17 Mile Drive is among the most scenic drives on this planet with stunning seashores, well-known cypress timber, rocky outcrops, and luxurious mansions. Positioned on the Freeway 1 Coastal Route between Carmel by the Sea and Monterey, this drive takes you alongside the Monterey Peninsula via the Del Monte Forest and thru one of the vital unique communities within the nation, Pebble Seashore, California.
Many individuals pay $11.25 to enter the well-known route in Pebble Seashore by automotive, however in the event you experience a bicycle or stroll alongside the 17-mile stretch, it’s free!
Bikes are usually not allowed on 17 Mile Drive and we didn’t need to be caught in a automotive, so we determined to cycle 17 Mile Drive. However as an alternative of exerting an excessive amount of power, we did it in model on an e-bike. The great thing about e-biking is you’ll be able to discover the attractive highway on two wheels with the consolation and pace of a motorbike freed from cost!
17 Mile Drive from Monterey – Pacific Grove to Carmel
Most individuals drive 17 mile Drive by renting a automotive or taking a highway journey. You may verify automotive rental comparisons at RentalCars.com.
17 Mile Drive Value
- The entry price is 11.25 for automobiles.
- Strolling and biking are free.
- Bikes are usually not allowed on 17 mile drive.
- In case you eat at one of many 17-mile drive eating places, you’re going to get your gate price reimbursed.
To Drive or Cycle 17 Mile Drive
17 Mile Drive is situated in the neighborhood of Pacific Grove, It’s only a 5-minute drive from Monterey, so it is vitally simple to get to if you’re staying on the town. We met our information at Big Sur Adventures on Cannery Row the place we equipped with helmets, water, and state-of-the-artwork e-bikes.
Irrespective of which means you select to see 17 Mile Drive, you’ll love the surroundings. Nonetheless, site visitors could be heavy and there’s a lineup to get into this scenic drive.
We discovered that by biking, we had plenty of freedom and zipped previous stopped automobiles in site visitors. Plus, with e-bikes, we didn’t work very onerous as a result of they’re electrical bikes. We had the enjoyable of utilizing pedal energy however had the additional increase of pace to go uphill and experience sooner with ease. We coated plenty of floor in our afternoon tour.
These E-bikes are quick. We averaged 20 miles (32km) an hour with out having to do any onerous work. If you wish to zip round from place to position, the gears and throttle make it simple to hit prime speeds, even going uphill. We barely broke a sweat.
Issues to See on 17 Mile Drive
There are such a lot of issues to see and do on 17 Mile Drive, however Ocean View Boulevard and Sundown Drive have lots to see as nicely, so we recommend making a complete day journey to discover this scenic coastal drive.
Right here’s a breakdown of the factors of curiosity on 17 Mile Drive and Ocean View Boulevard to Carmel.
1. Lovers Level – Ocean Blvd
Lovers Level is a picturesque seashore with photogenic rocky outcrops. It’s a well-liked spot for locals to hang around and have picnics, play seashore volleyball, or catch a wave.
Earlier than coming into 17 Mile Drive, we stopped at a few scenic viewpoints alongside Ocean Boulevard to admire the views of the Monterey Peninsula. We began simply exterior Monterey close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and to the Gate to Pebble Seashore. Lover’s Level was a good looking cease to marvel at the great thing about the coast. There gave the impression to be one pull-off after one other for automobiles to park and for folks to get out and benefit from the views.
2. Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation Space
On the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation Space, a gaggle of sea otters caught our eye. At the least a dozen of them have been enjoying within the surf of the Monterey Peninsula.
We realized that by the Twenties sea otters have been believed to be extinct as a consequence of overhunting. However 50 or so survived alongside the coast. Some folks say they lived within the well-known Bixby Bridge space.
Right now, sea otters are thriving within the space because of the efforts of the Monterey Bay Aquariums Sea Otter program. We watched not less than a dozen of them swim in play within the surf and it was heartening to listen to that they’ve returned.
However they nonetheless face a critical risk from oil spills and meals availability. After a number of minutes of watching the lovable little guys, we hopped on our e-bikes, put our gears on excessive, and zipped to the following cease.
Be certain to take a look at these different stunning spots for photography along Big Sur. These are highlights you don’t need to miss!
3. John Denver Memorial
It’s fascinating to listen to of the film stars and celebrities that frequented this space.
Clint Eastwood was the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea within the Eighties and practically everybody we talked to had some type of celeb story to inform of their institution or group.
We e realized that singer John Denver lived in the neighborhood for a yr earlier than his dying. His aircraft crashed within the waters simply off the coast. In 2007 a memorial was devoted to the shores to have a good time his life.
4. Level Pinos Lighthouse
As we meandered previous million-greenback homes our information Joaquin identified the Level Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest nonetheless-working lighthouse on the West Coast. It’s nonetheless in use immediately to assist navigate ships they usually supply every day excursions. You may additionally like: Where to Camp in Big Sur
5. Pacific Grove Gate
We entered the Gates of Pebble Seashore at Pacific Grove Gate with out incident. We whizzed previous automobiles lined as much as pay their entrance price. Being on a bicycle, we had the liberty to discover the paid portion of 17 Mile Drive on our personal.
Having our bikes, we have been driving sooner than most automobiles caught in site visitors which allowed us to see all the highest websites with ease. You may decide up a map of 17 Mile Drive on the Customer’s Middle, to comply with the 21 factors of curiosity.
Certain you’ll be able to spend the day checking all the pieces out, however if you’re quick on time, there are a number of should see stops. These have been our favorites.
6. Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay
The Links Golf course at Spanish Bay is presumably one of the vital stunning settings for golf within the US. It was designed to guard and restore the native dunes alongside the coast to permit the plant to regrow at Spanish Bay.
Due to the nursery constructed on-website, greater than 100,000 native species are replanted every year creating a good looking wild coast alongside Spanish Bay.
The Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay was the primary Scottish Type golf course in America opened in 1987 and was designed by 5-time British Open champion Tom Watson. He famous that “Spanish Bay regarded a lot like Scotland, you would virtually hear the bagpipe piping.” Ever since The Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay has had pipers play at sundown whereas the final golfers end up on the course.
7. Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay Seashore is yet one more scenic cease alongside a protracted stretch of seashore. Within the late 1700s, the Spanish camped right here whereas trying to find Monterey Bay. Confusion and illness set in and 6 months later they returned having by no means discovered Monterey Bay. Little did they know, how shut they have been.
It wasn’t till a yr later with one other discovery get together that they really found Monterey Bay which was hidden in plain sight. Spanish Bay was named for the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolà who camped right here in 1769 by no means discovering what he was searching for.
You can even keep right here on the Inn at Spanish Bay. It overlooks The Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay and is near the Chook Rock Vista overlook.
8. China Rock
China Rock is one other stunning viewpoint alongside the 17 Mile Drive. This was a Chinese language group within the 1800s the place they constructed small lean-to properties towards the rocks.
9. Chook Rock
Our subsequent cease was one other stunning lookout at Chook Rock. Joaquin instructed us that it was once a number of inches larger however they cleared away all of the chicken poop.
As soon as they cleared the layer of dung away, the ocean lions took over for a bit however now that the layer of white chicken droppings has taken over once more, it’s gone again to the birds providing nice sightings for chicken watchers.
10. Seal Rock
Seal Rock is an efficient picnic space and is a superb spot to get out, stretch your legs and go for a stroll. It was named for the harbor seals and sea lions that frequent the world.
11. Crocker Grove
17 Mile Drive could also be well-known for its dying Monterey cypress timber alongside the shore, however simply earlier than you attain the Lone Cypress Level Lookout, make a cease in Crocker Grove. The Cypress Bushes of Crocker Grove are wholesome and robust. You’ll additionally discover among the oldest and largest cypress timber on this planet right here.
The founding father of Pebble Seashore Samuel F.B. Morse, made positive to protect the world, and its Monterey cypress Bushes. The drive goes via 5300 acres together with the Del Monte Forest.
12. The Lone Cypress
We have been most trying ahead to Cypress Level Lookout to see the Lone Cypress because it’s the photograph that we’ve seen all around the Web of 17 Mile Drive. It’s a well-known Monterey Cypress tree sitting alone on a rocky outcrop Nevertheless it ended up being a bit disappointing to us. Plainly most photographers have finished their intelligent framing and positioning to make it appear extra thrilling than it’s.
Although we have been disillusioned, the Lone Cypress continues to be a should-cease alongside the 17 Mile Drive. It’s the image of Pebble Seashore, California, and the 250-yr-previous tree now has metal cables holding it up. In case you handle to do the 17 Mile Drive within the close to future, you will need to cease right here for a glance since you by no means know the way for much longer the Lone Cypress will final.
13. Ghost Tree
Just a bit farther alongside the highway was the Ghost Tree and that was a extra spectacular view for us. The sundown occurs immediately behind the Ghost Tree (in March anyway) and it makes for a good looking scene.
It’s a stark distinction to the Lone Cypress that’s nonetheless dwelling. This useless cypress tree with bare branches offers an ominous view of the ocean. Legend has it the Woman in Lace could be seen on the Ghost Tree on foggy nights.
14. Mansions
There are 21 factors of curiosity alongside the 17 Mile Drive route map, however none of them point out the $20-$40 million greenback mansions that line the shore. Dave and I couldn’t consider the variety of multimillion-greenback properties and puzzled, “who lives right here?” How achieve this many individuals have such enormous wealth?
The 17 mile drive homes are actually constructed for the wealthy and well-known and it’s enjoyable to think about who’s hiding behind the excessive-manicured hedges. We might have stopped for a peek at every property however that might have taken your complete day!
15. Pescadero Level
Earlier than biking alongside 17 Mile Drive, we spent a day browsing with the Carmel Surf Company off its pretty lengthy sandy seashore. Whereas there, our teacher identified Pebble Seashore and we didn’t notice simply how shut 17 Mile Drive was to the place we began.
Stopping at Pescadero Level gave us pretty views of Carmel Bay and Stillwater cove. It was our final scenic view earlier than slicing again into the Pebble Seashore group.
16. Pebble Seashore Customer Middle
The Pebble Seashore Customer Middle traces the historical past of 17 Mile Drive from its beginnings as a carriage route in 1881. There are 20 displays with interactive maps, an out of doors patio, and meals and drinks. Hours: 8 am to 7 pm.
17. Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks
There are a number of world-class golf programs at Pebble Beach and The Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay was voted one of many Greatest Public Golf Programs within the nation by Golf Digest. The 2019 US Open was held on the Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks.
- Different Golf Programs are:
- Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks
- Spyglass Hill Golf Course
- Del Monte Golf Course
- Pebble Seashore Golf Academy
Peter Hay Par-3 Golf Course – In case you don’t need to golf a full 18 holes whereas visiting Pebble Seashore, hit up the one Par 3 course within the space and remember to see the a centesimal U.S. Open Monument that was put up in the course of the 2000 U.S. to honor the win in 2000 (by Tiger Woods) and the opposite 99 winners of the twentieth century.
18. The Lodge at Pebble Seashore
Lodge at Pebble Beach – The Lodge at Pebble Seashore dates again to 1919 and is a superb place to cease in your journey across the drive. If in case you have the finances, it’s additionally a fantastic place to remain in Pebble Seashore. It’s inside strolling distance of another 17 mile drive points of interest together with Level Joe and Fanshell Overlook.
This renovated to five-star luxurious, the lodge is known for overlooking the 18th gap of the impeccable golf course situated on the ocean.
19. Mission Ranch
We even made the detour to go to Clint Eastwood’s well-known ranch. The Mission Ranch dates again to the 1800s and was rescued by Eastwood whereas he was mayor of Carmel. It was set to be a condominium improvement.
Right now it’s a lodge and restaurant set on 22 acres with sheep grazing within the meadow.
It’s value a visit simply to say you’ve been there as a result of evidently everybody you meet within the space asks in the event you went to Clint Eastwood’s ranch.
Pebble Seashore Equestrian Middle
We didn’t experience horses throughout our journey via 17 Mile Drive, however we noticed loads of horses throughout our keep within the space. The Pebble Seashore Equestrian Middle gives guided excursions via its 27 miles of trails inside the Del Monte Forest. From the Equestrian Middle you undergo the Del Monte Forest to a Coastal Path the place you’ll take pleasure in a coastal picnic. We have to add that to our listing the following time we go to!
20. Pebble Seashore Meals and Wine Occasion
In case you occur to be within the space in April, the annual Pebble Seashore Meals & Wine Occasion has been a convention since 2008. Greater than 100 celeb cooks associate with 250 wineries establishing tasting rooms for wine tastings and meals pairings.
21. Huckleberry Hill
We didn’t make it to Huckleberry Hill, however you probably have extra time, you can also make your means as much as this viewpoint that’s 800 ft above sea stage to miss the Del Monte Forest. It’s situated on the Freeway-1 Gate previous Shephard’s Knoll. Apparently this was John Steinbeck’s favourite cease on 17 Mile Drive.
22. Carmel by the Sea
After a experience via the Lodge at Pebble Beach and the Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks, we wove our means via the quiet again streets towards our lodging.
Our journey ended within the pretty city of Carmel. We advise spending the night time in Carmel as there are many issues to see and do. From purchasing in its boutiques to nice eating, it is a pretty romantic escape. We’ve got a complete breakdown of issues to do in Carmel at The Best Things to do in Carmel by the Sea
The place to Keep On 17 Mile Drive
We spent two days in Carmel earlier than starting our highway journey down the Pacific Coast Freeway 1. There are many locations to remain in Carmel and you too can keep in Monterey which could be very near Pebble Seashore.
The Hideaway
We cherished our keep on the Hideaway Lodge in Carmel however there are different locations to remain as nicely which now we have talked about in your reference.
The Hideaway is situated simply half a mile from the seashore however can also be centrally situated downtown.
Inn at Spanish Bay – The Inn at Spanish Bay is situated on the Hyperlinks Golf Course. All rooms have a comfortable hearth and there are a lot of eating choices accessible at this 5-star resort overlooking Spanish Bay
Casa Palermo – Positioned on the Pebble Seashore Golf and Hyperlinks, this Mediterranean Style Lodging has 24 elegant rooms with an award-profitable spa, golf, and 5-star facilities.
The place To Eat Alongside 17 Mile Drive
La Balena Cucina Toscana
With its central location in Carmel, we have been only a quick stroll from our dinner reservations at La Balena Cucina Toscana Carmel. Juniper Road appears to be the taking place road for eating places and cafes in Carmel and each The Hideaway and Labalena are located on it.
La Balena was our favorite meal of our total journey. The environment was excellent as we dined on their out of doors patio with warmth lamps preserving us toasty heat. Run by Chef Emanuel Bartolini and his spouse, the restaurant captures Tuscan delicacies fantastically.
As you recognize we’ve spent plenty of time in Tuscany and felt utterly at residence consuming contemporary burrata with olive oil, gnocchi with truffles, and savory spaghetti Neri with clams, muscle mass, prawns in a tomato chili brodo.
Pebble Seashore Meals
We didn’t eat in Pebble Seashore, however there are many choices to eat at 17-mile drive eating places and you’re going to get your gate price reimbursed in the event you eat at one of many pebble seashore firm eating places. Most individuals picnic at one of many many beaches and picnic areas.
The most well-liked picnic spots are seal rock and level joe. Pack a lunch and make a day of it. Or higher but, go to the pebble seashore marketplace for some picnic meals.
17 Mile Drive – Often Requested Questions
How a lot does it price to drive 17 Mile Drive?
If strolling or biking 17 Mile drive is free. The entry price for automobiles is $11.25 on the gate, however in the event you spend $35 or extra at pebble seashore resorts eating places excluding pebble seashore market, you will get your gate price again. Bikes are usually not allowed on 17 Mile Drive.
The place do you begin 17 Mile Drive?
17 Mile Drive begins at Pacific Grove Gate at Pebble Seashore, California.
In case you are driving south from San Francisco alongside Freeway 1 take the exit to CA 68 West in direction of Pebble Seashore, you’ll then see indicators for the Pacific Grove Pebble Seashore Gate entrance.
We began from Big Sur Adventures in Monterey and cycled round Ocean View Boulevard to sundown drive earlier than making our approach to the Pebble Seashore Gate the place 17 mile drive formally begins.
You can even entry 17 Mile Drive from the Nation Membership Gate, Carmel gate, S.F.B. Morse Gate, or Freeway 1 Gate.
How lengthy is 17 Mile drive to see?
You may zip via the 17 miles rapidly, however we recommend three to 4 hours to see all of the sights. Have lunch in Pebble Seashore and make a day of it. There are seashores, scenic views and loads of locations to catch sundown.
Is there lodging on 17 mile drive.
There are three luxurious Pebble Seashore resorts within the 17 mile drive. The Inn at Spanish Bay, Casa Palmero, and the Lodge at Pebble Seashore.
17 Mile Drive Hours of Operation
17 Mile drive is open from dawn to sundown to guests, however if you’re staying in one of many Pebble Seashore resorts, you’ve entry to it 24/7. The gates to Pebble Seashore are patrolled 24 hours a day.
- For extra info on 17 Mile Drive, Carmel, and Monterey, go to the See Monterey Website.
- Ebiking excursions of 17 Mile Drive begin at $59 per individual.
- For lodging try The Hideaway for reservations and costs.
Learn Extra About California
Our journey to California was in partnership with Go to California. For extra info on California journey and itineraries, visit their website. As typical, all opinions are our personal.
