17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach

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The 17-mile Drive is a scenic route that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and man-made wonders. Along the way, you’ll find 17 well-known stops, each offering picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, majestic forests, and some of the world’s most famous golf courses.

The 17-mile Drive is a renowned tourist attraction in central California, conveniently located near Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

It’s a short drive away, making it ideal for a day or weekend getaway.

As a California resident, I’ve explored the area many times, and it is one of my go-to places for visiting friends. There’s nothing more impressive than the 17-Mile Drive.

17-Mile Drive Map

The 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach: 17 Stops

Located on the Monterey Peninsula in Central California, the scenic road runs through the coastal areas of the stunning gated community of Pebble Beach.

Non-residents can explore for a $12 per vehicle entrance fee. The Pebble Beach Corporation owns the area.

The 17-Mile Drive has multiple entrances, but we will start at the Pacific Grove Gate located at Sunset Drive and 17-Mile Drive in Pacific Grove.

It’s a popular starting point for those from Monterey or Pacific Grove. Let’s get on to the 17-mile drive stops. All 17 of them.

1. Shepherd’s Knoll

After winding through the Delmonte Forest, the first stop you’ll come to is the vista at Sheperds’s Knoll. What sets Shepherd’s Knoll apart is its elevated vista, which gracefully looks down onto the sprawling expanse of Monterey Bay. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to a breathtaking perspective of the bay’s sparkling waters, framed by the rugged coastline and enriched by the distant silhouette of mountains on the horizon.

2. Huckleberry Hill

If the marine layer has lifted from the water, you can see Santa Cruz Island from Huckleberry Hill. This spot is said to be a favorite of famous writers from the area, Robert Louis Stevenson and John Steinbeck, who came here to contemplate life and probably their writing.

3. The Inn at Spanish Bay & Spanish Bay Beach

The Inn at Spanish Bay is a great place to grab an early lunch, a drink, or a snack. Sit out on the patio next to a fire (it is cold here because it’s on the Pacific) and get a stunning view while you eat. There are several restaurants here, but my favorite is Roys.

Guests have access to the grounds and boardwalk that line the golf links.

After you eat, stroll along the path and enjoy the local wildlife, such as the deer. It’s a beautiful walk; the perfectly bright green and manicured lawn juxtaposing against the rugged coastline line adds to the area’s uniqueness.

4. Restless Sea

At the Restless Sea stop, walk down to the shoreline, where you can climb huge rocks and soak up the coastline’s white sand and rustic nature. This spot offers a great place to take photos up close to the Pacific Coast’s rugged rocks and crashing waves. The name aptly describes this view.

5. Point Joe

Just past the Restless Sea stop is Point Joe. It is named for, you guessed it, a man named Joe, who lived in a driftwood hut here in the early 1900s.

6. China Rock

China Rock was the site of a small Chinese fishing village in the late 1800s. It offers gorgeous views, so make sure to take in this spot.

According to the signs, visitors cannot climb China Rock; please heed the signage. If you want a climbing experience, there are some incredible formations just to the north of China Rock for climbing.

7. Bird Rock

Bird Rock is a prime spot for experiencing the local marine life, featuring seals, sea lions, and a diverse array of bird species, such as pelicans, cormorants, and seagulls.

It’s a spectacular viewing point for gray whale migrations between November and March. During these months, visitors have the unique opportunity to witness the majestic sight of whale spouts from the shore, adding to the rich tapestry of wildlife encounters available here.

8. Seal Rock

Nestled at the mouth of Seal Rock Creek lies a charming beach. This picturesque spot invites visitors to wander along the boardwalk, delve into tide pools, and enjoy picnics with views of the ocean’s expanse. True to its name, it also serves as an excellent location for observing marine life, offering a blend of leisure and natural beauty for those looking to connect with the coastal environment. When you walk on the boardwalk toward shore you can see a colorful ginger-bread house.

9. Fan Shell Beach

Fan Shell Beach is a habitat for harbor seal pups. Because of this, parts of Fan Shell Beach are closed to the public from April through June so the pups can explore and grow.

10. Cypress Lookout Point

This pristine white sand beach serves as a sanctuary for harbor seals, particularly in spring when they give birth to their young, leading to the area being off-limits from April to June during the pupping season.

Boasting captivating southwest vistas, it’s a favored location to watch the sunset, situated close to the luxurious enclave of Sunset Point to the south.

11. Crocker Grove

Crocker Grove is a natural haven that houses some of the oldest and largest Monterey Cypress trees. This tranquil grove offers a quiet respite and a glimpse into the area’s natural heritage, making it a must-visit for those seeking peace amidst ancient beauty.

Pebble Beach is one of only two locations globally where native Monterey cypress forests thrive, with the other situated across the bay at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

If you are in the area, 30 miles north of the 17-mile Drive is Big Sur. Check out our Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary.

12. The Lone Cypress

The most famous stop along the 17-mile Drive is the Lone Cypress Tree, which is over 250 years old. Perched majestically along the Drive, it is an iconic symbol of resilience and beauty.

This solitary Monterey Cypress has stood on its rocky perch for over 250 years, braving the elements and serving as a picturesque landmark against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Revered as one of the most photographed trees in North America, it encapsulates the rugged beauty of the California coast and the enduring spirit of nature, drawing visitors from around the world to admire its solitary grandeur against the vast, ever-changing seascape.

13. Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point

Swells against the coastline have been known to reach 50 feet at this point. The Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point present a hauntingly beautiful scene along the 17-mile Drive, where stark, bleached-white trees stand as spectral sentinels against the rugged coastline, embodying the powerful forces of nature and the Pacific’s untamed beauty.

14. Pebble Beach Visitor Center

The Pebble Beach Visitor Center is another excellent place to grab snacks and information.

It offers comprehensive insights into the area’s geological formations, wildlife, and the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links. With interactive exhibits, detailed maps, and knowledgeable staff, visitors can enrich their experience by learning about the landmarks and hidden gems they’re about to explore.

Stopping here deepens your appreciation for Pebble Beach’s unique ecosystem and cultural heritage, making your visit more meaningful and memorable.

15. Pebble Beach Golf Links

Probably the prettiest golf course I have ever seen, Pebble Beach Golf Links hosts countless major championships and has been ranked as the #1 Public Course in America.

16. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center

The Pebble Beach Equestrian Center offers guided horseback rides through the area. I have never done this, but I want to!

17. Ford Meadow

Ford Meadow was dedicated on August 26, 1981, in honor of Robert Ford, a notable Del Monte Forest Conservancy benefactor. During a recent visit, I observed a large herd of goats peacefully grazing in the meadow. These goats are occasionally employed in the area as a natural method of fire prevention, contributing to the maintenance and safety of the forest.

That’s it. I hope you enjoy the 17-mile Drive as much as I have. Safe travels wherever your next journey takes you.

For more information about Pebble Beach resorts and golfing, check out www.pebblebeach.com.