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17 Mile Drive is among the many most scenic drives on the planet with beautiful seashores, well-known cypress timber, rocky outcrops, and splendid mansions. Located on the Freeway 1 Coastal Route between Carmel by the Sea and Monterey, this drive takes you alongside the Monterey Peninsula by the use of the Del Monte Forest and via a few of the distinctive communities throughout the nation, Pebble Seaside, California.
Many people pay $11.25 to enter the well-known route in Pebble Seaside by car, nonetheless within the occasion you expertise a bicycle or stroll alongside the 17-mile stretch, it’s free!
Bikes won’t be allowed on 17 Mile Drive and we didn’t have to be caught in a car, so we decided to cycle 17 Mile Drive. Nevertheless as a substitute of exerting an extreme quantity of vitality, we did it in sort on an e-bike. The wonderful thing about e-biking is you presumably can uncover the enticing freeway on two wheels with the comfort and velocity of a motorcycle free of value!
17 Mile Drive from Monterey – Pacific Grove to Carmel
Most people drive 17 mile Drive by renting a car or taking a freeway journey. You can take a look at car rental comparisons at RentalCars.com.
17 Mile Drive Worth
- The entry value is 11.25 for automobiles.
- Strolling and biking are free.
- Bikes won’t be allowed on 17 mile drive.
- Must you eat at certainly one of many 17-mile drive consuming locations, you will get your gate value reimbursed.
To Drive or Cycle 17 Mile Drive
17 Mile Drive is positioned domestically of Pacific Grove, It is solely a five-minute drive from Monterey, so it’s vitally easy to get to in case you might be staying in town. We met our info at Huge Sur Adventures on Cannery Row the place we outfitted with helmets, water, and state-of-the-art e-bikes.
Regardless of which suggests you choose to see 17 Mile Drive, you are going to love the environment. Nonetheless, web site guests could be heavy and there is a lineup to get into this scenic drive.
We found that by biking, we had a great deal of freedom and zipped earlier stopped automobiles in web site guests. Plus, with e-bikes, we didn’t work very exhausting because of they’re electrical bikes. We had the fulfilling of using pedal power nonetheless had the extra improve of velocity to go uphill and expertise faster with ease. We coated a great deal of ground in our afternoon tour.
These E-bikes are fast. We averaged 20 miles (32km) an hour with out having to do any exhausting work. When you want to zip spherical from place to place, the gears and throttle make it easy to hit prime speeds, even going uphill. We barely broke a sweat.
Points to See on 17 Mile Drive
There are so many points to see and do on 17 Mile Drive, nonetheless Ocean View Boulevard and Sunset Drive have tons to see as correctly, so we suggest making a whole day journey to find this scenic coastal drive.
Proper right here’s a breakdown of the components of curiosity on 17 Mile Drive and Ocean View Boulevard to Carmel.
1. Lovers Degree – Ocean Blvd
Lovers Degree is a picturesque seashore with photogenic rocky outcrops. It’s a most well-liked spot for locals to hold round and have picnics, play seashore volleyball, or catch a wave.
Sooner than coming into 17 Mile Drive, we stopped at a number of scenic viewpoints alongside Ocean Boulevard to admire the views of the Monterey Peninsula. We started merely exterior Monterey near the Monterey Bay Aquarium and to the Gate to Pebble Seaside. Lover’s Degree was a ravishing stop to marvel at the beauty of the coast. There gave the look to be one pull-off after one different for automobiles to park and for people to get out and profit from the views.
2. Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation House
On the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation House, a gaggle of sea otters caught our eye. On the very least a dozen of them had been having fun with throughout the surf of the Monterey Peninsula.
We realized that by the Nineteen Twenties sea otters had been believed to be extinct due to overhunting. Nevertheless 50 or so survived alongside the coast. Some people say they lived throughout the well-known Bixby Bridge area.
Instantly, sea otters are thriving throughout the area because of the efforts of the Monterey Bay Aquariums Sea Otter program. We watched a minimum of a dozen of them swim in play throughout the surf and it was heartening to take heed to that they’ve returned.
Nevertheless they nonetheless face a extreme threat from oil spills and meals availability. After numerous minutes of watching the lovable little guys, we hopped on our e-bikes, put our gears on extreme, and zipped to the next stop.
Make certain to check out these completely different beautiful spots for photos alongside Huge Sur. These are highlights you don’t have to miss!
3. John Denver Memorial
It’s fascinating to take heed to of the movie stars and celebrities that frequented this area.
Clint Eastwood was the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea throughout the Eighties and virtually everyone we talked to had some sort of celebrity story to tell of their establishment or group.
We e realized that singer John Denver lived domestically for a yr sooner than his lack of life. His airplane crashed throughout the waters merely off the coast. In 2007 a memorial was dedicated to the shores to have a superb time his life.
4. Degree Pinos Lighthouse
As we meandered earlier million-dollar properties our info Joaquin recognized the Degree Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest still-operating lighthouse on the West Coast. It is nonetheless in use in the intervening time to help navigate ships they often provide daily excursions. You may also like: The place to Camp in Huge Sur
5. Pacific Grove Gate
We entered the Gates of Pebble Seaside at Pacific Grove Gate with out incident. We whizzed earlier automobiles lined as a lot as pay their entrance value. Being on a bicycle, we had the freedom to find the paid portion of 17 Mile Drive on our private.
Having our bikes, we had been driving faster than most automobiles caught in web site guests which allowed us to see all the best web sites with ease. You can resolve up a map of 17 Mile Drive on the Buyer’s Coronary heart, to adjust to the 21 components of curiosity.
Sure you presumably can spend the day checking each half out, nonetheless in case you might be transient on time, there are a few ought to see stops. These had been our favorites.
6. Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay
The Hyperlinks Golf course at Spanish Bay might be a few of the beautiful settings for golf throughout the US. It was designed to protect and restore the native dunes alongside the coast to allow the plant to regrow at Spanish Bay.
As a result of nursery constructed on-site, larger than 100,000 native species are replanted yearly making a ravishing wild coast alongside Spanish Bay.
The Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay was the first Scottish Sort golf course in America opened in 1987 and was designed by five-time British Open champion Tom Watson. He well-known that “Spanish Bay appeared loads like Scotland, you’d practically hear the bagpipe piping.” Ever since The Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay has had pipers play at sunset whereas the ultimate golfers find yourself on the course.
7. Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay Seaside is but yet one more scenic stop alongside an prolonged stretch of seashore. Throughout the late 1700s, the Spanish camped proper right here whereas on the lookout for Monterey Bay. Confusion and sickness set in and 6 months later they returned having in no way found Monterey Bay. Little did they know, how shut they’d been.
It wasn’t until a yr later with one different discovery celebration that they actually discovered Monterey Bay which was hidden in plain sight. Spanish Bay was named for the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolà who camped proper right here in 1769 in no way discovering what he was in the hunt for.
You might also maintain proper right here on the Inn at Spanish Bay. It overlooks The Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay and is close to the Fowl Rock Vista overlook.
8. China Rock
China Rock is one different beautiful viewpoint alongside the 17 Mile Drive. This was a Chinese language language group throughout the 1800s the place they constructed small lean-to properties in opposition to the rocks.
9. Fowl Rock
Our subsequent stop was one different beautiful lookout at Fowl Rock. Joaquin suggested us that it was as soon as numerous inches bigger nonetheless they cleared away the entire chook poop.
As quickly as they cleared the layer of dung away, the ocean lions took over for a bit nonetheless now that the layer of white chook droppings has taken over as soon as extra, it’s gone once more to the birds offering good sightings for chook watchers.
10. Seal Rock
Seal Rock is an environment friendly picnic area and is an effective spot to get out, stretch your legs and go for a stroll. It was named for the harbor seals and sea lions that frequent the realm.
11. Crocker Grove
17 Mile Drive is also well-known for its dying Monterey cypress timber alongside the shore, nonetheless merely sooner than you attain the Lone Cypress Degree Lookout, make a stop in Crocker Grove. The Cypress Timber of Crocker Grove are healthful and sturdy. You’ll moreover uncover numerous the oldest and largest cypress timber on the planet proper right here.
The founding father of Pebble Seaside Samuel F.B. Morse, made sure to guard the realm, and its Monterey cypress Timber. The drive goes by the use of 5300 acres along with the Del Monte Forest.
12. The Lone Cypress
We had been most attempting forward to Cypress Degree Lookout to see the Lone Cypress as a result of it’s the image that we’ve seen all over the place within the Internet of 17 Mile Drive. It’s a widely known Monterey Cypress tree sitting alone on a rocky outcrop Nevertheless it ended up being a bit disappointing to us. Plainly most photographers have accomplished their clever framing and positioning to make it seem additional thrilling than it is.
Although we had been upset, the Lone Cypress stays to be a must-stop alongside the 17 Mile Drive. It is the picture of Pebble Seaside, California, and the 250-year-old tree now has steel cables holding it up. Must you deal with to do the 17 Mile Drive throughout the near future, you would stop proper right here for a look because you in no way perceive how for for much longer the Lone Cypress will remaining.
13. Ghost Tree
Only a bit farther alongside the freeway was the Ghost Tree and that was a additional spectacular view for us. The sunset happens immediately behind the Ghost Tree (in March anyway) and it makes for a ravishing scene.
It’s a stark distinction to the Lone Cypress that is nonetheless dwelling. This ineffective cypress tree with naked branches gives an ominous view of the ocean. Legend has it the Lady in Lace could be seen on the Ghost Tree on foggy nights.
14. Mansions
There are 21 components of curiosity alongside the 17 Mile Drive route map, nonetheless none of them level out the $20-$40 million dollar mansions that line the shore. Dave and I couldn’t think about the number of multimillion-dollar properties and puzzled, “who lives proper right here?” How obtain this many people have such monumental wealth?
The 17 mile drive properties are actually constructed for the rich and well-known and it is fulfilling to consider who’s hiding behind the high-manicured hedges. We’d have stopped for a peek at each property nonetheless that can have taken the entire day!
15. Pescadero Degree
Sooner than biking alongside 17 Mile Drive, we spent a day looking with the Carmel Surf Agency off its stunning prolonged sandy seashore. Whereas there, our trainer recognized Pebble Seaside and we didn’t discover merely how shut 17 Mile Drive was to the place we started.
Stopping at Pescadero Degree gave us stunning views of Carmel Bay and Stillwater cove. It was our remaining scenic view sooner than decreasing once more into the Pebble Seaside group.
16. Pebble Seaside Buyer Coronary heart
The Pebble Seaside Buyer Coronary heart traces the historic previous of 17 Mile Drive from its beginnings as a carriage route in 1881. There are 20 shows with interactive maps, an outdoor patio, and meals and drinks. Hours: 8 am to 7 pm.
17. Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks
There are a selection of world-class golf applications at Pebble Seaside and The Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay was voted certainly one of many Biggest Public Golf Applications throughout the nation by Golf Digest. The 2019 US Open was held on the Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks.
- Totally different Golf Applications are:
- Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks
- Spyglass Hill Golf Course
- Del Monte Golf Course
- Pebble Seaside Golf Academy
Peter Hay Par-3 Golf Course – Must you don’t have to golf a full 18 holes whereas visiting Pebble Seaside, hit up the one Par 3 course throughout the area and you will wish to see the a hundredth U.S. Open Monument that was put up all through the 2000 U.S. to honor the win in 2000 (by Tiger Woods) and the other 99 winners of the 20th century.
18. The Lodge at Pebble Seaside
Lodge at Pebble Seaside – The Lodge at Pebble Seaside dates once more to 1919 and is an effective place to stop in your journey throughout the drive. If in case you’ve the funds, it’s moreover a terrific place to stay in Pebble Seaside. It’s inside strolling distance of one other 17 mile drive factors of curiosity along with Degree Joe and Fanshell Overlook.
This renovated to 5-star luxurious, the lodge is thought for overlooking the 18th hole of the impeccable golf course positioned on the ocean.
19. Mission Ranch
We even made the detour to go to Clint Eastwood’s well-known ranch. The Mission Ranch dates once more to the 1800s and was rescued by Eastwood whereas he was mayor of Carmel. It was set to be a condominium progress.
Instantly it is a resort and restaurant set on 22 acres with sheep grazing throughout the meadow.
It’s worth a go to merely to say you’ve been there because of evidently everyone you meet throughout the area asks within the occasion you went to Clint Eastwood’s ranch.
Pebble Seaside Equestrian Coronary heart
We didn’t expertise horses all through our journey by the use of 17 Mile Drive, nonetheless we seen a great deal of horses all through our maintain throughout the area. The Pebble Seaside Equestrian Coronary heart affords guided excursions by the use of its 27 miles of trails contained in the Del Monte Forest. From the Equestrian Coronary heart you bear the Del Monte Forest to a Coastal Path the place you’ll get pleasure from a coastal picnic. Now we have so as to add that to our itemizing the next time we go to!
20. Pebble Seaside Meals and Wine Event
Must you happen to be throughout the area in April, the annual Pebble Seaside Meals & Wine Event has been a follow since 2008. Better than 100 celebrity cooks companion with 250 wineries organising tasting rooms for wine tastings and meals pairings.
21. Huckleberry Hill
We didn’t make it to Huckleberry Hill, nonetheless if in case you’ve additional time, chances are you’ll make your means as a lot as this viewpoint that is 800 toes above sea diploma to overlook the Del Monte Forest. It is positioned on the Freeway-1 Gate earlier Shephard’s Knoll. Apparently this was John Steinbeck’s favorite stop on 17 Mile Drive.
22. Carmel by the Sea
After a expertise by the use of the Lodge at Pebble Seaside and the Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks, we wove our means by the use of the quiet once more streets in the direction of our lodging.
Our journey ended throughout the stunning metropolis of Carmel. We advise spending the evening time in Carmel as there are a lot of points to see and do. From buying in its boutiques to high-quality consuming, it’s a stunning romantic escape. We have a whole breakdown of points to do in Carmel at The Biggest Points to do in Carmel by the Sea
The place to Preserve On 17 Mile Drive
We spent two days in Carmel sooner than beginning our freeway journey down the Pacific Coast Freeway 1. There are lots of places to stay in Carmel and you may too maintain in Monterey which might be very close to Pebble Seaside.
The Hideaway
We cherished our carry on the Hideaway Lodge in Carmel nonetheless there are completely different places to stay as correctly which we have now now talked about in your reference.
The Hideaway is positioned merely half a mile from the seashore nonetheless may also be centrally positioned downtown.
Inn at Spanish Bay – The Inn at Spanish Bay is positioned on the Hyperlinks Golf Course. All rooms have a cushty fireside and there are many consuming decisions on the market at this 5-star resort overlooking Spanish Bay
Casa Palermo – Located on the Pebble Seaside Golf and Hyperlinks, this Mediterranean Sort Lodging has 24 elegant rooms with an award-winning spa, golf, and five-star amenities.
The place To Eat Alongside 17 Mile Drive
La Balena Cucina Toscana
With its central location in Carmel, we had been solely a quick stroll from our dinner reservations at La Balena Cucina Toscana Carmel. Juniper Street seems to be the going down highway for consuming locations and cafes in Carmel and every The Hideaway and Labalena are situated on it.
La Balena was our favourite meal of our full journey. The setting was wonderful as we dined on their outdoors patio with heat lamps sustaining us toasty warmth. Run by Chef Emanuel Bartolini and his partner, the restaurant captures Tuscan delicacies fantastically.
As we’ve spent a great deal of time in Tuscany and felt absolutely at dwelling consuming up to date burrata with olive oil, gnocchi with truffles, and savory spaghetti Neri with clams, muscle mass, prawns in a tomato chili brodo.
Pebble Seaside Meals
We didn’t eat in Pebble Seaside, nonetheless there are a lot of decisions to eat at 17-mile drive consuming locations and you will get your gate value reimbursed within the occasion you eat at certainly one of many pebble seashore agency consuming locations. Most people picnic at certainly one of many many seashores and picnic areas.
Essentially the most well-liked picnic spots are seal rock and stage joe. Pack a lunch and make a day of it. Or greater however, go to the pebble seashore market for some picnic meals.
17 Mile Drive – Steadily Requested Questions
How loads does it value to drive 17 Mile Drive?
If strolling or biking 17 Mile drive is free. The entry value for automobiles is $11.25 on the gate, nonetheless within the occasion you spend $35 or additional at pebble seashore resorts consuming locations excluding pebble seashore market, chances are you’ll get your gate value once more. Bikes won’t be allowed on 17 Mile Drive.
The place do you start 17 Mile Drive?
17 Mile Drive begins at Pacific Grove Gate at Pebble Seaside, California.
When you’re driving south from San Francisco alongside Freeway 1 take the exit to CA 68 West in path of Pebble Seaside, you’ll then see indicators for the Pacific Grove Pebble Seaside Gate entrance.
We started from Huge Sur Adventures in Monterey and cycled spherical Ocean View Boulevard to sunset drive sooner than making our method to the Pebble Seaside Gate the place 17 mile drive formally begins.
You might also entry 17 Mile Drive from the Nation Membership Gate, Carmel gate, S.F.B. Morse Gate, or Freeway 1 Gate.
How prolonged is 17 Mile drive to see?
You can zip by the use of the 17 miles shortly, nonetheless we suggest three to 4 hours to see the entire sights. Have lunch in Pebble Seaside and make a day of it. There are seashores, scenic views and a great deal of places to catch sunset.
Is there lodging on 17 mile drive.
There are three luxurious Pebble Seaside resorts throughout the 17 mile drive. The Inn at Spanish Bay, Casa Palmero, and the Lodge at Pebble Seaside.
17 Mile Drive Hours of Operation
17 Mile drive is open from daybreak to sunset to visitors, nonetheless in case you might be staying in certainly one of many Pebble Seaside resorts, you’ve got entry to it 24/7. The gates to Pebble Seaside are patrolled 24 hours a day.
- For additional information on 17 Mile Drive, Carmel, and Monterey, go to the See Monterey Web page.
- Ebiking excursions of 17 Mile Drive start at $59 per particular person.
- For lodging attempt The Hideaway for reservations and prices.
Be taught Additional About California
Our journey to California was in partnership with Go to California. For additional information on California journey and itineraries, go to their site. As conventional, all opinions are our private.