17-Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel

“The Monterey Peninsula is the greatest meeting of land and sea that nature has produced.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

The 17-Mile Drive in Monterey has long been praised as the most beautiful stretch of road in California, and quite possibly all the world. From its origin in Pacific Grove, the clearly marked 17-Mile Drive winds through coastline, golf courses, mansions, cypress forests, and truly awe-inspiring sections of California’s geography to its conclusion in Carmel by the Sea.

Here is a summary of what you will see if you decide to tour the 17-Mile Drive. If you are intrigued, we’ve included a more detailed description of each stop along the way from Monterey to Carmel below.

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Highlights of Monterey’s 17-Mile Drive

beach waves on the shore
A sunset view of the California coastline.

There are so many highlights that this famous road could be called the “ultimate 17-Mile Drive of California”. Allow plenty of time to immerse yourself in its wonders. And don’t resist the temptation to jump out and explore (with camera in hand) the amazing sights along the way.

Homes of the rich and famous. The route travels through elegant Pebble Beach, CA, renowned for its celebrity residents. Often hidden behind signature cypress trees and private fences, their grandiose mansions sell for many millions of dollars and often blend perfectly into the stunning landscape.

Unforgettable ocean views. The most beautiful feature of the route is the access it provides to incredible beach views at stops like Stillwater Cove, Seal Rock and Spanish Bay. Turbulent waters, craggy rocks, and misty white waters create mile after mile of tantalizing shoreline.

Native wildlife. Spot an amazing variety of wildlife along this stretch of the California coastline. Many species of shorebirds make their roost at Bird Rock. Harbor seals and otters swim searching for food in thick kelp beds. Black-tailed deer can be caught scampering across the more forested parts of the area.

Instagram-worthy trees. The Lone Cypress Tree has sat on its cliff-tip perch for 250 years. It is a must-see attraction. There will be easy access to Crocker Grove, a 12-acre sanctuary protecting the oldest and rarest Monterey Cypress trees.

Hallowed grounds. There are six world-renowned courses along the 17-Mile Drive: Pebble Beach, Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill, Cypress Point, Poppy Hills, and Del Monte. The courses are popular with visitors and frequently hold celebrity golf tournaments.

Want to learn more about things to do in the Monterey Bay area? Check out our blogs about Monterey and Carmel.

In the next section, we’ll describe each of the stops along the route from start to finish. Then, we’ll answer frequently asked questions covering what you should know before you go. Be on the lookout for our Insider Tips!

All 17-Mile Drive Stops from Monterey to Carmel

To whet your appetite, here is a summary of the must-see vistas and points of interest along the route when entering from the Pacific Grove gate.

Note: You can also do the drive in reverse order! Start from the Samuel F. B. Morse gate off the California State Route 1.

Navigate to learn more:

1. Shepherd’s Knoll

Offers a breathtaking, panoramic view looking down on Monterey Bay. The spot is named for Abraham D. Shepard who built the upper, forested route.

2. Huckleberry Hill

On a clear day, you can see distant Santa Cruz from this tree-topper vista. Native huckleberry shrubs in these hills were frequented by writers Robert Louis Stevenson and John Steinbeck.

3. The Inn & Links at Spanish Bay

Beautifully located next to rolling sand dunes and in the middle of a Scottish-style links golf course, The Inn at Spanish Bay is a luxury hotel with elegant restaurant options.

About Spanish Bay

Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolà camped here with his ship’s crew in 1769 while exploring the coastline in search of Monterey Bay. This is a great stop to dip your toes in the ocean water or stop for a picnic (there are tables on the beach)!

4. The Restless Sea

One of the most turbulent sections of coastline in Pebble Beach. The sound of continuous crashing waves is incredibly soothing. The ocean’s churning brings food to the local marine life, making it a good place to spot sea mammals and shorebirds.

5. Point Joe

Early European explorers often mistook Spanish Bay for larger Monterey Bay and met disaster on these rocks trying to make their way to shore. Why Joe? In the early 1900s, a man named Joe tended goats and sold trinkets to tourists from his driftwood hut.

6. China Rock

Just down the coast from Point Joe, China Rock was the site of a small Chinese fishing village in the late 1800s.

7. Bird Rock

Uncountable birds leave “deposits” where they rest in the rocks of this ocean refuge. Look for Brandt’s cormorants, pelicans, and sea otters floating in the thick kelp beds.

extra Insider Tip

The is only one restroom along the entire route. Plan ahead!

8. Seal Rock

A great spot to stretch your legs while you picnic, explore tide pools, or hike on the boardwalk toward the colorful Gingerbread House. You won’t believe the number of seals you will see (and smell!) as they sunbathe on this rocky island.

9. Fanshell Overlook

A gorgeous panoramic beach and one of the most popular pupping habitats for California harbor seals on the Central Coast.

10. Cypress Point Lookout

A favored spot for expecting harbor seal mothers. During the spring pupping season, the lookout is closed to give the little ones some much-needed privacy. Thanks to the southwest view, the lookout is a great spot to catch a sunset.

11. Crocker Grove

This home to the oldest Monterey Cypress trees is named after Charles Crocker, the railroad baron who built the original 17-Mile Drive in 1881. Crocker Grove is one of only two native Monterey Cypress forests in the world.

12. Lone Cypress

lone cypress tree on top of a cliff
Overlooking the Lone Cypress tree.

For more than 250 years, the Lone Cypress has occupied this rocky pedestal overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is so iconic that Pebble Beach adopted the tree as its logo.

extra Insider Tip

This stop on the route has only a few parking spaces. Be patient, it’s worth it!

13. Ghost Tree

This stop at Pescadero Point is haunted by sun-bleached Monterey Cypress trees. It is also a legendary big wave spot where you can watch surfers deal with swells approaching 50 feet (~15 meters) in the right winter conditions.

14. Lodge at Pebble Beach

Find charming golf-themed shops to browse. Across from the Lodge is the Visitor Center containing the century-long history of the golf links. Enjoy refreshments at the Terrace Lounge overlooking the historic golf course!

15. Pebble Beach Golf Links

No public course can match the championship pedigree of Pebble Beach Golf Links. If you’re looking to play, a round at Pebble Beach costs more than $500. The other 3 public courses (Spyglass, Spanish Bay and Del Monte) are a bit more affordable.

16. The Pebble Beach Equestrian Center

Opened in 1924, just five years after Pebble Beach Golf Links. A great place for private horseback riding lessons, guided trail rides along the Pacific Coastline and horse show events.

17. Ford Meadow

Robert F. Ford was a generous donor to the Del Monte Forest Conservancy. The meadow was dedicated to his memory on August 26, 1981.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey

Monterey winery
Exterior of a Monterey winery.

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How do you get to the 17-Mile Drive from San Francisco?

From San Francisco, the East Bay or San Jose, navigate your way to Highway 17 in Los Gatos heading toward Santa Cruz. Just north of Santa Cruz, take exit 1B. Continue on Highway 1 toward Monterey for 40 miles until you reach the exit for Highway 68 West which leads to the Pacific Grove entrance. Total travel time is about 2 ½ hours.

How do you get to the 17-Mile Drive from Los Angeles?

From all points in Southern California navigate your way to Highway 101 in Paso Robles heading north. Stay on Highway 101 for 85 miles, exiting at Highway 68 West. Continue on 68W to the Pacific Grove gate, about 32 miles. Travel time is about 5-6 hours.

Where is the best starting point for the 17-Mile Drive?

The CA Highway 1 entrance (called the Sam F.B. Morse gate) is the most frequently used, but the best way to go is to begin at Pacific Grove entrance and go out through the Carmel gate. You can also do this in the reverse order.

How many stops are there on the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey?

There are 15 stops along the well-marked 17-mile route, not counting the restaurants, lodges, or golf courses. Each point of interest has easy access with paved parking for cars and RVs.

How long does it take to do the 17-Mile Drive?

Even though the drive is just 17 miles long, the pace is slowed by taking time to stop and take pictures of the many wonders along its route. Most visitors spend about 90 minutes on the drive, but it can take longer with a lot of stops.

What does it cost to take the 17-mile Drive in Monterey?

Access is available at the five gates where a $11.25 fee is charged per vehicle (as of Spring 2023). The receipt is a voucher that you can present at shops or restaurants along the route when you make a purchase of $35 or more. You can find the current toll pricing on the official website here.

extra Insider Tip

Booking with a tour company means that your toll is included with the price of your trip. In addition, you’ll save on gas – more cost effective and better for the environment!

When is the best time to take the 17-mile Drive in Monterey?

In fall or spring, coastal fog tends to be less of an issue, and ought to give you the best chance of clear photos. It’s best to avoid the drive during the Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament each February, the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival in April and the “Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance” auto show in August.

Are there restaurants on the 17-Mile Drive?

Elite restaurants requiring a reservation include The Inn at Spanish Bay and The Lodge at Pebble Beach. More casual options are the Stillwater Bar & Grill (seafood), The Tap Room (classic steakhouse), The Bench (grill), and Gallery Cafe (casual contemporary).

Where can you picnic along the 17-Mile Drive?

If you want to picnic along the route, you can collect supplies at the 5th Avenue Deli in downtown Carmel. You can also try the Pebble Beach Market next to The Lodge at Pebble Beach. The best picnic spots are near Seal Rock.

What should you bring along when taking the 17-Mile Drive?

The most important item to pack is your camera (or phone). A pair of binoculars can be helpful for spotting the birds, harbor seals, and sea otters. Bring a light jacket or long sleeve top – it can be cool and windy along the coast!

What is the weather like on the 17-Mile Drive?

The weather on the California coast is generally quite mild but winter storms can make it feel wet and chilly. Be prepared for differences. On the same day, it can be 80°F (27°C) and sunny in Monterey but only a windy 65°F (18°C) at Spanish Bay.

Where can you get a map of the 17-Mile Drive?

As you pass through the official entry gates you will be given a brochure with extensive information and an easy-to-follow map. Just follow the dashed red line on the roadway and posted signs along the route.

What is the history of the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey?

100 years ago, the route was a trail for covered wagons carrying guests from hotels to picnic grounds along Pebble Beach. Today, visitors continue to enjoy its crashing waves and pristine views.