into the cypress forest and provides a completely different setting from the exposed coastline just a short distance away.
The Lone Cypress
Perched above the Pacific on a rocky outcrop, the Lone Cypress has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Pebble Beach. If you're only making a handful of stops, this is the obvious one to include.
Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point
Wind- and weather-shaped trees give Pescadero Point a distinctive landscape, while the overlook itself offers another chance to take in the rugged coastline.
Pebble Beach
Even if you don't follow golf, it's worth seeing the golf course that has made Pebble Beach famous. The Pebble Beach Visitor Center is also located along the route and provides exhibits about the area's history, along with interactive maps, refreshments, and souvenirs.
These are only a few of the stops along the way. The official route also includes Shepherd's Knoll, Huckleberry Hill, China Rock, Seal Rock, and several others.
And sometimes knowing why you're looking at something makes the stop considerably more interesting. If you explore 17-Mile Drive with GoCar Monterey, the GPS-guided audio tour shares stories, local history, and facts along the route while directing you from place to place.
How Long Does It Take to Explore 17-Mile Drive?
That depends much more on how often you stop than on the actual distance.
If you're driving and primarily interested in seeing a handful of the major landmarks, you can make 17-Mile Drive one part of a larger Monterey or Carmel day. Give yourself more time if you want to stop frequently, walk along the coast, take photos, look for wildlife, or visit Pebble Beach.
Exploring by bike naturally changes the pace, too. You aren't simply moving from viewpoint to viewpoint inside a vehicle; the ride itself becomes part of the experience.
Rather than asking how quickly you can finish 17-Mile Drive, decide which stops matter most to you and build in enough time to actually enjoy them.
What's the Best Way to Experience 17-Mile Drive?
There isn't one right way to explore 17-Mile Drive. The best option depends on how much time you have, how active you want to be, and how you want to experience the scenery.
Driving 17-Mile Drive
Driving offers plenty of flexibility and makes it easy to continue on to Carmel or other Monterey Peninsula stops. Passenger vehicles pay an entrance fee, so check the official 17-Mile Drive visitor information for current rates and access details before you go.
Biking 17-Mile Drive
Biking puts you closer to the scenery and makes it easy to stop at overlooks along the way. An e-bike can make the distance and elevation more manageable while still giving you an open-air experience.
GoCar Monterey's 17-Mile Drive Bike Tour offers a self-guided GPS e-bike option with audio commentary that shares stories, history, and facts along the route.
Walking Portions of 17-Mile Drive
You don't have to cover all 17 miles on foot. Several coastal areas are easy to enjoy with a short walk from a designated stop, making walking a good complement to whichever way you choose to explore the route.
Tips for Visiting 17-Mile Drive
A little planning can make it easier to enjoy the route without feeling like you need to rush from stop to stop.
- Choose your priorities. There are 17 designated scenic stops, but you don't need to visit them all. Pick a few must-sees and leave room for spontaneous stops.
- Bring layers. Weather along the Monterey Peninsula can change quickly, especially near the coast.
- Watch for wildlife. Keep an eye out around Bird Rock and other coastal areas, but always give wildlife plenty of space.
- Share the road. Drivers should expect to encounter cyclists, and cyclists should stay aware of vehicles and changing road conditions.
- Check before you go. Hours, fees, and access can change. Check the 17-Mile Drive visitor information for the latest details.
Make 17-Mile Drive Part of a Monterey Day
17-Mile Drive fits naturally into a bigger day of exploring the Monterey Peninsula. You might start around Cannery Row, follow the coast through Pacific Grove and 17-Mile Drive, then continue toward Carmel-by-the-Sea. Or take the route in reverse and finish your day back in Monterey.
However you plan it, don't worry about fitting in every scenic stop. Choose the places you most want to see, leave time for a few unexpected detours, and enjoy the route itself. Whether you're driving your own vehicle or exploring on two wheels with a self-guided 17-Mile Drive e-bike tour, getting from one stop to the next is part of the experience.
FAQs About 17-Mile Drive
Can you bike 17-Mile Drive?
Yes. Bicycles are permitted on 17-Mile Drive, and cyclists do not pay the passenger-vehicle entrance fee. If you want some assistance covering the route, an e-bike can make the hills and distance easier while still allowing you to experience the coastline in the open air. GoCar Monterey also offers a self-guided 17-Mile Drive e-bike tour with GPS navigation and audio commentary.
Do you have to pay to enter 17-Mile Drive?
Passenger vehicles pay an entrance fee. Pebble Beach currently lists admission at $12.50 per vehicle, and the fee can be reimbursed with a qualifying purchase of $35 or more at most Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants. Cyclists and pedestrians do not pay the vehicle entrance fee. Check current rates before visiting, as prices and policies can change.
How long does it take to drive 17-Mile Drive?
There isn't one ideal amount of time because it depends on how many stops you make. The route itself is relatively short, but rushing through misses much of what makes it worthwhile. Give yourself at least a couple of hours if you want to stop at several major viewpoints, and more time if you plan to walk, eat, visit Pebble Beach, or explore at a slower pace.
Can you do 17-Mile Drive without a car?
Yes. You can bike 17-Mile Drive or explore portions of the route on foot, and cyclists and pedestrians don't pay the passenger-vehicle entrance fee. If you'd like help navigating the route, a self-guided 17-Mile Drive e-bike tour combines GPS navigation with audio commentary along the way.
Where should you start 17-Mile Drive?
The most convenient starting point depends on the rest of your itinerary. Travelers coming from Monterey often approach through Pacific Grove, while visitors coming from Carmel or Highway 1 may find another entrance more convenient. Rather than worrying about one "correct" starting point, consider where you'd like to end up afterward.
What are the must-see stops on 17-Mile Drive if you're short on time?
If you only have time for a few stops, consider prioritizing Spanish Bay, Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress, and the Pebble Beach area. Together, they provide a good mix of coastline, wildlife, iconic scenery, and some of the landmarks for which the route is best known.
Is 17-Mile Drive open year-round?
17-Mile Drive is generally accessible throughout the year, with Pebble Beach currently listing public gate hours from sunrise to sunset. Special events or other circumstances can affect access, so check current visitor information before your trip.
Are motorcycles allowed on 17-Mile Drive?
No. Pebble Beach currently prohibits motorcycles on 17-Mile Drive.
Is 17-Mile Drive better by car or bike?
It depends on how you want to spend your day. A car offers comfort and convenience and makes it easy to incorporate 17-Mile Drive into a larger Monterey and Carmel itinerary. A bike gives you a slower, more open-air experience where the ride itself is part of the sightseeing. An e-bike can provide a middle ground by making it easier to cover more distance without giving up the experience of riding along the coast.
Are GoCar vehicles allowed on 17-Mile Drive?
No. GoCar vehicles are not permitted on 17-Mile Drive. That's why GoCar Monterey offers 17-Mile Drive e-bike rentals as an alternative for guests who want to explore the famous route on their own.