If you’re exploring California’s central coast, the 17-Mile Drive is a must-see. Famous for its stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and iconic Lone Cypress, this scenic route offers a perfect snapshot of the Monterey Peninsula’s natural beauty and history.
Whether you’re cruising in a classic 1965 Mustang convertible or driving a family vehicle, the 17-Mile Drive delivers an unforgettable experience. Along the route, you’ll encounter cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, sea otters lounging in coastal kelp forests, and sandy beaches tucked between rocky cliffs.
For those who appreciate luxury and leisure, the drive also passes world-class golf courses, elegant coastal estates, and charming towns with excellent dining and shopping options. With something for every traveler, the 17-Mile Drive has been celebrated for over a century as one of America’s most scenic coastal routes.
Entrances to the 17-Mile Drive
The official 17-Mile Drive, managed by Pebble Beach Company, loops around famous golf courses, luxury estates, and scenic coastline. Most visitors enter at the Highway 1 gate in Pacific Grove. Start early, follow the clockwise route, and stop at key viewpoints for the best photos. This ensures a smooth, crowd-free drive and lets you enjoy all the iconic stops, from the Lone Cypress to Bird Rock
Highway 1 Gate
Address: Highway 1 Gate 17 Mile Dr, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
This gate is the easiest one to access directly from Highway 1. Going left after the gate will take you towards ford meadow and is the quickest way to the coast, while going right will take you through the cypress and pine forest towards Huckleberry Hill.
Carmel Gate
Address: Carmel Way, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Located on the southern end of Pebble beach, this gate connects to the bottom of Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel.
Pacific Grove Gate
Address: 2790 17 Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
Located near the coast in the lovely little town of Pacific Grove, this is the gate you’ll enter if you follow our suggested route below.
Our Recommended Route for the 17-Mile Drive
Start your 17-Mile Drive adventure near historic Monterey, where the original route began at the Del Monte Hotel in 1880. For a unique twist, begin at our classic car showroom — open daily with vehicles from every decade since the 1920s — and consider renting a classic car to enhance your drive.
Follow signs for Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium to enjoy views of historic Monterey before turning onto Ocean View Boulevard, a scenic stretch that leads to the Pacific Grove gate of 17-Mile Drive.
Keep the ocean on your right to enjoy unobstructed views and easy access to scenic turnouts. Key stops along the way include Lover’s Point, Point Pinos Lighthouse, and Asilomar Beach. Shortly after Asilomar, you’ll reach the entrance to Pebble Beach and the official 17-Mile Drive loop.
Best Stops Along the 17-Mile Drive
If you’re following our recommended route, you’ll turn right at the 17-Mile Drive fork toward Spanish Bay. Below are the top scenic stops, viewpoints, and highlights along the way.
The best stops along 17-Mile Drive include Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Bird Rock, Seal Rock Beach, Cypress Point, Crocker Grove, the Lone Cypress, Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point, and several scenic overlooks near Pebble Beach.
1. Spanish Bay Beach
One of the first accessible beaches on the route, Spanish Bay offers soft white sand, easy boardwalk strolls, and picnic-friendly space.
Why stop: Great for morning photos and coastline views.
Fun fact: Named for the site where Spanish explorers accidentally landed in 1769 while searching for Monterey Bay.
2. Point Joe/Restless Sea
Point Joe delivers dramatic rocky shoreline views where waves crash over submerged reefs.
Why stop: Wild, rugged coastline and a classic Pebble Beach photo op.
History note: This area once caused shipwrecks when sailors mistook it for the entrance to Monterey Bay.
3. China Rock
Two scenic turnouts offer parking, picnic benches, and coastal views.
Why stop: Quiet coastal scenery and historic significance — once home to a 19th-century Chinese fishing village.
4. Bird Rock
This turnout features a restroom and picnic benches, making it a great place for a pit stop.
Why stop: Excellent viewing spot for nesting seabirds, as well as sea lions and harbor seals sunbathing offshore.
Fun fact: It is named after the offshore rock that houses scores of migrating and nesting seabird.
5. Seal Rock Beach
Stop by this secluded beach at the mouth of Seal Rock Creek for a picnic or a peaceful walk.
Why stop: Picnic-friendly, and near the charming Casitas de Lemos (The Gingerbread House) built by artist Pedro de Lemos.
6. Fanshell Beach
This lovely little stretch of beach is a popular haul out spot for harbor seals, who come in the spring to give birth and raise their pups.
Why stop: Wildlife viewing. Note that privacy fencing goes up March–June to protect mothers and pups.
7. Cypress Point
Cypress Point is known for its exclusive, members-only golf course and incredible coastal views.
Why stop: Head to nearby Sunset Point Overlook for one of the best sunset views in Pebble Beach.
Fun fact: Check out the historic mansions built during the Roaring Twenties.
8. Crocker Grove
This grove is home to some of the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in existence.
Why stop: You’re standing in one of only two natural Monterey cypress forests in the world.
9. The Lone Cypress
Here you’ll find the living symbol of Pebble Beach itself, a native Monterey Cypress taking root on a rocky outcrop.
Why stop: This windswept Monterey cypress has grown on this rocky outcrop since around 1750, making it older than the United States.
Pro tip: This stop can get pretty crowded, so snag a parking spot where you can and get some great pics with this iconic background.
10. Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point
With twisted trunks worn bare by coastal winds and sun these Monterey Cypress mark a legendary surf spot known as Ghost Trees. Triumph and tragedy have marked surfing at Pescadero point, and changes to local regulations means you’re unlikely to see anyone waiting in the lineup. Even without the enormous waves, the striking foliage makes this a worthwhile stop.
Why stop: Striking scenery and a legendary
Fun fact: With the right conditions, waves off this coast can reach heights of 50 feet before crashing into the rocky point.
11. Pebble Beach Visitor Center
Opened just recently, this visitor center is a great place to learn more about the rich history of the area.
Why stop: Learn Pebble Beach history, grab supplies, and take a short break.
12. Stillwater Cove Access via The Lodge at Pebble Beach
Stillwater cove features a lovely little beach and a picturesque pier surrounded by the rolling fields of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Though not highlighted on the official maps of Pebble Beach, there is actually public access to the shore at Stillwater Cove.
Why stop: A peaceful cove, picturesque pier, and frequent otter and seal sightings in the kelp forest.
How to get there:
– Turn onto Palmero Way
– Follow signs to coastal access on Cypress Drive
– Park in the coastal access lot
13. Ford Meadow
Between the Carmel and Highway 1 gates you’ll find Ford Meadow.
Why stop: Scenic open space protected by the Del Monte Forest Conservancy, which preserves 625 acres from future development.
Fun fact: This location is named after a prominent resident and generous donor to the Del Monte Forest Conservancy.
14. Shepherd’s Knoll
This spot offers a great, quick viewpoint of the Monterey Bay from above.
Why stop: Great for panoramic photo opportunities.
15. Huckleberry Hill
On clear days, you can spot Santa Cruz across the bay.
Why stop: Sweeping coastline views and hillsides dotted with — you guessed it — huckleberry plants.
Know Before You Go: 17-Mile Drive
How much is the 17-Mile Drive Entrance Fee?
The entrance fee is $11.25 per vehicle at any Pebble Beach gate. If you spend $35 or more at a Pebble Beach restaurant, your gate fee is refunded—so consider planning lunch along the route.
How long does it take to drive the 17-Mile Drive?
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours enjoying the 17-Mile Drive.
- 1 hour if you don’t stop (not recommended)
- 2 hours for sightseeing and photos
- 3–4 hours if you add lunch, shopping, or a picnic
Can you stop along the 17-Mile Drive?
Yes. There are multiple designated turnouts and parking areas at the main viewpoints. It can get crowded on weekends, but another pullout is usually available just a short drive ahead.
When is the Best Time to Visit 17-Mile Drive?
The Monterey Peninsula enjoys mild, sunny weather year-round, making the 17-Mile Drive a great trip any season. Late August through early October is ideal, with warm temperatures and clear skies. Be sure to check the Pebble Beach schedule, as major golf tournaments can limit access to portions of the drive.
What type of drive is the 17-Mile Drive?
The 17-Mile Drive can be enjoyed as a scenic loop or as a point-to-point route. Many visitors use it to connect Monterey and Carmel, a charming seaside town with excellent dining, shopping, and coastal views. From Carmel, you can return via the upper section of 17-Mile Drive or continue on Highway 1 to explore Big Sur, Carmel Valley, or back to Monterey.
Can you bike or drive the 17-Mile Drive?
Yes, you can access the drive by car or bicycle, but motorcycles are prohibited within Pebble Beach. Cycling is a popular option, and bike rentals — traditional and electric — are available in both Monterey and Carmel.
What should cyclists know before riding?
– The coastal sections are mostly flat, but the upper parts near Carmel can be steep and hilly.
– There are no dedicated bike lanes, so cyclists must share the two-lane roads with visitor and resident traffic.
– Wear a helmet and use caution, especially during weekends or peak tourist times.
Recommended Vehicles for the 17-Mile Drive
Why choose a classic car for 17-Mile Drive?
The ultimate way to experience the 17-Mile Drive is behind the wheel of a classic car. Enjoy unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, the rumble of a V8 engine, and the perfect backdrop for scenic photos along the Monterey Peninsula. A convertible with automatic transmission is ideal for this leisurely coastal cruise.
Top Classic Cars for the Drive
1954 Chevy Bel Air
Our 1954 Bel Air Custom is that perfect blend of iconic 50’s styling and modern convenience. An automatic 350 V8 rumbles through a custom exhaust to add your own percussion to the song of crashing waves while you view the coast from a wide-open convertible cockpit. The gleaming chrome and seafoam paint are the perfect companions for pictures that will make all of your pinup dreams come true.
1957 Porsche Speedster
What could be more at home in Pebble Beach than a sporty Porsche two-seater? Let out the clutch and this low-slung little coupe feels fast at any speed.
1965 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
An iconic classic car for an iconic drive, this Mustang convertible will feel right at home eating up the coastal miles, and with its newly re-done upholstery is an approachable classic perfect for photo shoots.
1961 VW 23-Window Microbus
Though not a normal convertible, the wraparound windows of this classic VW Bus will give you a glorious view of your surroundings, and the ragtop sunroof lets in the cool coastal air and California sunshine. With plenty of room on the bench seats for the whole family, this is the perfect picnic mobile.
Planning Meals on Your 17-Mile Drive
Where can I eat along the 17-Mile Drive?
There are plenty of options along the Monterey Peninsula for a picnic, deli sandwiches, or dining in Pebble Beach. Reservations are recommended for sit-down restaurants, and if you spend $35 or more, your gate fee is waived.
Recommended Stops for Meals
The Bench – Indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the 18th hole at Pebble Beach. Offers wood-fired pizzas, Korean brisket sandwiches, and duck fat potatoes. Perfect for scenic views with your meal.
Sticks at Spanish Bay – A casual sports-bar vibe with comfort food classics. Outdoor tables have fire pits and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Pebble Beach Market – Ideal for a casual picnic, with made-to-order sandwiches, gourmet goodies, and picnic tables for enjoying the scenery.
FAQs about the 17-Mile Drive
How much is the 17-Mile Drive entrance fee?
The entrance fee is $11.25, refundable if you spend $35 or more at Pebble Beach restaurants.
How long does it take to drive the 17-Mile Drive?
It typically takes 2–3 hours with scenic stops, or about 1 hour without stopping.
Can you stop along the 17-Mile Drive?
Yes, there are designated pullouts for scenic views, but popular spots can get crowded during peak hours.
Here at Monterey Touring Vehicles, we know how lucky we are to live just minutes away from some of the most scenic drives in the world, and we started this business because we wanted to share that fortune with everyone. One of our half-day classic car rentals gives you plenty of time to enjoy 17-Mile Drive in style, or extend your classic car rental and make a day of it with a trip to Carmel Valley or Big Sur.