Date of travel: May 29, 2025
Our recent California tour took us on an unforgettable journey to Carmel and the legendary 17-Mile Drive. This breath taking scenic drive along coastal cliffs offered stunning views of the Pacific Ocean crashing against rocky shores. Truly one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives!
A Brief History:
The 17-Mile Drive has its roots in the late 19th century. Shortly after the Hotel Del Monte opened its doors in June 1880, a scenic drive was established for its guests. Initially known as the Scenic Drive or the 18-Mile Drive, this route featured the iconic Lone Cypress tree as its midway point.
The Route
The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic road that winds through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula, California. As the main road through the gated community of Pebble Beach, it’s operated by Pebble Beach Corporation. The 17-mile loop has entrances in Pebble Beach, Carmel, and Pacific Grove, with the main entrance at Highway 1 (Cabrillo Highway) and Highway 68 (Holman Highway).
Entrance Fee
- $12.25 per vehicle (reimbursable with $35+ purchase at Pebble Beach restaurants)
- Free for cyclists, pedestrians, and resort residents
- No motorcycles allowed
- Open from sunrise to sunset
Major Attractions
- Dramatic coastal cliffs
- Snow-white beaches
- Mystical forests
- Iconic golf courses
- Luxurious celebrity homes
Golf Courses
Some of the world-famous golf courses along the route include:
- Pebble Beach Golf Links: Ranked among the best in the world and hosts US open frequently.
- Spyglass Hill Golf Course: stunning views and challenging layouts.
- The Links at Spanish Bay: famous for its lovely coastal scenery.
- Peter Hay Golf Course: It has accessible option for all level golfers.
- Pacific Grove Golf Links: This one is for affordable golf experience for public.
Celebrities and 17-Mile Drive
This stunning location is not only renowned for its natural beauty but also for its affluent residents and world-famous celebrities. Notable residents include Clint Eastwood, Condoleezza Rice, Brad Pitt, and Taylor Swift, among others. Famous authors like Robert Louis Stevenson and Henry Miller, as well as surrealist painter Salvador Dali, have also called this place home.
Our Journey
We embarked on our journey from San Francisco, entering the 17-Mile Drive through the Country Club Gate. As we drove along this winding route, we were treated to breath taking views of lush green forests and pristine beaches. The scenic points of interest along the way left us in awe, with unforgettable landmarks that will forever be etched in our memories.
We received a map at the gate and had decided the locations where we should stop. The route allows for self-directed travel with frequent turnouts along the roadway which allow stopping to take pictures or strolling along the ocean or among the trees. Highly interesting and fascinating, is not it?
First Stop – We passed by famous golf course, Links at Spanish Bay and turned towards the ocean and stopped at Moss Beach (Del Monte Forest). This location offers a peaceful escape with beautiful ocean views and lovely running trail by the ocean. One should not confuse this with the other famous Moss Beach which is a coastal town located near Half Moon Bay.
Second Stop: Few meters away was famous Point Joe, an incredible point where rocks jutting out into the ocean and covered with mist. With seabirds flying all over and chaotic wind coupled with roars of ocean, a surreal vibe is created all over. The place is aptly described as point of restless sea.
Third Stop: As we drove along we reached Spanish Bay Vista point located 500 meters away from Moss Beach. This scenic spot has a great boardwalk facility and famous for Sunset viewing. Pacific Ocean is mighty here as it crashes on the rocks at this point.
Fourth Stop: Two minutes driving and tucked away along the gorgeous route is China Rock Vista Point. Named after old settlement of Chinese fishermen communities, this hidden gem offers sweeping views of Pacific, rugged cliffs and dramatic rock formations.
Fifth Stop: Very close was Granite Beach, a white sandy beach with mini bay areas and a great spot to watch sea weeds.
Sixth Stop: Famous Bird Rock Vista Point was next attraction. This scenic spot offers great views of the ocean, rocks and wildlife. We watched sea lions and seals on the rocks in the middle of the ocean and they were moving and jumping. Various birds and otters can be spotted here too. This location has public restrooms, though not very clean.
Seventh Stop: We passed by Seal Rock beach and Seal Rock Vista Point to reach beautiful Fanshell Beach. This beach offers serene atmosphere with white sand, turquoise water and gentle waves.
Eighth Stop: We drove through famous Cypress Point golf club to reach Sunset Point Overlook. We had heard that Sunset views from here look absolutely magical. By the time we reached, clouds started gathering all over and we missed the surreal sunset view. However, views of the coastline and the ocean were terrific.
Ninth Stop: We drove gently through towering monetary cypress trees at Crocker Grove and peaceful but stunning Del Monte Forest to reach the most famous attraction of the drive, The Lone Cypress.
This iconic tree is a salt- pruned 250- year old monetary cypress perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Pacific and is the official symbol of Pebble Beach. The location is fenced with well-maintained viewing platform and designated parking area. Tranquil and spiritual atmosphere as well as earthy smell of the forest here mesmerised us.
Final Stop was Pebble Beach, a mix of natural beauty and luxury. World-class golf courses, breath-taking coastal views and stunning beaches coupled with awe inspiring, jaw dropping mansions of reach and famous make this beach and the 17-Mile Drive truly an otherworldly experience.
Tips:
- Dress in layers: The climate can be unpredictable, so it’s best to dress in layers to stay comfortable.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to visit, offering beautiful lighting and fewer crowds.
- Check the weather: Clear sunny days are perfect for enjoying the scenic views. Check climate bulletins before heading out.
- Bring a camera: A special camera can help capture the stunning scenery and memorable moments.
- Take your time: Don’t rush the drive. Allocate at least 3-4 hours to fully enjoy the experience and take in the breath taking views.
- Follow speed limits: Be mindful of speed limits, pedestrians, and joggers along the route to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
54 thoughts on “Discovering 17-Mile Drive in California”
Wow, wonderful so amazing, very useful guidance for planning about this tour. Thanks for information about your lovely amazing trip.
Thank you so much
Very well described and narrated .
Thanks a lot.
Nothing to say, in one word fabulous 👌👌👌
Thank you for your lovely feedback,Rajat
Wow! Very nice trip and thank you for the trip guidance.
Thanks Amit for your feedback
Beautiful description along with the pictures, truly describes the lovely views and experience on this drive.
Such nice and lovely comments. They encourage me a lot.
Loved the detailed insights and stunning visuals! 17-Mile Drive has been on my list, and your post just bumped it to the top. Great tips and beautiful storytelling!
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback
All pictures & description of all places which you visited are very nice and lively . Please go on .
Thanks Uttam for your great cooments
Hi Sandip, really so vivid description of the 17 mile drive felt as if I was there. Very elaborate. Just waiting to explore it. Please post more blogs on your recent travel.
Thanks Dr Shetty for your encouraging feedback. I will surely post more.
Wow! Just marvelous! The whole trip has been sooo beautifully elaborated n d pics are really lovely.
You have mentioned dat this place was initially known as 18 mile, but now it’s called 17th mile. Could you please tell how n when this change came about ?
Thanks for your feedback.
The road was originally built by Pacific Improvement company in 1892 in which hotel Del Monte was the starting and finishing point. The hotel operators called it 18-mile drive, probably they used to include the hotel compound in the driving distance. Later it was known 17-mile Drive
Absolutely amazing to go thru the vivid & elaborate write ups with wonderful , breathtaking pics !! Thoroughly enjoyed every bit of your fantastic trip, specially the 17 th mile drive is just out of the world!! Keep adding more blogs on your interesting travel to US!
Thank you so much for such lovely feedback.
Traveling and exploring keeps one in good frame of mind. Learns cross culture and many practical problem solving
Thanks for your comments.
Beautiful description and lots of info on the 17 mile drive that not many are aware of. As you said, truly requires time and good weather to enjoy the magnificent Pacific Ocean views.
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback.
Beautiful description along with the pictures, truly describes the lovely views and experience on this drive.
Thank you so much for your encouraging feedback.
What a vivid, immaculate description with marvellous pics of your journey.. as if you can visualise everything in front of your eyes! Great job… continue with your blogs….
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback. I will do surely.
Beautifully described it really brought back memories of the place it’s really very well covered
The pictures are awesome
Thanks
Lovely comments and nice feedback. Thank you so much,Kamlesh
Wow what amazing pictures and description it brought back memories thanks
Thanks a lot for your feedback.
Awesome description, Sandip! Obviously, you guys enjoyed the trip. I liked the pictures. Even though a sunny day would have been different, the overcast brought a new dimension to the bay shots. Keep blogging away.
Thanks dear for such encouraging feedback.
what an exquisitely beautiful travelogue Sandip; with Nature & family togetherness pictures that have a dreamlike magical quality; mesmerising to say the least; and useful too; for travel tips, directions, fees & rest stops
keep writing, keep sharing, keep opening the windows of your soul for the world to see ♥️
Such lovely and encouraging feedback Dibyendu. Very happy that you liked it. Your feedback matters a lot.
Harin & Indira Bhayani
June 26, 2025 at 8:12 am
Madhvi, Sandeep & Shamik
Finally you made it; your visit to SF Bay area that we have been waiting for so long. We are here for the last fifty-six years & never a dull moments in life. The picturesque topography of the land is just unbelievable… the mountains, serene blue-green ocean , the majestic redwoods, the Golden Gate Bridge …., too many scenic points to describe. So glad that you all were with us with so many wonderful memories to share with you. Looking forward to see you soon.
Harin, Indira & extended families.
Thank you uncle and auntie. We really had a great time together. Your encouraging words, valuable tips, great hospitality de us enjoy California in such a memorable way that every moment we think about you all and our picture perfect destinations as suggested by you.
Best Regards.
Sir this is place is amazing and you have described in your words and made us speechless beautiful place you have enjoyed and made us as well
Thank you so much for your nice feedback.
Very well captured and beautifully described , the splendor and beauty of this place is truly breathtaking.
Thank you so much. Trip was memorable because all of you were there with us, planned so well, executed so meticulously.
Excellent photos, travelling description
Thank you so much for your reviews.
Very informative
Lovely feedback. Happy that you liked them.
Very nicely explained in detail. Thanks a lot for your efforts Sandeep.
Thanks Kishore for your encouraging and lovely feedback.
Wow, this drive seems to be great 👍 Thanks for sharing your guidance and photos…felt like I am there itself! Appreciate your overall description… waiting to check your next Blog☺️
Thanks for such encouraging remarks.
What a wonderful and magical description of this trip! I took the same journey with my family back in 2007, and reading this brought back so many sweet memories. It’s amazing how, even after 18 years, those moments still feel so special.
Thank you for helping me relive them—your words truly touched my heart. Please keep writing and sharing these beautiful experiences for all of us who cherish travel and the joy it brings!
Thank you Purnadeep that you liked the article. Wish we could do this trip together. Your feedback really encourage me.
Beautiful description and pics of the iconic 17 mile drive in Monterey, CA! Lived near all my life and didn’t even know all the historical significance! Well done Sandipbhai!!
Thank you Gira for your lovely feedback. I am so glad that you liked the article