17 Mile Drive is no doubt one of the crucial scenic drives on this planet with gorgeous seashores, well-known cypress timber, rocky outcrops, and splendid mansions. Located on the Freeway 1 Coastal Route between Carmel by the Sea and Monterey, this drive takes you alongside the Monterey Peninsula by way of the Del Monte Forest and via one of many essential distinctive communities throughout the nation, Pebble Seaside, California.
Many people pay $11.25 to enter the well-known route in Pebble Seaside by vehicle, nevertheless for individuals who expertise a bicycle or stroll alongside the 17-mile stretch, it’s free!
Bikes aren’t allowed on 17 Mile Drive and we didn’t want to be caught in a vehicle, so we decided to cycle 17 Mile Drive. Nevertheless in its place of exerting an extreme quantity of vitality, we did it in sort on an e-bike. The great thing about e-biking is you can uncover the engaging freeway on two wheels with the comfort and velocity of a motorcycle free of price!
17 Mile Drive from Monterey – Pacific Grove to Carmel
Most people drive 17 mile Drive by renting a vehicle or taking a freeway journey. You’ll study vehicle rental comparisons at RentalCars.com.
17 Mile Drive Worth
- The entry fee is 11.25 for automobiles.
- Strolling and biking are free.
- Bikes aren’t allowed on 17 mile drive.
- In case you eat at one in every of many 17-mile drive consuming locations, you may get your gate fee reimbursed.
To Drive or Cycle 17 Mile Drive
17 Mile Drive is positioned regionally of Pacific Grove, It is solely a five-minute drive from Monterey, so this can be very simple to get to in case you’re staying in town. We met our data at Enormous Sur Adventures on Cannery Row the place we outfitted with helmets, water, and state-of-the-art e-bikes.
Regardless of which methodology you choose to see 17 Mile Drive, you may love the environment. Nonetheless, guests could also be heavy and there is a lineup to get into this scenic drive.
We found that by biking, we had various freedom and zipped earlier stopped automobiles in guests. Plus, with e-bikes, we didn’t work very exhausting because of they’re electrical bikes. We had the satisfying of using pedal vitality nevertheless had the extra improve of velocity to go uphill and expertise sooner with ease. We coated various flooring in our afternoon tour.
These E-bikes are fast. We averaged 20 miles (32km) an hour with out having to do any exhausting work. In case you want to zip spherical from place to place, the gears and throttle make it simple to hit excessive speeds, even going uphill. We barely broke a sweat.
Points to See on 17 Mile Drive
There are so many points to see and do on 17 Mile Drive, nevertheless Ocean View Boulevard and Sunset Drive have heaps to see as correctly, so we advise making a complete day journey to find this scenic coastal drive.
Proper right here’s a breakdown of the elements of curiosity on 17 Mile Drive and Ocean View Boulevard to Carmel.
1. Lovers Stage – Ocean Blvd
Lovers Stage is a picturesque seaside with photogenic rocky outcrops. It’s a most popular spot for locals to hold round and have picnics, play seaside volleyball, or catch a wave.
Sooner than coming into 17 Mile Drive, we stopped at a couple of scenic viewpoints alongside Ocean Boulevard to admire the views of the Monterey Peninsula. We started merely outside Monterey near the Monterey Bay Aquarium and to the Gate to Pebble Seaside. Lover’s Stage was a beautiful stop to marvel at the great thing about the coast. There gave the impression to be one pull-off after one different for automobiles to park and for people to get out and profit from the views.
2. Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation House
On the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation House, a gaggle of sea otters caught our eye. Not lower than a dozen of them have been collaborating in throughout the surf of the Monterey Peninsula.
We found that by the Twenties sea otters have been believed to be extinct attributable to overhunting. Nevertheless 50 or so survived alongside the coast. Some of us say they lived throughout the well-known Bixby Bridge area.
Instantly, sea otters are thriving throughout the area because of the efforts of the Monterey Bay Aquariums Sea Otter program. We watched at least a dozen of them swim in play throughout the surf and it was heartening to hearken to that they’ve returned.
Nevertheless they nonetheless face a vital menace from oil spills and meals availability. After a variety of minutes of watching the lovable little guys, we hopped on our e-bikes, put our gears on extreme, and zipped to the next stop.
Be sure that to try these totally different gorgeous spots for photos alongside Enormous Sur. These are highlights you don’t want to miss!
3. John Denver Memorial
It’s fascinating to hearken to of the movie stars and celebrities that frequented this area.
Clint Eastwood was the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea throughout the Eighties and virtually all people we talked to had some sort of film star story to tell of their establishment or group.
We e found that singer John Denver lived regionally for a 12 months sooner than his demise. His plane crashed throughout the waters merely off the coast. In 2007 a memorial was dedicated to the shores to rejoice his life.
4. Stage Pinos Lighthouse
As we meandered earlier million-dollar properties our data Joaquin recognized the Stage Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest still-operating lighthouse on the West Coast. It is nonetheless in use for the time being to help navigate ships they normally provide daily excursions. You might also like: The place to Camp in Enormous Sur
5. Pacific Grove Gate
We entered the Gates of Pebble Seaside at Pacific Grove Gate with out incident. We whizzed earlier automobiles lined as a lot as pay their entrance fee. Being on a bicycle, we had the freedom to find the paid portion of 17 Mile Drive on our private.
Having our bikes, we have now been driving earlier than most automobiles caught in guests which allowed us to see all the best web sites with ease. You’ll select up a map of 17 Mile Drive on the Buyer’s Coronary heart, to look at the 21 elements of curiosity.
Optimistic you can spend the day checking the whole thing out, nevertheless in case you’re transient on time, there are a few ought to see stops. These have been our favorites.
6. Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay
The Hyperlinks Golf course at Spanish Bay might be one of many essential gorgeous settings for golf throughout the US. It was designed to protect and restore the native dunes alongside the coast to allow the plant to regrow at Spanish Bay.
As a result of nursery constructed on-site, higher than 100,000 native species are replanted yearly creating a beautiful wild coast alongside Spanish Bay.
The Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay was the first Scottish Mannequin golf course in America opened in 1987 and was designed by five-time British Open champion Tom Watson. He well-known that “Spanish Bay regarded loads like Scotland, you’ll almost hear the bagpipe piping.” Ever since The Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay has had pipers play at sunset whereas the ultimate golfers find yourself on the course.
7. Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay Seaside is another scenic stop alongside an prolonged stretch of seaside. Throughout the late 1700s, the Spanish camped proper right here whereas looking for Monterey Bay. Confusion and sickness set in and 6 months later they returned having in no way found Monterey Bay. Little did they know, how shut they’ve been.
It wasn’t until a 12 months later with one different discovery social gathering that they actually discovered Monterey Bay which was hidden in plain sight. Spanish Bay was named for the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolà who camped proper right here in 1769 in no way discovering what he was looking for.
You might also hold proper right here on the Inn at Spanish Bay. It overlooks The Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay and is close to the Fowl Rock Vista overlook.
8. China Rock
China Rock is one different gorgeous viewpoint alongside the 17 Mile Drive. This was a Chinese language language group throughout the 1800s the place they constructed small lean-to properties in opposition to the rocks.
9. Fowl Rock
Our subsequent stop was one different gorgeous lookout at Fowl Rock. Joaquin instructed us that it was a variety of inches bigger nevertheless they cleared away all the rooster poop.
As quickly as they cleared the layer of dung away, the ocean lions took over for a bit nevertheless now that the layer of white rooster droppings has taken over as soon as extra, it’s gone once more to the birds offering good sightings for rooster watchers.
10. Seal Rock
Seal Rock is an environment friendly picnic area and is an excellent 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 world.
11. Crocker Grove
17 Mile Drive may be well-known for its dying Monterey cypress timber alongside the shore, nevertheless merely sooner than you attain the Lone Cypress Stage Lookout, make a stop in Crocker Grove. The Cypress Bushes of Crocker Grove are healthful and strong. You’ll moreover uncover among the many oldest and largest cypress timber on this planet proper right here.
The founding father of Pebble Seaside Samuel F.B. Morse, made sure to guard the world, and its Monterey cypress Bushes. The drive goes by way of 5300 acres along with the Del Monte Forest.
12. The Lone Cypress
We have now been most attempting forward to Cypress Stage Lookout to see the Lone Cypress as a result of it’s the {photograph} that we’ve seen all over the place within the Internet of 17 Mile Drive. It’s a widely known Monterey Cypress tree sitting alone on a rocky outcrop But it surely certainly ended up being a bit disappointing to us. Evidently most photographers have carried out their clever framing and positioning to make it seem further thrilling than it is.
Even though we have now been dissatisfied, the Lone Cypress continues to be a must-stop alongside the 17 Mile Drive. It is the picture of Pebble Seaside, California, and the 250-year-old tree now has steel cables holding it up. In case you deal with to do the 17 Mile Drive throughout the near future, you need to stop proper right here for a look because you in no way understand how for for much longer the Lone Cypress will last.
13. Ghost Tree
Only a bit farther alongside the freeway was the Ghost Tree and that was a further spectacular view for us. The sunset happens immediately behind the Ghost Tree (in March anyway) and it makes for a beautiful scene.
It’s a stark distinction to the Lone Cypress that is nonetheless residing. This ineffective cypress tree with naked branches gives an ominous view of the ocean. Legend has it the Lady in Lace could also be seen on the Ghost Tree on foggy nights.
14. Mansions
There are 21 elements of curiosity alongside the 17 Mile Drive route map, nevertheless none of them level out the $20-$40 million buck mansions that line the shore. Dave and I couldn’t think about the number of multimillion-dollar properties and puzzled, “who lives proper right here?” How accomplish that many people have such giant wealth?
The 17 mile drive properties are actually constructed for the rich and well-known and it is satisfying to consider who’s hiding behind the high-manicured hedges. We might have stopped for a peek at each property nevertheless that can have taken the entire day!
15. Pescadero Stage
Sooner than biking alongside 17 Mile Drive, we spent a day searching with the Carmel Surf Agency off its lovely prolonged sandy seaside. Whereas there, our instructor recognized Pebble Seaside and we didn’t perceive merely how shut 17 Mile Drive was to the place we started.
Stopping at Pescadero Stage gave us lovely views of Carmel Bay and Stillwater cove. It was our last scenic view sooner than decreasing once more into the Pebble Seaside group.
16. Pebble Seaside Buyer Coronary heart
The Pebble Seaside Buyer Coronary heart traces the historic previous of 17 Mile Drive from its beginnings as a carriage route in 1881. There are 20 reveals with interactive maps, an out of doors patio, and meals and drinks. Hours: 8 am to 7 pm.
17. Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks
There are a selection of world-class golf packages at Pebble Seaside and The Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay was voted one in every of many Best Public Golf Applications throughout the nation by Golf Digest. The 2019 US Open was held on the Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks.
- Totally different Golf Applications are:
- Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks
- Spyglass Hill Golf Course
- Del Monte Golf Course
- Pebble Seaside Golf Academy
Peter Hay Par-3 Golf Course – In case you don’t want to golf a full 18 holes whereas visiting Pebble Seaside, hit up the one Par 3 course throughout the area and be sure you see the a hundredth U.S. Open Monument that was put up in the midst of the 2000 U.S. to honor the win in 2000 (by Tiger Woods) and the alternative 99 winners of the 20th century.
18. The Lodge at Pebble Seaside
Lodge at Pebble Seaside – The Lodge at Pebble Seaside dates once more to 1919 and is an excellent place to stop in your journey throughout the drive. While you’ve bought the value vary, it’s moreover an superior place to stay in Pebble Seaside. It’s inside strolling distance of one other 17 mile drive sights along with Stage Joe and Fanshell Overlook.
This renovated to 5-star luxurious, the lodge is understood for overlooking the 18th hole of the impeccable golf course positioned on the ocean.
19. Mission Ranch
We even made the detour to go to Clint Eastwood’s well-known ranch. The Mission Ranch dates once more to the 1800s and was rescued by Eastwood whereas he was mayor of Carmel. It was set to be a rental progress.
Instantly it is a resort and restaurant set on 22 acres with sheep grazing throughout the meadow.
It’s worth a go to merely to say you’ve been there because of evidently all people you meet throughout the area asks for individuals who went to Clint Eastwood’s ranch.
Pebble Seaside Equestrian Coronary heart
We didn’t expertise horses all through our journey by way of 17 Mile Drive, nevertheless we observed a great deal of horses all through our hold throughout the area. The Pebble Seaside Equestrian Coronary heart provides guided excursions by way of its 27 miles of trails all through the Del Monte Forest. From the Equestrian Coronary heart you endure the Del Monte Forest to a Coastal Path the place you’ll take pleasure in a coastal picnic. We have now so as to add that to our document the next time we go to!
20. Pebble Seaside Meals and Wine Event
In case you happen to be throughout the area in April, the annual Pebble Seaside Meals & Wine Event has been a observe since 2008. Larger than 100 film star cooks affiliate with 250 wineries establishing tasting rooms for wine tastings and meals pairings.
21. Huckleberry Hill
We didn’t make it to Huckleberry Hill, nevertheless if in case you’ve got further time, you might make your methodology as a lot as this viewpoint that is 800 ft above sea diploma to overlook the Del Monte Forest. It is positioned on the Freeway-1 Gate earlier Shephard’s Knoll. Apparently this was John Steinbeck’s favorite stop on 17 Mile Drive.
22. Carmel by the Sea
After a expertise by way of the Lodge at Pebble Seaside and the Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks, we wove our methodology by way of the quiet once more streets in the direction of our lodging.
Our journey ended throughout the lovely metropolis of Carmel. We advocate spending the night in Carmel as there are numerous points to see and do. From buying in its boutiques to improbable consuming, it’s a lovely romantic escape. Now we have now a complete breakdown of points to do in Carmel at The Best Points to do in Carmel by the Sea
The place to Preserve On 17 Mile Drive
We spent two days in Carmel sooner than beginning our freeway journey down the Pacific Coast Freeway 1. There are lots of places to stay in Carmel and it is also doable to maintain in Monterey which can be very close to Pebble Seaside.
The Hideaway
We beloved our carry on the Hideaway Lodge in Carmel nevertheless there are totally different places to stay as correctly which now we have now talked about in your reference.
The Hideaway is positioned merely half a mile from the seaside nevertheless will also be centrally positioned downtown.
Inn at Spanish Bay – The Inn at Spanish Bay is positioned on the Hyperlinks Golf Course. All rooms have a cushty fireplace and there are many consuming selections on the market at this 5-star resort overlooking Spanish Bay
Casa Palermo – Located on the Pebble Seaside Golf and Hyperlinks, this Mediterranean Mannequin Lodging has 24 elegant rooms with an award-winning spa, golf, and five-star amenities.
The place To Eat Alongside 17 Mile Drive
La Balena Cucina Toscana
With its central location in Carmel, we have now been solely a short stroll from our dinner reservations at La Balena Cucina Toscana Carmel. Juniper Avenue seems to be the going down avenue for consuming locations and cafes in Carmel and every The Hideaway and Labalena are positioned on it.
La Balena was our favourite meal of our entire journey. The ambiance was wonderful as we dined on their outdoor patio with heat lamps sustaining us toasty warmth. Run by Chef Emanuel Bartolini and his partner, the restaurant captures Tuscan delicacies fantastically.
As you already know we’ve spent various time in Tuscany and felt totally at dwelling consuming modern burrata with olive oil, gnocchi with truffles, and savory spaghetti Neri with clams, muscle tissues, prawns in a tomato chili brodo.
Pebble Seaside Meals
We didn’t eat in Pebble Seaside, nevertheless there are numerous selections to eat at 17-mile drive consuming locations and you will get your gate fee reimbursed for individuals who eat at one in every of many pebble seaside agency consuming locations. Most people picnic at one in every of many many seashores and picnic areas.
The popular picnic spots are seal rock and stage joe. Pack a lunch and make a day of it. Or larger however, go to the pebble seaside market for some picnic meals.
17 Mile Drive – Incessantly Requested Questions
How loads does it worth to drive 17 Mile Drive?
If strolling or biking 17 Mile drive is free. The entry fee for automobiles is $11.25 on the gate, nevertheless for individuals who spend $35 or further at pebble seaside resorts consuming locations excluding pebble seaside market, you’re going to get your gate fee once more. Bikes aren’t allowed on 17 Mile Drive.
The place do you start 17 Mile Drive?
17 Mile Drive begins at Pacific Grove Gate at Pebble Seaside, California.
In case you’re driving south from San Francisco alongside Freeway 1 take the exit to CA 68 West within the course of Pebble Seaside, you’ll then see indicators for the Pacific Grove Pebble Seaside Gate entrance.
We started from Enormous Sur Adventures in Monterey and cycled spherical Ocean View Boulevard to sunset drive sooner than making our technique to the Pebble Seaside Gate the place 17 mile drive formally begins.
You might also entry 17 Mile Drive from the Nation Membership Gate, Carmel gate, S.F.B. Morse Gate, or Freeway 1 Gate.
How prolonged is 17 Mile drive to see?
You’ll zip by way of the 17 miles quickly, nevertheless we advise three to 4 hours to see all the sights. Have lunch in Pebble Seaside and make a day of it. There are seashores, scenic views and a great deal of places to catch sunset.
Is there lodging on 17 mile drive.
There are three luxurious Pebble Seaside resorts throughout the 17 mile drive. The Inn at Spanish Bay, Casa Palmero, and the Lodge at Pebble Seaside.
17 Mile Drive Hours of Operation
17 Mile drive is open from daybreak to sunset to company, nevertheless in case you’re staying in one in every of many Pebble Seaside resorts, you have entry to it 24/7. The gates to Pebble Seaside are patrolled 24 hours a day.
- For further information on 17 Mile Drive, Carmel, and Monterey, go to the See Monterey Website online.
- Ebiking excursions of 17 Mile Drive start at $59 per particular person.
- For lodging check out The Hideaway for reservations and prices.
Study Additional About California
Our journey to California was in partnership with Go to California. For further information on California journey and itineraries, go to their website. As widespread, all opinions are our private.
