Things to Do at 17 Mile Drive
Complete Guide to 17 Mile Drive in Monterey
About 17 Mile Drive
What to See & Do
The Lone Cypress
Perched on a granite outcrop above the churning sea, this single Monterey cypress is the symbol of 17 Mile Drive. You see it clinging to life. Its branches are permanently bent and frayed by decades of Pacific gales. The view from the fenced lookout point lets you hear the waves crashing directly below. You feel the full force of the ocean wind. This makes the tree's resilience palpable. It is a quiet, almost solemn spot. Other visitors are present.
Bird Rock
This massive sea stack is almost always alive with movement and noise. You see it carpeted in white from a distance. This resolves into hundreds of cormorants, pelicans, and gulls. They jostle for space. The real show happens below. You can watch sea lions and harbor seals basking on the lower rocks. They bark and grunt over each other. The smell is distinctly marine and potent. It is a mix of guano and salty decay. This is true on a warm day.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Even if you are not a golfer, the sight of these legendary fairways is impressive. They roll right to the edge of the cliffs. You see impossibly green grass contrasted against the deep blue of the ocean. The sound of a well-struck drive occasionally cuts through the ambient roar. The vibe around the Lodge at Pebble Beach is one of hushed, expensive calm. The scent of cut grass and polished wood mixes in the coastal air.
Fanshell Beach Overlook
This pull-off offers one of the most dramatic vistas on the drive. You look down onto a crescent of bright white sand. It is often completely empty. Dark, seaweed-covered rocks frame it. The water here shifts from emerald green near the shore to a deep, inky blue. The sound of the surf is a constant, rhythmic boom. From spring to early summer, it is a protected area for harbor seal pupping. You might see fuzzy pups resting on the sand. Observe from a respectful distance.
The Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point
Near the northern end of the drive, a stand of Monterey cypresses has been bleached bone-white. Salt and sun did this. These skeletal forms create an eerie, beautiful sculpture garden against the sky. Their twisted, bare branches are striking. You feel a cool breeze channeling through their trunks. You hear the wind whistling a different, higher-pitched tune. Compare this to the low roar from the living forest sections.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
The road is open to the public from sunrise to sunset every day. Gates at the entrances close in the evening. You need to be out by the posted closing time. This time changes seasonally.
Tickets & Pricing
There is a per-vehicle fee to enter 17 Mile Drive. It is collected at one of the five gates. The fee is typically credited back if you dine at one of the restaurants within the Pebble Beach community. You will need to keep your receipt. You must have it validated.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon is a good bet. The light turns golden and soft. It is good for photos. The coastal fog that often shrouds the area in the morning tends to have burned off. That said, mornings can be wonderfully quiet and moody. This is true if you do not mind the possibility of mist. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded than weekends.
Suggested Duration
Most people spend about two to three hours. This assumes they are making most of the major stops. They take pictures and walk a bit at the overlooks. If you plan to have a meal or do any significant hiking, you could easily make a half-day or more of it. Trails branch off from some turnouts.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Just south of the Carmel Gate, this place is like 17 Mile Drive's wilder cousin. It is more rugged. It pairs well. It offers similar impressive coastal scenery. It has an extensive network of hiking trails. These let you get right down to the water's edge. You hear sea lions louder. You smell the dense aroma of sage scrub along the paths.
This storybook village sits at the southern end of the drive. It is the ideal place for a meal or a stroll after your tour. Its fairy-tale cottages and boutique-lined streets offer a change of pace. It is different from the raw natural drama of the coast. Pop into a gallery or tasting room. It helps shift gears.
At the northern start of the drive, this rocky shoreline in Pacific Grove is a fantastic tide-pooling area. It pairs well as a follow-up. It is more hands-on and exploratory. You can look for sea stars and anemones in the shallow pools. Feel the cool, slippery kelp underfoot.
Located on nearby Cannery Row, this excellent aquarium provides underwater context. It relates to everything you have seen from the cliffs. After spotting seals and birds from afar on 17 Mile Drive, come here. See the vast kelp forest tank and playful otters up close. It creates a wonderfully complete coastal experience.
Tips & Advice
Tours & Activities at 17 Mile Drive
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