17 Mile Drive is likely one of the most scenic drives on the earth with lovely seashores, well-known cypress timber, rocky outcrops, and luxurious mansions. Situated on the Freeway 1 Coastal Route between Carmel by the Sea and Monterey, this drive takes you alongside the Monterey Peninsula by 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 should 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 a substitute of exerting an excessive amount of vitality, 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 velocity of a bike 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 should not allowed on 17 mile drive.
- For those who eat at one of many 17-mile drive eating places, you’ll 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 five-minute drive from Monterey, so it is extremely simple to get to in case you are 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-art e-bikes.
Regardless of which means you select to see 17 Mile Drive, you will love the surroundings. Nonetheless, site visitors might be heavy and there’s a lineup to get into this scenic drive.
We discovered that by biking, we had quite a lot 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 enhance of velocity to go uphill and experience quicker with ease. We lined quite a lot 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 so much to see as effectively, so we propose making a whole 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 seaside with photogenic rocky outcrops. It’s a preferred spot for locals to hang around and have picnics, play seaside volleyball, or catch a wave.
Earlier than getting 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 gorgeous cease to marvel at the great thing about the coast. There appeared 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. No less than a dozen of them had been enjoying within the surf of the Monterey Peninsula.
We discovered that by the Nineteen Twenties sea otters had been believed to be extinct resulting from overhunting. However 50 or so survived alongside the coast. Some folks say they lived within the well-known Bixby Bridge space.
In the present day, sea otters are thriving within the space because of the efforts of the Monterey Bay Aquariums Sea Otter program. We watched at the very least 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 sure to take a look at these different lovely 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 almost everybody we talked to had some type of celeb story to inform of their institution or neighborhood.
We e discovered that singer John Denver lived in the neighborhood for a 12 months earlier than his demise. His airplane 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-dollar homes our information Joaquin identified the Level Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest still-operating lighthouse on the West Coast. It’s nonetheless in use right this moment to assist navigate ships and so they supply every day excursions. You might also 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 had been driving quicker than most automobiles caught in site visitors which allowed us to see all the highest websites with ease. You may choose up a map of 17 Mile Drive on the Customer’s Middle, to observe the 21 factors of curiosity.
Positive you’ll be able to spend the day checking the whole lot out, however in case you are quick on time, there are a couple of should see stops. These had been our favorites.
6. Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay
The Links Golf course at Spanish Bay is probably one of the vital lovely 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-site, greater than 100,000 native species are replanted annually creating a gorgeous 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 five-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 seaside. 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 had been.
It wasn’t till a 12 months later with one other discovery social gathering 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 may as well 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 lovely viewpoint alongside the 17 Mile Drive. This was a Chinese language neighborhood within the 1800s the place they constructed small lean-to properties in opposition to the rocks.
9. Chook Rock
Our subsequent cease was one other lovely lookout at Chook Rock. Joaquin instructed us that it was a number of inches greater however they cleared away all of the fowl 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 fowl droppings has taken over once more, it’s gone again to the birds providing nice sightings for fowl watchers.
10. Seal Rock
Seal Rock is an effective picnic space and is a good 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 realm.
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 powerful. You’ll additionally discover a few of the oldest and largest cypress timber on the earth right here.
The founding father of Pebble Seashore Samuel F.B. Morse, made certain to protect the realm, and its Monterey cypress Bushes. The drive goes by 5300 acres together with the Del Monte Forest.
12. The Lone Cypress
We had 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 However it ended up being a bit disappointing to us. It appears that evidently most photographers have executed their intelligent framing and positioning to make it appear extra thrilling than it’s.
Despite the fact that we had been disenchanted, the Lone Cypress continues to be a must-stop alongside the 17 Mile Drive. It’s the image of Pebble Seashore, California, and the 250-year-old tree now has metal cables holding it up. For those who handle to do the 17 Mile Drive within the close to future, you need to cease right here for a glance since you by no means understand how 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 gorgeous scene.
It’s a stark distinction to the Lone Cypress that’s nonetheless dwelling. This lifeless cypress tree with bare branches offers an ominous view of the ocean. Legend has it the Woman in Lace might 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-dollar 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 high-manicured hedges. We may have stopped for a peek at every property however that might have taken the whole 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 seaside. 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 chopping again into the Pebble Seashore neighborhood.
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 reveals 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 Finest 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 – For those who don’t need to golf a full 18 holes whereas visiting Pebble Seashore, hit up the one Par 3 course within the space and be sure you 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 good place to cease in your journey across the drive. When you’ve got the price range, it’s additionally an incredible place to remain in Pebble Seashore. It’s inside strolling distance of another 17 mile drive sights together with Level Joe and Fanshell Overlook.
This renovated to 5-star luxurious, the lodge is legendary 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 apartment growth.
In the present day it’s a lodge and restaurant set on 22 acres with sheep grazing within the meadow.
It’s price a visit simply to say you’ve been there as a result of it appears that 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 by 17 Mile Drive, however we noticed loads of horses throughout our keep within the space. The Pebble Seashore Equestrian Middle presents guided excursions by its 27 miles of trails throughout 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 checklist the following time we go to!
20. Pebble Seashore Meals and Wine Occasion
For those who 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 companion with 250 wineries organising tasting rooms for wine tastings and meals pairings.
21. Huckleberry Hill
We didn’t make it to Huckleberry Hill, however when you’ve got extra time, you can also make your means as much as this viewpoint that’s 800 ft above sea degree 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 by the Lodge at Pebble Beach and the Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks, we wove our means by the quiet again streets towards our lodging.
Our journey ended within the pretty city of Carmel. We advise spending the evening in Carmel as there are many issues to see and do. From buying in its boutiques to high quality eating, this can be a pretty romantic escape. We now have a whole 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 can too keep in Monterey which could be very near Pebble Seashore.
The Hideaway
We liked our keep on the Hideaway Resort in Carmel however there are different locations to remain as effectively which we now have talked about in your reference.
The Hideaway is situated simply half a mile from the seaside however can 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 fire and there are lots of eating choices out there at this 5-star resort overlooking Spanish Bay
Casa Palermo – Situated on the Pebble Seashore Golf and Hyperlinks, this Mediterranean Style Lodging has 24 elegant rooms with an award-winning spa, golf, and five-star facilities.
The place To Eat Alongside 17 Mile Drive
La Balena Cucina Toscana
With its central location in Carmel, we had been only a quick stroll from our dinner reservations at La Balena Cucina Toscana Carmel. Juniper Avenue appears to be the taking place avenue 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 whole journey. The ambiance was excellent as we dined on their out of doors patio with warmth lamps retaining us toasty heat. Run by Chef Emanuel Bartolini and his spouse, the restaurant captures Tuscan delicacies superbly.
As you already know we’ve spent quite a lot of time in Tuscany and felt utterly at dwelling consuming recent burrata with olive oil, gnocchi with truffles, and savory spaghetti Neri with clams, muscular tissues, 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’ll get your gate price reimbursed in the event you eat at one of many pebble seaside 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 seaside marketplace for some picnic meals.
17 Mile Drive – Regularly Requested Questions
How a lot does it value 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 seaside resorts eating places excluding pebble seaside market, you will get your gate price again. Bikes should 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 solution to the Pebble Seashore Gate the place 17 mile drive formally begins.
You may as well 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 by the 17 miles rapidly, however we propose 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 in case you are staying in one of many Pebble Seashore resorts, you’ve gotten 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 particular person.
- For lodging take a look at 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 traditional, all opinions are our personal.
