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Oct 16, 2018 · Experience the breathtaking beauty found along 17-Mile Drive, including the captivating Lone Cypress, the inviting snow-white dunes and beaches surrounding Spanish Bay, and the spectacular 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Stillwater Cove.
- IT’S AN ENCHANTING DRIVE.
- FULL OF TWISTS AND TURNS.
- AND INSPIRING SUNSETS.
- AT TIMES IT CAN FEEL MYSTICAL.
- What Can You Expect on The 17-Mile Drive?
- 17 Mile Drive Stops: A Complete Guide
- Essential Facts About The 17 Mile Drive in Monterey Bay
- A Brief History of The 17-Mile Drive
- What Is The Best Time of Year to Do The 17-Mile Drive?
- Which Direction Is Best For The 17-Mile Scenic Drive?
- Tips For The 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California
Spectacular coastal vistas, of course! The coastline of ritzy Pebble Beach is one of the most beautiful on the US west coast. White sandy beaches. Ancient cypresses. Dramatic rocks and cliffs. Wildflowers in season. The chance to spot whales, sea birds, and wildlife. Cool ocean breezes. Add in the beautiful mansions that line the drive, the world-c...
Stop 1: Take in the View from Shepherd’s Knoll
Shepherd’s Knoll is a quick photo stop. The viewpoint is named for Abraham D. Shepard, who designed the early scenic route in the upper forest. The overlook affords panoramic views over the forests to Monterey Bay in the distance. On a clear day, the deep blue of the water makes a pleasing contrast to the rich green of the forests.
Stop 2: Admire Another Ocean Vista at Huckleberry Hill
Writers Robert Louis Stevenson and John Steinbeck reportedly frequented Huckleberry Hill, which offers another look at the ocean over the tops of trees. On a clear day, you can see all the way across Monterey Bay to Santa Cruz. And yes, the hills here are reported to have huckleberry bushes! A trail goes down the hill from the overlook, if you have the time to explore. We went down a little ways, but turned back because the trail was narrow and looked overgrown.
Stop 3: Enjoy Beautiful Spanish Bay Beach!
One of the most popular stops along the 17-Mile Drive, Spanish Bay Beach is pristine and so inviting that you could spend hours here. The sand is blinding white, with rocky areas to the north. The bay got its name because Spanish explorers camped here in 1769 while they were trying to find Monterey Bay, based on an old description. Spanish Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Monterey County, so if you enjoy beaches, allow for adequate time here! Walk the boardwalk trail through the co...
Is the 17-Mile Drive really 17 miles?
The 17-Mile Drive is actually just short of 17 miles at 16.78 miles, and fully paved. The road is one lane in each direction, and you can drive it north to south or south to north.
Where is the Entrance to the 17-Mile Drive?
There are five entrances to 17-Mile Drive. You can enter at any of the gates and drive past all the stops, exiting at the gate closest to where you finish. The Pacific Grove Gate (off Sunset Drive) is one of the popular start points of the 17-Mile Drive. You will likely start at this entrance if you approach from Monterey or Pacific Grove. The Country Club Gateis on Forest Lodge Road, off Congress Avenue. The S.F.B Morse Gateis on Morse Drive, off Holman Highway. The Highway 1 Gateis at Exit...
What is the cost of admission for the 17-Mile Drive?
The admission fee for the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is $11.25 per vehicle. The cost of admission is reimbursed with a purchase of $35.00 or more at any of the restaurants at Pebble Beach Resorts, except Pebble Beach Market. Good to know: At our most recent visit, only credit cards were being accepted. With your receipt, you receive a brochure that offers information on the stops along the famous drive. While there is a fee to drive the route, you can walk or bicycle the route (or a part o...
Did you know that the 17-Mile Drive first became a scenic route all the way back in 1881, when carriages drove along the road? The drive was created by the Hotel Del Monte, a luxury resort that opened in 1880 and was considered one of the best resorts in North America at the time. The hotel offered the scenic drive as an attraction for their guests...
As long as you pick a clear day, there really isn’t any bad time of year to enjoy the super scenic 17-Mile Drive. We love doing the 17-Mile Drive in the spring, when California is lush green and there are wildflowers everywhere. Our most recent trip was in early June and the route looked spectacular, with golden wildflowers all along the drive. In ...
You can do the 17-Mile Drive north to south or south to north. Honestly, it does not matter where you start. No matter which gate you begin the drive, you can visit each of the stops on the drive. That said, if you start at Pacific Grove in the north, you will be driving the route on the side closest to the ocean, so passengers can enjoy spectacula...
Do the 17-Mile Drive on a Clear Bright Day
If your itinerary is flexible, choose a bright, fog-free time for the 17-Mile Drive. Since this drive is all about the ocean views, you want to avoid the infamous marine layer if you can. You are most likely to encounter fog on summer mornings. If you visit in the summer, plan your drive for the afternoon, when the marine layer usuallydissipates. Not always, though!
See and Hear the Bagpiper Play!
If you happen to be at Spanish Bay just before sunset, do not miss the opportunity to see and hear the Bagpiper at Spanish Bay play! The bagpiper performance starts at the first tee at The Links at Spanish Bay in front of STICKS, and wraps up 45 minutes later at the Spanish Bay fire pits near the second green. During Daylight Saving Time, the performance starts around 5:45 p.m. During Standard Time, the bagpiper starts about 30 minutes before sunset.
Allow Plenty of Time
If you just plan to do the drive, with brief photo stops, allow for about 1.5 to 2 hours, with an additional hour if you plan to eat a meal. We suggest allowing more time than you think you will need, simply because the route is so scenic that you will want to linger at each stop. If you can spare the time, you might want to allow half a day or even make it a full day trip: bring your beach gear. With more time, you can walk some of the trails along the route, enjoy some time at one of the be...
- Shepherd’s Knoll. Why it’s worth stopping at: Located high on a hill, this scenic overlook is ideal for taking photographs that include both the Del Monte Forest and the Pacific Ocean.
- Huckleberry Hill. Why it’s worth stopping at: Huckleberry Hill is another photo opportunity that perhaps inspired classic literature. Huckleberry Hill is another stop along the 17-Mile Drive with a great vista.
- S.F.B. Morse Botanical Reserve. Why it’s worth stopping at: Take a break from the car and stretch your legs with a peaceful forest hike. Most of the 17-Mile Drive hugs the beautiful coastline, but it’s worthwhile to take a quick detour to hike in the forest.
- The Inn at Spanish Bay. Why it’s worth stopping at: Take part in a unique Pebble Beach tradition: listening to the sound of bagpipes as the sun goes down over the ocean.
- Shepherd’s Knoll. Shepherd’s Knoll is the first official stop on the 17 Mile Drive! It gives great views of Monterey Bay and even the Santa Cruz mountains, but from kinda far away.
- Huckleberry Hill. Wait – huckleberries?! YES! This stop on the 17 Mile Drive was named after all the native huckleberry bushes in this area. Although unfortunately you won’t be able to try any.
- Spanish Bay Beach and The Links at Spanish Bay. This is kinda a two-in-one, and one of my favorite 17 Mile Drive stops. There’s the Links at Spanish Bay (the golf course) and Spanish Bay Beach (which is, you guessed correctly, a beach!).
- Restless Sea. This will be another quick stop on the 17 Mile Drive. And like its name implies, this is one of the most turbulent sections of coastline over here in Pebble Beach!
17-Mile Drive®. 17 Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953. Tollfree (800) 654-9300. visit website. Details. Meetings. Map. Widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world, this famous coastal landmark runs from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, featuring awe-inspiring vistas and legendary sites perfect for a day of exploration.
Jan 25, 2022 · California. 20 Pictures to Inspire You to Visit 17-Mile Drive. I’ve gathered my favorite pictures to inspire your next visit to the 17-Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula in California. Last updated: January 25, 2022. 20 pictures to inspire you to visit 17-Mile Drive. 20 Favorite Pictures to Inspire You to Visit 17-Mile Drive.
