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.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
12,637 reviews
Excellent
8,144
Very good
2,768
Average
1,120
Poor
355
Terrible
250
Maxine
49 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
What amazing views and scenery, and if you're a golfer an experience of a lifetime. Would definitely recommend anyone doing this tour.
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DawnC822
Port Huron, MI54 contributions
Feb 2023
This was a beautiful drive. The views were beautiful. It was well worth the $11.25. The Visitor Center was worth a stop too. We were fortunate enough to see an otter.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roger R
Minnesota793 contributions
Mar 2023
Wonderful drive with great views and spots to pull off, the map they give you was quite well done - was fun to see all the houses and golf courses also
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marie E
2 contributions
Feb 2023
I could have spent all day here. The exhibits were stunning, so much variety and so very well kept. Definitely a must do in the area.
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steven C
Martinez, CA544 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.
Ernesto Ruiz Photography
Saint Paul, MN60 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful area… JUST AS beautiful as the rest of the coastline to the north and around the peninsula, all of the rest being FREE to explore. We really found ourselves scratching our heads as to why we paid money to drive here, to find the same type of beauty we had already enjoyed just down the road. There was generally something icky about the golf club exclusivity and particularly the “trademarked” Lone Tree (which btw, has lost limbs and isn’t as wistfully attractive anymore)… All the warnings about someone owning all rights to pictures of a tree is off putting. Save your money and enjoy the publicly accessible beauty all around the area.
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pearx4
Stafford, VA628 contributions
Feb 2023
Beautiful relaxing time on the 17 Mile Drive. Cost is $11.75 per car but very much well worth the cost. Follow the red dashed path and see stunning shorelines, birds, gold courses and phenomenal mansions. You do not want to rush this drive, take the time to stop and take it all in. We caught the sunset at the Lone Cypress; AMAZING!! There are restrooms at stops 7 (Bird Rock) and 17 (Pebble Beach Visitor Center). Small Convenience Store at the Visitor Center as well. Highly recommend and would do this drive again. Plan at least a couple hours depending on time of year. High season be prepared for lots of traffic.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
angie g
Marysville, CA33 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We have done this drive several times while staying in the Monterey area. It never fails to be the most beautiful drive in California. We were able to see whales migrating on this trip while pulling over to some of the areas on the drive.
The Ocean was calm and the weather was perfect. We were able to see several deer also.
One of my very favorite spots
The Ocean was calm and the weather was perfect. We were able to see several deer also.
One of my very favorite spots
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
S L
New York City, NY9 contributions
Oct 2022
Did the drive on a beautiful sunny day. Stopped at Pebble Beach for an outdoor lunch. This a wonderful half day stop over on our Pacific Coast Hway drive from San Francisco to San Diego.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jonathan C.
La Jolla, California, USA341 contributions
Dec 2022
A gorgeous drive along the Monterey coast! Beautiful costal views of the ocean throughout the drive. Plenty of sea birds in the sky and on Bird Island - sometimes you can even catch a sea lion or otter in the ocean!
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Is 17-mile Dr open on christmas day.
Balasubramanian R
Chennai (Madras), India724 contributions
Yes
overachiever532
Clovis, CA14 contributions
Are there walking trails along this drive so you could park your car and go for a nice oceanview walk with a dog?
Brenda F
Agua Dulce, CA8 contributions
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.
Gravesy5305
Rossett, UK58 contributions
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.
Chris W
21 contributions
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!
Isabelle M
6 contributions
Hi, can you park your rv during the day in Monterey while visiting the town
RVMD27
Chicago, IL26 contributions
I am sorry but i do not have an answer for that.
Carmen R
Douglasville, GA
Where do we start the 17 mile drive in Monterey
helloceleste
Brooklyn, NY405 contributions
There is a gate where you pay to go on the 17-mile drive. If you're following a navigation system, it will navigate you to this point on the drive. You can't miss it because they will stop you. Just start where 17-mile drive begins at Del Monte in Pacific Grove. Give yourself lots of time and prepare to stop at several points to take in the scenery!
Exploration209783
Moreno Valley, CA
Where is best place to start; coming from Riverside?
Laurene M
San Francisco, CA375 contributions
Start from Carmel.
Exploration209783
Moreno Valley, CA
I would like to know best starting point for the day. I’m coming from LA area.
Gayle M
Chicago, IL253 contributions
Hello,
I stayed overnight in Carmel-by-the-sea and drove north from there, easy access from there and back to the 101.
Hi! I am planning to take a photo of the Lone Cypress around 2am-4am for some astrophotography. Is the 17-mile drive accessible at night? If not, is staying in my car and park somewhere along the 17-mile drive allowed? I am just planning to wait dusk if there will be a gate closing the road
Conductor40
United States55 contributions
In normal times, ergo not covid-19, non-resident tourist pay a fee to enter unless they have reservations at one if the hotels it visiting a friend who calls security and puts your name in the computer for visitation
17-MILE DRIVE (Monterey) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about 17-Mile Drive
- We recommend booking 17-Mile Drive tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 27 17-Mile Drive tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience 17-Mile Drive:
- Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco (From S$141.76)
- 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey (From S$101.26)
- Day Trip to Monterey and Carmel via California Coast (From S$141.76)
- Monterey & Carmel Explorer (From S$141.76)
- 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite (From S$796.56)
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive:
- (0.47 km) Spanish Bay Guest House
- (0.49 km) 4 Bedroom home with Ocean Views on the Fairway
- (0.49 km) 4 Bedroom home with Ocean Views on the Fairway
- (1.69 km) The Inn at Spanish Bay
- (0.56 km) Fully enclosed Private Retreat in Pebble Beach-Ocean View-5 minute walk to beach
- Restaurants near 17-Mile Drive:
- (1.67 km) Roy's at Pebble Beach
- (1.69 km) Peppoli at Pebble Beach
- (4.03 km) Pavel's Backerei
- (3.86 km) Compagno's Market & Deli
- (1.91 km) Sticks
- Attractions near 17-Mile Drive:
- (0.51 km) Pink Parrot Productions, LLC
- (5.29 km) Monterey Bay Aquarium
- (2.65 km) Asilomar State Beach
- (1.16 km) Bird Rock Vista Point
- (4.26 km) Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard