Exploring 17-Mile Drive: A Scenic Coastal Journey Through Monterey and Pebble Beach

17-Mile Drive – Lone Cypress

I grew up in Monterey County. When friends and family visited us, we often took our guests to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. Many of these trips explored 17-Mile Drive, an area of mansions, golf courses, and coastline between Pacific Grove and Carmel by the Sea.

The origins of 17-Mile Drive date back to 1881, when it was established as a horse-drawn carriage route for guests of the Hotel Del Monte, a luxurious resort owned by the Pacific Improvement Company. Designed to showcase the rugged beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, the route soon became a must-see attraction.

By the early 20th century, the area became a premier golfing and residential destination. In 1919, Samuel F.B. Morse acquired the land and developed Pebble Beach Golf Links, now one of the most famous golf courses in the world. Over the decades, 17-Mile Drive has maintained its exclusivity, offering visitors access to one of California’s most picturesque coastal landscapes.

Table of contents: (Hide)

How to Access 17-Mile Drive

17-Mile Drive is a private roadway managed by Pebble Beach Resorts but is open to the public for a fee.

• Entry Fee: $12.25 per vehicle (refundable with a $35+ purchase at Pebble Beach restaurants or shops).
• Entry Gates: Visitors can enter through Pacific Grove Gate, Highway 1 Gate, or Carmel Gate.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning magic-hour views.
• 17-Mile Drive Brochure: The map and brochure for 17-Mile Drive can be downloaded online.

17-Mile Drive Stops

There are 17 official stops along the drive, each offering unique views and experiences. The stops are numbered starting at the Pacific Grove gate and ending at the Carmel gate.

1. Shepherd’s Knoll

Perched at one of the highest points on the drive, this stop provides panoramic views of Monterey Bay and the distant Santa Cruz Mountains. The first two stops are the only two with a peek at Monterey north of 17-Mile Drive. Neither view is unobstructed as this part of the peninsula is forested. 

Shepherd’s Knoll is named after Abraham D. Shepard, a railroad executive who played a role in developing the upper portion of 17-Mile Drive. The difference in spelling comes from a cartographer’s typo.

2. Huckleberry Hill

Huckleberry Hill is a scenic, forested overlook. It is named for its abundant wild huckleberries and is rumored to have been a retreat for literary legends Robert Louis Stevenson and John Steinbeck. 

3. Spanish Bay

Spanish Bay Beach is a picturesque coastline stretch known for its windswept dunes and crashing waves. It is named after the Spanish explorers,who in 1769 mistakenly believed they had found Monterey Bay, this stop offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and seaside serenity.

Every evening, a bagpiper plays at nearby The Inn at Spanish Bay, a nod to the Scottish links-style golf course nearby, creating a unique sunset experience.

4. The Restless Sea

The 17-Mile Drive brochure states that the Restless Sea is one of the most turbulent sections of the coastline. Here, swirling waves are caused by underwater rock formations that create dramatic ocean currents. You would get the impression that it is always rough, but as the photo above shows… not always. Look for sea otters, seals, and seabirds bobbing in the waves.

5. Point Joe

Early sailors mistook this rocky outcrop for the entrance to Monterey Bay, leading to numerous shipwrecks. Today, it’s a peaceful spot to watch the waves crash against the shore. 

These days your biggest danger would be traffic or an errant tee shot at the nearby “The Links at Spanish Bay” golf course, which is one of 7 courses on 17-Mile Drive:

• Pebble Beach Golf Links (Opened: 1919)
• Spyglass Hill Golf Course (Opened: 1966)
• The Links at Spanish Bay (Opened: 1987)
• Poppy Hills Golf Course (Opened: 1986, renovated in 2014)
• Del Monte Golf Course (Opened: 1897)
• Peter Hay Golf Course (Reopened: 2021, redesigned by Tiger Woods)
• Cypress Point Club (Opened: 1928, private club)

Point Joe is the southern end of the Asilomar State Marine Reserve, which extends north past Spanish Bay all the way to Point Pinos, which is the actual start of Monterey Bay.

In the early 1900s, a man named Joe lived in a driftwood hut at this spot, selling trinkets to travelers. It remains unclear whether Joe was named after the point or vice versa.

6. China Rock

China Rock is a rugged coastal outcrop, known for its rich history as a Chinese fishing village. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Chinese fishermen built makeshift homes and camps along these rocks while harvesting abalone, fish, and seaweed. Supposedly, the blackened rock surfaces at China Rock are remnants of century-old cooking smoke.

Chinese immigrants, mainly from Guangdong (Canton), China, began arriving in California during the Gold Rush (1849-1850s). Many turned to fishing as a livelihood after facing discrimination in other industries.

In 1882, the U.S. passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, restricting immigration and making life harder for Chinese communities. In 1906, a suspicious fire burned down the Point Alones Chinese Fishing Village in Pacific Grove, home to one of the largest Chinese communities in the area. The fishermen at China Rock were forced to leave, with many relocating to Monterey, San Francisco, or returning to China.

These days you won’t find simple fisherman shacks in the area. But nearby homes on the golf course are a bargain at $6 million and up.

Granite Beach

Granite Beach is not one of the official stops but is halfway between China Rock and Bird Rock. Like all of this coast, it has a mixture of sandy beaches and rocky tidepools.

7. Bird Rock

Bird Rock is one of the most lively and noisy stops on 17-Mile Drive. It serves as a significant wildlife sanctuary where seabirds, sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters gather in large numbers. This rocky offshore outcrop is covered with cormorants, pelicans, and seagulls, while the surrounding waters echo barking sea lions’ sounds.

Until the 1930s, Bird Rock was layered in 4-5 feet of pelican and cormorant guano (bird droppings), which was harvested for fertilizer before being washed away by ocean waves.

From November to March, you might see gray whales migrating past Bird Rock.

8. Seal Rock

While not as crowded as Bird Rock, Seal Rock is a great spot to see resting harbor seals and sea lions.

Low tide reveals tide pools with colorful starfish, sea anemones, crabs, and small fish.

9. Fanshell Beach Overlook

Fanshell Beach is a white-sand beach. It is one of the most essential pupping sites on the Central Coast, where harbor seals give birth and nurse their pups from April to June (during this time, sections of the beach are closed to protect them).

10. Cypress Point Lookout

This is one of the best sunset-watching spots along 17-Mile Drive.

11. The Crocker Grove

Crocker Grove is home to the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in existence. This protected forest is a rare gem, as Monterey Cypress trees are naturally found in only two places in the world—here and at Point Lobos State Park. Some trees here are over 300 years old.

The grove is named in honor of Charles Crocker, the railroad baron who helped develop the original 17-Mile Drive in 1881 and built the Hotel Del Monte in Monterey.

12. The Lone Cypress

The most famous stop on 17-Mile Drive, the Lone Cypress has stood atop a rocky cliff for over 250 years. As one of the most photographed trees in the world, it serves as the symbol of Pebble Beach. 

13. Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point

The dead, sun-bleached trees give this spot its “Ghost Trees” name.

Pescadero Point was once a Native American sacred site.

14. Pebble Beach Visitor Center

The drive’s grand finale is the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. Visitors can explore The Lodge at Pebble Beach, dine at a restaurant overlooking the 18th hole, or shop for souvenirs.

You can also grab a picnic lunch at the Pebble Beach Market.

15. Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach is one of the world’s most iconic and prestigious golf courses. It is renowned for its breathtaking coastal views, challenging layout, and rich tournament history. Founded in 1919, it is a bucket-list destination for golf enthusiasts. The course features stunning oceanfront holes, including the famous 7th, 8th, and 18th holes, which hug the coastline.

Pebble Beach is one of the busiest public courses in the world, and tee times can book months in advance.

16. The Hay

The Hay is a stunning 9-hole short course at Pebble Beach, redesigned by Tiger Woods in 2021. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this reimagined par-3 course is perfect for beginners, families, and seasoned golfers looking to enjoy a quick, scenic round of golf.

17. Ford Meadow

Ford Meadow is the final stop on 17-Mile Drive, offering an open meadow framed by the Pacific Ocean and Del Monte Forest. This scenic stop is dedicated to Robert F. Ford, a key supporter of land conservation efforts in Pebble Beach.

Things to Do Along 17-Mile Drive

Photography

With its beautiful coastal views, crashing waves, and Cyprus trees, 17-Mile Drive is a photographer’s dream. Sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting for capturing iconic shots like the Lone Cypress.

Wildlife Watching

Watch for sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and migrating whales (especially from December to April). Bird lovers will enjoy spotting pelicans, cormorants, and hawks.

Dining with a View

For a meal with an unforgettable view, consider:

The Bench at Pebble Beach – Overlooks the 18th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Stillwater Bar & Grill – Serves fresh seafood with a view of the Pacific Ocean.
Roy’s at Spanish Bay – Features Hawaiian-fusion cuisine and a bagpiper performance at sunset.

Tips for Visiting 17-Mile Drive

• Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting.
• Bring a jacket, as coastal winds can be chilly even in summer.
• Look out for wildlife. Bring binoculars for the best views.
• Stop at the Pebble Beach Visitor Center for historical exhibits and local information.

Final Thoughts

Whether you visit for the dramatic coastal views, iconic golf courses, or rich history, 17-Mile Drive offers an unforgettable experience. From the windswept beauty of Spanish Bay to the legendary Lone Cypress, every turn in the road reveals another breathtaking scene.

So pack your camera, roll down your windows, and set off on one of California’s most scenic coastal adventures.

Related Posts

Whale Watching in Monterey

History of the Monterey Peninsula and Where to Find It

Exploring the Enchanting Monterey Peninsula: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide

Exploring Jack’s Peak Park – Monterey