17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive
4.5
About
Take in the stunning coastal scenery of Monterey along the 17-Mile Drive. This scenic road, which winds through Pebble Beach's gated community, offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and other natural landscapes. Amid the beautiful mansions and golf courses, you can see pelicans diving from sea stacks, have a refreshing dip at Fanshell Beach, and watch the seals and sea lions from the Pescadero Point lookout. And don't forget the iconic Lone Cypress tree. There is a toll for non-residents to access 17-Mile Drive, but you can get it reimbursed with a minimum spend at Pebble Beach. Consider a driving tour from San Francisco or a bike tour of Monterey's beautiful coastline. – Tripadvisor
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- Stuart PetersHeswall, United Kingdom16 contributionsSpectacular SceneryThe drive gives you the very best views of the California coast. For a fee of $11 the drive takes you around the Monterey Peninsula. The fee allows you to go as often as you like on that day and we took full advantage of that. The scenery is truly spectacular. You can't access much of the headland as it is protected. That's a shame but its not hard to see why. You past Pebble Beach - for me made famous by Wayne Carini Chasing Cars! Very sad but it was great to see. As we were in Carmel we left early in the morning and had the place to ourselves. By 11am it was quite busy so my advice - leave early.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- suefehillScotland, United Kingdom17 contributions17-Mile Cycle!Don’t drive! Hire bikes and cycle it instead! It is so much nicer to be in out in the fresh sea air than in a car having to stop and park every couple of miles. We rented bikes from Mad Dogs and Englishmen in Carmel and had the best time. Friendly and helpful staff, comfortable E bikes to ride, helpful map. Don’t worry about the cars on the drive. There is a strict speed limit and we found most cars very considerate.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- tshirazi01Woodland, California2 contributionsA beautiful and magical place you have to see at least once, and then you want to go back.We have been visiting 17 mile drive for decades. It is one of the most beautiful and magical places on earth. We usually travel there 3 to 4 times a year. It is a place you have to see at least once in a lifetime, and then you want to go back. There is no place like it.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 October 2023
- Steven LOdessa, Delaware592 contributionsNice Drive, But Should Be FreeNice drive through the Pebble Beach property. We paid the money, but not sure why. I would think the gold course is doing fine without the fee, unless it's to keep the curious out. A bit foggy on the day we went in August, but still a beautiful drive. Lot of opportunities for photos. Starts out slow, and you might wonder why you're there. Once you turn around a few bends and come up to the ocean, it's very beautiful. Each stop has something to offer, and the Lone Cyprus at the end is pretty lovely.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 November 2023
- Stellan DBromma, Sweden561 contributionsVery nice stretch of coast lineVery interesting and beautiful coast area. There are a lot of numbered stops along the way where you can enjoy the views. Some places are somewhat destroyed by golf courses with holes right out on the rocks along the shore. There is an island called Bird Island where hyou apart from a lot of birds can see a large amount of sea lions. It is astonishing how they have been able to get up the steep slopes.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 November 2023
- focusport22250 contributionsNice driveIt was a very nice drive. We went early in the morning so it wasn’t as crowded which was nice. There were a ton of see lions to see. If you eat at one of the pebble beach restaurants you can get the entrance fee deducted from the bill.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
- joannalouisebrooksGeorgetown, Canada3 contributionsWell worth the tollEasy to locate and drive, the 17 mile drive was a delightful and stunning way to spend a few hours. We took our time and savoured the different views. We even saw sea lions sunning themselves.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 December 2023
- RoaryVancouver, Canada3,667 contributionsNice DriveI was in the area for another reason, but a friend told me about the 17 Mile Drive, and since I had a free morning, I went. I'm glad I did. Entrance fee is $11.75, but is credited if you eat at any of the restaurants. Once you pay at the gate, the attendant hands over a visitors map. I pulled into the parking lot and looked over map before venturing on. Fortunately, just about all the sights are in a circular path so as long as you stay on the drive, you see all marking all the major stop without really needing to look at the map. The drive is quite nice, and the ocean side stops are worth getting out for the view. I didn't know that the Pebble Beach Golf Course is one of the stops, so that was really nice to see a place to stretch your legs a little longer to visits the shops and visitor center. I'm glad I stopped here for the drive. If I had the extra time, I would've loved to bike around the area instead.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 19 December 2023
- ClockworkNellieEssex, United Kingdom798 contributionsThe lone Cypress Tree is interesting - not so bothered about the houses!We wanted to see the famous lone Cypress Tree so ended up doing 17 mile drive. You do have to pay the $12 fee to drive through, but there are some nice views. Not so bothered about the big houses - most of which you can't see and in any case are just nice houses in a nice place. Nice golf courses. Worth being about to visit the tree and read a bit of the history.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 January 2024
- Manish KhannaMumbai, India390 contributionsFabulous Nature, Scenery, Beaches and so much more.This was a vital part of our amazing drive from Mountain View to LA. We made sure we take Route 1 as much as possible and this section was fabulous. Stunning views, beaches, scenery. So much to take it, so little time. We were zipping through too fast. Need to come back and spend more time to take in nature and everything around. Recommended to ANY ONE and everyone!!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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wendy L
Evanston, IL480 contributions
Jul 2021
Although this is without a doubt a beautiful drive - the fact that not all 17 miles are ocean front, and that it costs $10 to enter the drive, were facts that caught us a bit off guard. This is clearly an area yielding lots of tax dollars for keeping up the roads (think mansions, golf courses, etc.), and although it is really beautiful in places, much of it is through the woods and even along the ocean front you can do similar drives for free almost anywhere up and down the coast. The map you are given is also a bit vague when it comes to turns along the route, so we kept ending up having to turn around and go in a different direction due to a wrong turn. Having said all that, the stops we did enjoy were well worth the $10 to get there (especially Pebble Beach Golf Club and the Lone Cyprus venue). Be aware that on a busy day parking at some of the stops is limited, as many are merely pull-offs alongside the road. But this is a very enjoyable way to see the scenic Monterey and Carmel areas. Helpful tip: I would not recommend inexperienced bikers taking this route. The roads are narrow and drivers are often checking their maps to navigate, so it is risky for bikers who are also insecure on these roads. Pay your $10 and drive instead.
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heumanntouch
Huntington Beach, CA1,106 contributions
Feb 2020
I can not emphasis that if you are in the area that you would do yourself a disservice not going on the drive. There are so many stops and points of interest that the $10.50 price is the best value in town (bear in mind that is the car price not per person). WE went early and that was an excellent choice as when we were leaving the area it started to get very crowded.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simbadusty
Macomb, MI164 contributions
Aug 2019
Very secenic drive with lots of places to stop and enjoy the beautiful views and take pictures. You enter into a private drive, pay a $10 fee and off you go. There are signs everywhere so you won't miss any of the stops. Great opportunity to see stunning views and nature at it's finest. Watched a 4some tee off on one of the most beautiful holes you will ever see right on water and took a tour of Pebble Beach. Took a good 4 hours to get thru everything but a must see and well worth the price of admission.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nar M.
California27 contributions
Oct 2021
Great slow drive, with an outstanding view. It cost $10 per vehicle to enter, which comes with a map. You can use three gates to enter. I DO NOT recommend using Gate 1, since it will take you through the residential area, and you will be driving for a while before you even get to the coastline. The better choices are either the Pacific Grove Gate or the Carmel Gate, which will take you directly to the coastline. Just make sure your passenger, if you have one, is paying close attention to the map, so you don't end up making the wrong turn somewhere. Anyway, have fun.
Written 7 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oded Sinai tour guide
Jerusalem, Israel15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
That place includes 17 stops and is running along the beach. It’s length is 17 miles and it costs about $10. It was difficult to sea seals and bird island is far. I waited near the tree for the sunset - it was nice. If you sre going there, enter not later than 4 hours before sunset , if you intend to stop.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven C
Martinez, CA496 contributions
Mar 2022
The sky was leaden and the wind blustering the day we drove the famous 17-Mle-Drive, which made us glad that the way to see it is to drive from lookout point to lookout point. And the threatening weather did not detract from the beauty of the drive in the least. I don't remember how many stops there are exactly, but our favorites were Bird Rock, where we tarried for several minutes watching gulls, cormorants, pelicans and more circling the rock and taking turns taking off and landing at its highest point; Restless Seas, a very interesting spot where prevailing currents come in from 2 different directions and meet, causing to waves to push up and break over one another; and of course Lone Cypress, which is as enigmatic in real life as it is in paintings and photos. Although it is not really alone- a line of cypress lead to the promontory on which it stands. On the day we were there Seal Rock was unfortunately not occupied, nor did we see any passing whales which are often spotted. Guess we'll have to visit again.
Give yourself time to drive slowly and spend a little while enjoying each spot; each has something to recommend it.
If you are not a resident or guest in the area, it costs about $10 per car to take the drive, but it's worth it.
Give yourself time to drive slowly and spend a little while enjoying each spot; each has something to recommend it.
If you are not a resident or guest in the area, it costs about $10 per car to take the drive, but it's worth it.
Written 22 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MangAndres
San Joaquin, CA716 contributions
Feb 2021
This is one of those places a person must experience in his/her lifetime. The sceneries are breathtaking and the route was well worth the $10.50 entrance fee. Plenty of things and places to see. One can even hike a little bit along the way. Plan to be in this area for about 4 - 6 hours if you want to stop at each of the 17 stops on the guide.
Written 2 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melody Ladeen Snow
Ocean Shores, WA13 contributions
Feb 2020
Along the rocky, curving shores of Monterey Bay lies a scenic drive of 17 miles. In the winter, migrating gray whales are visible from the shore. The rocky coastline is covered in sunbathing seals and sea lions. The skies are patrolled by cormorants and pelicans. Whales and dolphins showboat just off the shoreline. You’ll see an array of gulls, cormorants, and pelicans hovering above the coastline, as well as the Common Murre, Sooty Shearwater and Sanderling along Bird Rock. An array of California sea lions on the outer rocks, sea otters among swirling canopies of giant kelp in Headland Cove, wildflowers clinging to chinks ("bluff lettuce" at right) in the granite walls, and the delicate and harmless lace lichen bearding dead under story limbs. A mix of salt spray and wind make up the Pebble Beach perfume.
Written 12 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carmella m
260 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
The park is magnificent. The point of interests are well marked. The road is easy to maneuver around and very clean. The view is magnificent. The entrance fee is inexpensive and if spend $35 at any restaurant the fee will be reimbursed.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TankerBear
Dunfermline, UK153 contributions
Feb 2020
We never actually drove this section of the coastal highway as I was confused to find a stretch of road I had to pay for. I asked the security guard what was happening and he said we had to pay to drive down that section of road. I asked him if we could turn around and go another route, and he said yes.
All in all, a strange experience.
All in all, a strange experience.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So che la 17 mile drive è a pagamento, ci sono vari punti di entrata e di conseguenza di pagamento o bisogna “comprare “ l’entrata in altre sedi?
Written 3 May 2024
There is a payment booth at the entry point and you can pay by cash or credit card
Written 4 May 2024
Large rv parked on the street tonight on sawmill gulch pebble beach - help!
Written 23 November 2023
Are there walking trails along this drive so you could park your car and go for a nice oceanview walk with a dog?
Written 12 June 2022
Yes! It's a perfect drive to go slow and take in the views. There are many areas to park along the road and get out safely. We travel with a service dog and felt that Carmel and Pebble Beach were very dog-friendly. No issues whatsoever.
Written 15 June 2022
Hi! We are due to visit 17 Mile Drive tomorrow and I just have a few questions! 1) Are the pull in sections large enough for a 30ft RV? 2) Is it possible to visit the various courses as a non playing visitor? 3) I’d like to purchase some merchandise from the various courses. Is this possible and is it a case of simply visiting their individual Pro Shops or is there an overall store that caters for this kind of thing? 4) When is the earliest we can begin driving the route and are we able to loop back on ourselves if we pass some courses that aren’t open? Thanks in advance.
Written 11 April 2022
Hello. I walked/hiked several miles, drove the rest of it. It looked to me like yes there are several spots you'd be able to fit a 30'er. I did not note any specific time and in fact it seems dawn and sunset are the best times to be on it. Beware though of a lot of people as the weather gets warmer and on weekends. I'm sorry, I can't help with any of the golf questions, although my guess is any proshop would be glad to take your money. I did see an entry fee to drive into the Pebble Beach area. Enjoy!
Written 12 April 2022
Hi, can you park your rv during the day in Monterey while visiting the town
Written 3 October 2021
I am sorry but i do not have an answer for that.
Written 25 October 2021
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