The 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California first opened in 1881 to horse-drawn carriages and has since become one of the most famous scenic drives in the world. 17-Mile Drive is a privately owned 2-lane road that winds its way along the Monterey Peninsula through the Del Monte Forest, along the rocky Pacific Coast, and alongside several popular golf courses, including the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Even if you don’t have the money to spend on the expensive shopping, dining, and golfing at Pebble Beach, you get still get some million-dollar views of Monterey Bay, rocky beaches, cypress trees, marine animals, birds, exclusive homes, and famous golf courses by taking this coastal drive.

We’ll provide all the basic information you need to know to take the 17 Mile Drive, share some tips and advice so you can get the most out of your trip, and tell you about our experience taking the scenic drive.

Basic Information on the 17-Mile Drive

Here is some information to help you plan your trip to and along the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach.

Where is it?

The drive itself is in Pebble Beach, stretching from Pacific Grove to Carmel. You can enter the 17-Mile Drive through five different gates: Pacific Grove Gate [gate is off Sunset Drive], Country Club Gate [gate off of Congress Avenue], S.F.B Morse Gate [gate off of Sunset Drive], Highway 1 Gate [gate off Highway 1 and 68], and the Carmel Gate [gate off San Antonio Avenue].

If you are driving along 68 or Highway 1, you’ll start to see signs once you get close.

I would suggest entering from the main Highway 1 entrance gate at Pebble Beach, as starting here makes it the easiest to follow along with the map. We normally start here and then exit at the Carmel gate. But you can enter (and exit) at any gate and still see all of the sights.

This is an easy attraction to visit along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Hours of Operation?

The 17 Mile Drive is open between sunrise and sunset to visitors. The gates are manned 24 hours a day.

Cost of the 17-Mile Drive?

Yes, unfortunately there is a fee to drive this privately-owned stretch of road (whether you are doing the 17 Mile Drive or not). The fee (as of May 2019) is $10.50 per vehicle.

However, those on bicycles can enter for free. Motorcycles are not allowed on the road.

Residents, guests of residents, and those with overnight hotel reservations (at the The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay and Casa Palmero) are allowed to drive in for free with confirmation.

Those who eat at one of the restaurants in Pebble Beach will be able to get their gate fee reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at one of the Pebble Beach Resort restaurants along the drive. Just make sure you give your gate receipt to the server and they can deduct it from your bill.

Duration?

I would allow 3 hours to make this drive by car and leave plenty of time for stopping, walking around, and taking pictures. I would allow half a day if you plan to stop a lot, eat, and do some shopping. Also note that if there is a lot of traffic, you may need to drive quite slowly during parts of the drive.

Stopping Points Along the 17-Mile Drive?

Make sure you get a map from the gate, along with your receipt so that you can follow along. The map does a good job of briefly explaining the 17 points of interest (there used to be 21!) along the route.

You’ll see markers along the route that correspond to the listed sights and for most of these sights, there are parking areas where you can stop and get out of the car if you choose. The roads are well-signed to help you stay on the designated drive.

Can I do the 17-Mile Drive Without a Car?

The answer is actually yes! For two reasons, you can actually do it by bike (but not motorcycle) or via a group tour.

For those wanting to cycle the route, you can bring your own bicycle, or rent one in Monterey.

So if you are staying in San Francisco and don’t have a car you might consider booking a day tour, many of which include many other popular stops in nearby Monterey and Camel:

• This popular day tour from San Francisco includes a visit to Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach
• If you are looking for a private day tour, this one goes to the same spots but offers you a driver and private SUV transport for the day. Great for families and small groups.

If you are looking for a multi-day guided tour (either from San Francisco or Los Angeles) that explore more of California and still includes the 17-mile Drive, here are a few to choose from:

• This 3 day small group tour starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles, and travels along the California coast stopping in several towns, including Cambria, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Santa Barbara. It also includes the 17-mile Drive, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Hearst Castle.
• This whirlwind 3 day tour from Los Angeles includes stops in Santa Barbara, Solvang, Yosemite National Park, Carmel, and San Francisco. It includes the 17-mile drive and a visit to Hearst Castle.

Can I Golf at Pebble Beach?

Short answer is yes, there are 5 golf courses located here (4 championship courses and a nine-hole par-3 course), and anyone can book a tee time here. They are all public courses. 

However, your chances of getting a tee time at one of the most popular golf resorts is much higher if you plan to spend at least 2 nights at one of the Pebble Beach hotels. As those who are staying at one of the resorts have booking priority over non-guests.

As of the current guidelines, guests of The Lodge at Pebble Beach and The Inn at Spanish Bay may book golf reservations at the Pebble Beach Company courses up to 18 months in advance and guests of Casa Palmero 12 months in advance.

However, non-resort guests may book reservations at The Links at Spanish Bay and Del Monte Golf Course (located in Monterey and the most affordable of the Pebble Beach Company’s courses) up to 6 months in advance, Spyglass Hill Golf Course up to 3 months in advance, and Pebble Beach Golf Links only 1 day in advance.

So if you really want to play Spyglass or Pebble Beach, it is probably best to stay at the resort if you really want to golf here. As otherwise your chances are not very good, especially to play at Pebble Beach.

You can find golfing rates, lodging availability, and golf booking guidelines on the Pebble Beach Resorts website here.

Less expensive and more available alternatives with good views include the Peter Hay 9-hole Par-3 Golf Course ($30 for unlimited play) located in exclusive Pebble Beach and the Pacific Grove Golf Links located in nearby Pacific Grove (rates around $60 to $80 for 18 holes).

Where can I find out more Information about the 17-Mile Drive?

You can find more information at Pebble Beach Resorts website which contains some limited information on the 17-Mile Drive drive or call the Pebble Beach Visitor Center at +1 831-622-6394. 

Other Tips for the 17 Mile Drive?

Here are some tips for driving the 17-Mile Drive:

• Restrooms are available along the route and are marked on the provided map. Most of the public bathrooms are located at the golf courses with the exception of one located at the Bird Rock/Seal Rock stop.

• Restaurants are available along the route at all of the golf courses, and many offer some great views. However, note that most are quite expensive. However, you do get your gate fee reimbursed with the purchase of $35 or more. Just make sure you give your gate receipt to the server.

• If you would like to eat a specific restaurant, I would recommend calling ahead and making reservations. You can call the specific restaurant or call the general Pebble Beach Resorts Department at 1-800-877-0597 to make dining reservations (note that reservations are not needed for the bars, lounges, and cafes). Resort attire expected in the restaurants.

•  If you don’t want to eat at one of the restaurants, you can dine al fresco at one of the designated picnic areas and picnic tables are available. I would try Spanish Bay or Seal Rock for a scenic picnic.

• For picnic goodies, there are two Safeway supermarkets nearby (1212 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA and 5 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel, CA ‎) and the 5th Avenue Deli (3300 5th Avenue, Carmel, CA) in downtown Carmel is a great place to pick up some sandwiches and snacks. If you are looking for gourmet goodies, you can stop and pick up some picnic supplies at the Pebble Beach Market located right outside The Lodge at Pebble Beach.

• You can stay in Pebble Beach with your choice of three pricey accommodation options: The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Case Palmero, and The Inn at Spanish Bay. You can check the Pebble Beach resort lodging prices and availability here. For other lodging options near the drive, you can search options here. 

•  For shopping, shops are located at The Lodge at Pebble Beach and at the Inn at Spanish Bay. There is also a spa located near Casa Palmero.

• The views along the 17-Mile Drive is best when the skies are clear, so for the best chance of clearer skies, go in the afternoon. However, if you happen to be a fog lover, like Ethan’s mom, go in the mornings to catch some great fog views.

• Regarding weather, best times of year are Fall and Spring, but any season can still offer great views. The busiest time of year is from April to November.

• Make sure you dress in layers or bring a jacket as it can be quite cool next to the water. Also don’t forget to pack sun protection (e.g., sunglasses, hat, sunscreen lotion) and a reusable water bottle.

• The sunset views here are wonderful so if you have the opportunity to hang around until sunset, I would do so for some spectacular views and photo opportunities.

• Note that during festivals and large golf tournaments, the drive is likely to be closed or packed so check the Pebble Beach website for any big events during your stay.

• If you are interested in seeing the marine life up close, bring a pair of binoculars or a camera with a good zoom. If you are interested in a new travel camera, we have loads of articles the best travel cameras from compact cameras to mirrorless cameras to DSLR cameras.

• There are live golf webcams you can check out on the Pebble Beach website if you want to check on the current weather or get a more up close view of some of the links.

• Respect fencing and signs asking you not to walk on or go into certain areas. These are generally there to help protect the local wildlife and fragile environment. Fanshell Overlook, and Cypress Point, for instance, are normally closed from April to June to protect the harbor seals who give birth there.

• Stillwater Cove is a popular local diving, boating, and kayaking spot with lots of interesting marine life. The beach is open during daylight hours and access to the beach is through The Beach & Tennis Club parking lot. They regulate the number of divers (10 per day) and parking reservations can be made in advance by calling 831-625-8536 (if that doesn’t work you can call The Beach & Tennis Club at (831- 625-8500). Call in advance for diving regulations and equipment drop-off instructions.

• If you want to do a guided kayaking tour, Adventures by the Sea offers kayaking tours that include Stillwater Cove.

• Surfers might want to try their luck at Spanish Bay Beach.

•  The 17-Mile Drive can be quite busy and certain popular stops (Seal Rock, The Lone Cypress) can be crowded especially if there are tour buses. Avoid weekends to best avoid crowds and just allow time for any tour buses to clear out to fully enjoy the views.

•  If you are on a tight schedule, our five favorite stops are probably Spanish Bay, Bird Rock, Seal Rock, Cypress Point Lookout, and the Lone Cypress. To walk around a bit, we like Huckleberry Hill, Spanish Bay, Seal Rock, and Cypress Point Lookout.
• If you’d like an audio tour of the route, you can download this smartphone app which gives GPS based audio descriptions of the route as you go

Our Experience of Driving the 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach

The first time Ethan and I visited Monterey and Carmel, we decided not to do the 17-Mile Drive. I was opposed to the idea of having to pay to drive along a scenic road and have almost no interest in golf. However, a year later when Ethan’s family was visiting, we decided to do the drive as we decided it was an efficient way to see some good scenery.

More recently, we would do the drive a second time during my parent’s visit. The photos below are highlights from both of these visits.

During both visits, we started the 17 Mile Drive at the Highway 1 entrance gate. You pay the fee to the person in the booth and you’ll be given a 17-Mile Drive map. Just follow the signs and the painted path and you’ll have no trouble following the scenic drive.

First, we stopped briefly at Shepherd’s Knoll for the view of the Monterey Bay & Santa Cruz Mountains and then onto Huckleberry Hill where we got out and walked around a bit. There are some dirt trails that allow you to walk around a bit.

We discovered what must be huckleberry bushes growing all over the place. This was a pleasant place to walk around with some good views of trees and water in the distance.

We drove past the Poppy Hills Golf Course and Links at Spanish Bay. The Links at Spanish Bay is a Scottish-style golf course and at the end of each day a bagpiper walks around and plays at the course. I have to admit, while I have very little interest in golf, the courses at Pebble Beach come with some pretty amazing views.

Next, we stopped and got out at Spanish Bay, which is one of my favorite stops. This is a great place to walk around, frolic on the beach, and have a picnic. It is also popular with local surfers and residents out walking.

The Restless Sea, Point Joe, and China Rock are all worth a stop and all provide placards about interesting marine history regarding shipwrecks and fishermen.

However, my next favorite scenic stops were Bird Rock and Seal Rock which are very close to one another. You’ll definitely want to get out here and look at the offshore rocks for the birds, sea lions, and harbor seals. Seal Rock is usually covered with marine life. This is also a great place to walk and climb around on the rocks and there is a picnic area and restroom here.

There are coin-operated telescopes across from Seal Rock that you can use to get a closer view. However, this is also a popular tour bus stop so be prepared for possible crowds at this stop.

Next we drove along past Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Fanshell Overlook without stopping, but made our next stop at the Cypress Point Lookout.

There are some great views of the coastline here and if are lucky, you may spot some seals or sea otters here. We saw some marine mammals floating in the sea kelp during our last visit, but were not sure exactly what species.

The next must-see stop is the Lone Cypress. The cypress has been perched in this rocky spot for an estimated 250 years so far. This iconic tree is the symbol of Pebble Beach Company and in fact the company has trademarked this actual tree. There is also the so-called Ghost Tree at the next stop which is a cypress tree with a trunk that has been bleached white from the wind and elements.

After all these great sights we were getting tired so didn’t stop much the rest of the route. We did a brief stop at The Lodge at Pebble Beach for some pictures of the Pebble Beach golf course and a restroom break. You’re able to enjoy views of the famous 18th fairway and green and you are also likely to spot some deer nearby. This is also the spot to stop if you want to gain entrance to Stillwater Cove.

We then headed out through the Carmel gate, completing the 17 Mile Drive.

So is the 17 Mile Drive worth the admission price? I still think it is a shame you have to pay, but clearly we enjoyed the 17 Mile Drive enough the first time to do it a second time. While there are other free scenic drives along the coast between Monterey and Carmel, the 17-Mile Drive is a probably a bit better in our opinion.

However, there are also great views if you continue south to Big Sur along Highway 1 that are also free and just as dramatic. So while there are plenty of other great views in the area that can be had for free, we do think that the money we spent was well worth the few hours of scenic views.

We’ve also been lucky in having not experienced any significant traffic issues or large crowds during our drives. The great thing about doing this drive, compared to just driving along a regular road, is that there are lots of safe places to stop, walk around, picnic, and get lots of great pictures.

Have questions for us about the 17-Mile Drive? Have you done it? What did you think and what were your favorite stops and sights along the way?