17 Mile Drive is without doubt one of the most scenic drives on this planet. Located on the Highway 1 Coastal Route between Carmel by the Sea and Pacific Grove, this drive takes you thru one among California’s most unique communities, Pebble Beach. Many folks pay $11.25 to enter the well-known route in Pebble Beach by automotive, however in the event you trip a bicycle alongside the 17-mile stretch, it’s free!
Don’t need to exert an excessive amount of vitality? Don’t fear, take an e-bike. It’s quick and simple and a very good method to discover the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey. eBikes are electrical bikes that allow you to use pedal energy, however give an additional enhance of pace with their electrical motor to make it easier to uphill and allow you to go quicker with ease. We lined numerous floor in our afternoon tour.
Motorcycles will not be allowed on 17 Mile Drive, however that’s the great thing about E-Biking, you’ll be able to discover the attractive highway on two wheels with consolation and pace freed from cost!
17 Mile Drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel
There is a price to drive 17 Mile Drive in a automotive, and bikes will not be allowed however cyclists can enter freed from cost. However, we all know that not everybody desires to use pedal energy, so in the event you don’t need need to exert an excessive amount of vitality, take an e-bike. It’s quick and simple and a very good method to discover the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey. Plus, by E-Biking, you’ll be able to discover the attractive highway on two wheels with consolation and pace freed from cost!
17 Mile Drive Cost
The value is 11.25 for vehicles.
Walking and biking is free.
Motorcycles will not be allowed on 17 mile drive.
If you eat at one of many 17-mile drive eating places, you’re going to get your gate charge reimbursed.
To Drive or Cycle 17 Mile Drive
Motorcycles will not be allowed on 17 Mile Drive so that you both want to drive or cycle. Most folks drive 17 mile Drive by renting a automotive or taking a highway journey. You can examine automotive rental comparisons at RentalCars.com.
eBikes are electrical bikes that allow you to use pedal energy, however give an additional enhance of pace with their electrical motor to make it easier to uphill and allow you to go quicker with ease. We lined numerous floor in our afternoon tour.
For our e-biking journey alongside 17 Mile drive, we met at Big Sur Adventures in Pacific Grove the place we had been equipped with helmets, water, and state-of-the-artwork e-bikes.
Pacific Grove is only a 5-minute drive from Monterey, so it is rather straightforward to get to in case you are staying on the town. These E-bikes are quick. We averaged 20 miles (32km) an hour with out having to do any laborious work. If you need to zip round from place to place, the gears and throttle make it straightforward to hit prime speeds, even going uphill. We barely broke a sweat.
These E-bikes are quick. We averaged 20 miles (32km) an hour with out having to do any laborious work. If you need to zip round from place to place, the gears and throttle make it straightforward to hit prime speeds, even going uphill. We barely broke a sweat.
For our e-biking journey alongside 17 Mile drive, we met at Big Sur Adventures in Pacific Grove the place we had been equipped with helmets, water, and state-of-the-artwork e-bikes.
Things to See on 17 Mile Drive
There are so many issues to see and do on 17 Mile Drive, however Ocean View Boulevard and Sunset Drive have rather a lot to see as nicely, so we propose making a complete day journey to discover this scenic coastal drive.
Here’s a breakdown of the factors of curiosity on 17 Mile Drive and Ocean View Boulevard from Pacific Grove to Carmel by the Sea.
1. Lovers Point
Lovers Point 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.
Between Pacific Grove and the Gate to Pebble Beach, we stopped typically and marveled at the great thing about the coast. There appeared to be one pull-off after one other for vehicles to park and for folks to get out and benefit from the views.
2. Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation Area
At the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation Area, a gaggle of sea otters caught our eye. At least a dozen of them had been taking part in within the surf.
While exploring Monterey and Carmel by the Sea, we realized that by the Twenties sea otters had been believed to be extinct due to overhunting. But 50 or so survived alongside the coast of Big Sur. Some folks say they lived within the well-known Bixby Bridge space.
Today, sea otters are thriving within the space thanks to 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 hear that they’ve returned.
But they nonetheless face a critical menace 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.
Make positive to take a look at these different stunning spots for pictures alongside Big Sur. These are highlights you don’t need to miss!
3. John Denver Memorial
It’s fascinating to hear of the film stars and celebrities that frequented the areas of Carmel By the Sea, Monterey, Big Sur, and Pacific Grove.
Clint Eastwood was the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea within the Nineteen Eighties and almost everybody we talked to had some form of celeb story to inform of their institution or neighborhood.
In Pacific Grove, we realized that singer John Denver lived locally for a yr earlier than his demise. His aircraft crashed within the waters simply off the coast of Pacific Grove, and in 2007 a memorial was devoted to the shores to have a good time his life.
4. Point Pinos Lighthouse
As we meandered previous million-greenback homes our information Joaquin identified the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest nonetheless-working lighthouse on the West Coast. It remains to be in use at the moment to assist navigate ships and so they provide each day excursions. You can also like: Where to Camp in Big Sur
5. Links at Spanish Bay
The Links Golf course is presumably one of the crucial stunning settings for golf within the US. It was designed to shield and restore the native dunes alongside the coast to enable the plant to regrow. Because of the nursery constructed on-web site, greater than 100,000 native species are replanted annually.
The first Scottish Style golf course in America opened in 1987 and was designed by 5-time British Open champion Tom Watson. He famous that “Spanish Bay looked so much like Scotland, you could almost hear the bagpipe piping.” Ever since they’ve had pipers play because the course closes at sundown.
6. Pebble Beach Golf Links
There are a number of world-class golf programs at Pebble Beach and The Pebble Beach Golf Links at Spanish Bay was voted one of many Best Public Golf Courses within the nation by Golf Digest. The 2019 US Open was held on the Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Other Golf Courses are:
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Del Monte Golf Course
Pebble Beach Golf Academy
7. Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay Beach is yet one more scenic cease alongside a protracted stretch of seaside. In 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 yr later with one other discovery get together that they really found Monterey Bay which was hidden in plain sight.
8. Pacific Grove Gate
We entered the Gates of Pebble Beach at Pacific Grove Gate with out incident. We whizzed previous vehicles lined up to pay their entrance charge. 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 vehicles caught in visitors which allowed us to see all the highest websites with ease. You can choose up a map of 17 Mile Drive on the Visitor’s Center, to comply with the 21 factors of curiosity.
Sure you’ll be able to spend the day checking all the pieces out, however in case you are brief on time, there are just a few should see stops. These had been our favorites.
9. China Rock
China Rock is one other stunning viewpoint on 17 Mile Drive. This was a Chinese neighborhood within the 1800s the place they constructed small lean-to properties towards the rocks.
10. Bird Rock
Our subsequent cease was one other stunning lookout at Bird Rock. Joaquin instructed us that it used to be a number of inches increased however they cleared away all of the chook poop.
Once they cleared the layer of dung away, the ocean lions took over for a bit however now that the layer of white chook droppings has taken over once more, it’s gone again to the birds providing nice sightings for chook watchers.
11. 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.
12. The Lone Cypress
We had been most wanting ahead to Cypress Point Lookout because it’s the photograph that we’ve seen all around the Internet of 17 Mile Drive. But it ended up being a bit disappointing to us. It appears that the majority photographers have finished their intelligent framing and positioning to make it appear extra thrilling than it’s.
If you need to seize that iconic shot that’s on most web sites, stroll over the fence and down onto a ledge that frames the tree by itself.
Even although we had been disillusioned, the Lone Cypress remains to be a should-cease on 17 Mile Drive. It is the image of Pebble Beach and the 250-yr-previous tree now has metal cables holding it up. If you handle to do the 17 Mile Drive within the close to future, you should 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 of farther alongside the highway was the Ghost Tree and that was a extra spectacular view for us. The sundown occurs straight behind the Ghost Tree (in March anyway) and it makes for a wonderful scene.
It’s a stark distinction to the Lone Cypress that’s nonetheless residing. This useless cypress tree with bare branches offers an ominous view of the ocean. Legend has it the Lady in Lace may be seen on the Ghost Tree on foggy nights.
14. Mansions
There are 21 factors of curiosity on 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 questioned, “who lives here?” How accomplish that many individuals have such enormous wealth?
The 17 mile drive homes are really 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 all the day!
15. Pescadero Point
Before biking 17 Mile Drive, we spent a day at Carmel By the Sea browsing with the Carmel Surf Company off its pretty lengthy sandy seaside. While there, our teacher identified Pebble Beach and we didn’t understand simply how shut the 17 Mile Drive was to the place we began.
Stopping at Pescadero Point gave us pretty views of Carmel Bay and Stillwater cove. It was our final scenic view earlier than slicing again into the Pebble Beach neighborhood and heading house to our keep at Carmel by the Sea.
16. Pebble Beach Visitor Center
The Pebble Beach Visitor Center 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 outside patio and meals and drinks. Hours: 8am to 7pm.
17. 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.
Today 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 plainly everybody you meet from Big Sur to Monterey asks in the event you went to Clint Eastwood’s ranch.
18. Pebble Beach Food and Wine Event
If you occur to be within the space in April, the annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Event has been a practice since 2008. More than 100 celeb cooks associate with 250 wineries establishing tasting rooms for wine tastings and meals pairings.
19. Carmel by the Sea
After a trip by way of the Lodge at Pebble Beach and the Pebble Beach Golf Links, we wove our method by way of the quiet again streets of Carmel by the Sea towards our lodging.
Our journey ended within the pretty city of Carmel by the Sea. We counsel spending the night time in Carmel as there are many issues to see and do. From buying in its boutiques to discover eating, it is a pretty romantic escape. We have a complete breakdown of issues to do in Carmel at The Best Things to do in Carmel by the Sea
Where to Stay On 17 Mile Drive
We spent two days in Carmel earlier than starting our highway journey down to Big Sur. There are loads of locations to keep in Carmel and you may also keep in Monterey which may be very shut to Pebble Beach.
The Hideaway
We liked our keep on the Hideaway Hotel in Carmel and felt compelled to advocate it as a house base on your exploration of each 17 Mile Drive, and Carmel by the Sea, however there are different locations to keep as nicely which we’ve got talked about on your reference.
The Hideaway is situated simply half a mile from the seaside however can also be centrally situated downtown.
Inn at Spanish Bay – Located on the Links Golf Course, the Inn at Spanish Bay is a luxurious retreat. All rooms have a comfortable fire and there are lots of eating choices out there at this 5-star resort overlooking Spanish Bay
Lodge at Pebble Beach – The Lodge at Pebble Beach dates again to 1919. Renovated to 5-star luxurious, the lodge is known for overlooking the 18th gap of the impeccable golf course situated on the ocean.
Casa Palermo – Located on the Pebble Beach Golf and Links, this Mediterranean Style Accommodation has 24 elegant rooms with an award-successful spa, golf, and 5-star facilities.
Where To Eat Along 17 Mile Drive
La Balena Cucina Toscana
With its central location in Carmel, we had been only a brief stroll from our dinner reservations at La Balena Cucina Toscana Carmel. Juniper Street 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 by way of Big Sur and Lake Tahoe. The ambiance was excellent as we dined on their out of doors patio with warmth lamps protecting us toasty heat. Run by Chef Emanuel Bartolini and his spouse, the restaurant captures Tuscan delicacies fantastically.
As you understand we’ve spent numerous time in Tuscany and felt fully at house consuming recent burrata with olive oil, gnocchi with truffles, and savory spaghetti Neri with clams, muscular tissues, prawns in a tomato chili brodo.
Carmel by the Sea is a superb base for each exploring Monterey and Big Sur and our time there was among the most nice days of our journey!
Pebble Beach Food
We didn’t eat in Pebble Beach, however there are many choices to eat at 17-mile drive eating places and you’re going to get your gate charge reimbursed in the event you eat at one of many pebble seaside firm eating places. Most folks picnic at one of many many seashores and picnic areas.
The hottest 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 – Frequently Asked Questions
How a lot does it value to drive 17 Mile Drive?
If strolling or biking 17 Mile drive is free. The Cost for vehicles 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 may get your gate charge again. Motorcycles will not be allowed on 17 Mile Drive.
Where do you begin 17 Mile Drive?
We began on the 17 Mile drive entrance on the Pacific Grove Gate at Pebble Beach gate. If you might be driving south from San Francisco alongside Highway 1 take the exit to CA 68 West in direction of Pebble Beach/Pacific Grove. You’ll then see indicators for the Pacific Grove Pebble Beach Gate entrance.
From Big Sur Adventures in Monterey, we cycled round ocean view boulevard to sundown drive and made our method to the Pebble Beach Gate the place 17 mile drive begins. You can even entry it from the nation membership gate, Carmel gate, S.F.B. Morse Gate, or Highway 1 Gate.
How lengthy is 17 Mile drive to see?
You can zip by way of the 17 miles rapidly, however we propose three to 4 hours to see all of the sights. Have lunch in Pebble seaside 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 Beach resorts within the 17 mile drive. The Inn at Spanish Bay, Casa Palmero, and the Lodge at Pebble Beach.
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 Beach resorts, you’ve got entry to it 24/7. The gates to Pebble Beach are patrolled 24 hours a day.
For extra info on 17 Mile Drive, Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey, go to the See Monterey Website.
Ebiking excursions of 17 Mile Drive, Big Sur, and Pacific Grove go to Big Sur Adventures. Tour packages begin at $59 per particular person.
For lodging in Carmel by the Sea take a look at The Hideaway for reservations and costs.
Read More About California
Our journey to California was in partnership with Visit California. For extra info on California journey and itineraries, go to their web site. As regular, all opinions are our personal.
