17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
Hi friends and happy Monday! Today we’re exploring a stunning gated oceanfront community in glorious Pebble Beach, which is hosting the 2023 US Women’s Open this week. The famous 17-Mile Drive will be closed this week from July 5-9 due to the golf tournament, so instead we’re going to take you on a virtual visit to each spot along this scenic drive. Join me below as we enjoy the historic and picturesque views along the scenic 17-Mile Drive in central California.
The Lone Cypress Tree along 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
History and Location
In 1602 the Monterey Peninsula was first mapped by Spanish explorers, and Pebble Beach began beckoning visitors in the 1800s. By the 1920s, Pebble Beach Golf Links had been designed and the first national golf tournament at Pebble Beach was held in 1929. Now the majority of 17-Mile Drive is owned and operated by the Pebble Beach Corporation. This famous stretch of road is a 17 mile long scenic loop that hugs the beautiful coastline. This drive also serves as the main road through the gated community of Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula...but for under $12, non-residents can use the road to explore the unique scenic attractions found here.
Monterey Peninsula Country Club near Point Joe along 17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea on the Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach is known for its world-class, golfing, shopping, recreation and luxury hotels & spas...and 17-Mile Drive is home to 17 designated points of interest, so let’s explore them together. There are five separate entrances to 17 mile drive, but today we’re starting at the Highway 1 gate, traveling north and counter-clockwise around the loop.
Shepherd’s Knoll along 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
View from Shepherd’s Knoll along 17-Mile Drive
1. Shepherd’s Knoll
Winding through the Del Monte Forest, our first stop is the vista at Shepherd’s Knoll. It was originally named for railman Abraham D. Shepard, who constructed an upper scenic route along 17-Mile Drive. The wonderful view from here looks down at Monterey Bay below, and it’s definitely worth a stop.
Huckleberry Hill along 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
2. Huckleberry Hill
On a clear day from Huckleberry Hill, you can see Santa Cruz in the distance. This spot is named for the huckleberry shrubs that blanket the hillside here, and this area has been specifically set aside as a permanently preserved forest. It’s been said that famed writers, Robert Louis Stevenson and John Steinbeck often visited this spot.
Spanish Bay Beach along 17-Mile Drive
Mahi Mahi Burger lunch on the patio at Roy’s at The Inn at Spanish Bay
The Links at Spanish Bay near the Inn at Spanish Bay
3. The Inn at Spanish Bay & Spanish Bay Beach
Nestled among mighty Monterey pines and boasting a Scottish-style links golf course set along the pristine coastline, The Inn at Spanish Bay offers multiple dining options and is a great spot to enjoy a meal along your drive. When Nate & I were first dating we loved our Saturday date nights at Roy’s in Los Angeles, so every time we visit Pebble Beach we make time for a meal here. If you stick around in the evening, you can even hear the Spanish Bay bagpiper at the fire pits just outside The Inn.
Just past the turnoff for The Inn, make sure to stop off at Spanish Bay Beach. Here you can enjoy walking along the seaside boardwalk and sandy beaches. Spanish Bay was named after the Spanish explorers, who first camped out here in 1769 when they were searching for Monterey Bay.
Restless Sea stop along 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
Wildflowers near the Restless Sea at Pebble Beach
4. Restless Sea
The Restless Sea is a rocky rough section of coastline where waves are continually crashing into each other due to the jagged submerged underwater rocks. This spot is often blustery and incredibly beautiful.
Point Joe along 17-Mile Drive near Monterey Peninsula Country Club
5. Point Joe
Located just past the Restless Sea, you find Point Joe. Interestingly, early mariners mistook this spot for the entrance to Monterey Bay, and the spot was named for a man named Joe who lived here in a driftwood hut during the early 1900s. It’s said he would tend goats and sell goods to the tourists passing through.
China Rock along 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
6. China Rock
China Rock was the site of a small Chinese fishing village during the late 1800s. Look closely as you approach this rock outcropping...you may still see cooking smoke still layered on the rocks over a century later.
Please obey the signs that ask you to not climb on China Rock. If you’re looking to do some rock-hopping, there are some wonderful formations just to the north of China Rock that are open to explore.
Looking out towards Bird Rock along 17-Mile Drive
Wildlife on Bird Rock off the coast of Pebble Beach
7. Bird Rock
A wildlife hub here in Pebble Beach, Bird Rock was once covered with over 4 feet of guano, and inn the 1930s it was even harvested as fertilizer. With seals, sea lions, and countless bird species, including pelicans, cormorant and seagulls, this is a great spot to enjoy the local sea life. Gray whales typically migrate sometime between November and March, so you can even see their spouts from the shore here as well.
Looking out towards Cypress Point from Seal Rock Beach
8. Seal Rock
Found at the mouth of Seal Rock Creek is a lovely little beach. Here you can stroll the boardwalk, explore tide pools, and picnic with ocean front views. And as the name implies, this is a great spot to view sea life as well.
9. Fan Shell Beach
The overlook at Fan Shell Beach boasts uninterrupted coastal views, and it’s a main central coast habitat for harbor seal pups. As a result, sections of this coastline are closed to the public from April to June for the pups to thrive and explore.
10. Cypress Point Lookout
This white sand beach is also home to harbor seals, who have their young here every Spring, so expect this area to be closed from April to June for pupping season. With its lovely southwest views, it’s a popular sunset spot nestled near the exclusive neighborhood of Sunset Point just to the south.
Monterey cypress trees in Crocker Grove
Crocker Grove along 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
11. Crocker Grove
Preserved and protected by the Del Monte Forest Conservancy, Crocker Grove is home to the oldest and largest Monterey Cyprus known to exist. Pebble Beach is one of the only two places in the world home to native Monterey cypress forests. The other is found just across the bay a Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
The Lone Cypress seen from 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
The Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach
The Lone Cypress along 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
12. The Lone Cypress
One of the most famous stops along 17 Mile Drive has long been the Lone Cypress. For over 250 years this iconic tree has stood overlooking the Pacific. It’s a favorite of both artists and photographers to capture and is known as the midway point on the original 17-Mile Drive. You may recognize this tree as it’s been a logo for Pebble Beach Resorts since its founding in 1919.
Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point along 17-Mile Drive
13. Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point
At Pescadero Point you find numerous sun bleached cypress trees lining a coastal path that looks out on a legendary big wave spot. Under certain winter conditions, swells here have been known to approach 50 feet.
Pebble Beach Visitor Center along 17-Mile Drive
14. Pebble Beach Visitor Center
A must-stop spot for all 17-Mile Drive visitors, the Pebble Beach Visitor Center is filled with over a dozen exhibits highlighting the area’s history. It also features interpretive maps of 17-Mile Drive and provides an opportunity to grab souvenirs & snacks while enjoying the outdoor patio.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
15. Pebble Beach Golf Links
In 1919 golfers Jack Neville and Douglas Grant built the Pebble Beach Golf Links. This course has gone on to host countless major championships and has been ranked as the #1 Public Course in America.
Pebble Beach Equestrian Center
16. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center
In 1924 the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center opened, and a century later you can head out on a variety of guided horseback trail rides here. This spot even hosted the U.S. Team Trials for the 1960 Olympics.
Grazing goats at Ford Meadow along 17-Mile Drive
17. Ford Meadow
On August 26, 1981, Ford Meadow was dedicated to the memory of Robert Ford, who was a generous donor at the Del Monte Forest Conservancy. On my recent visit, the meadow was full of a large herd of grazing goats, which are used on occasion in the area to help with fire prevention.
Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point along 17-Mile Drive
Know Before You Go
• For detailed information on the world class golf, hotels, spas, shopping, recreation, dining, and the visitor center, visit www.pebblebeach.com
• Admission to 17-Mile Drive for day guests is $11.25 per vehicle. The gate fee can be reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding the Pebble Beach Market. Admission into 17-Mile Drive is complimentary for overnight guests of The Lodge, The Inn, and Casa Palmero.
• The 17-Mile Drive gates are open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Hours are subject to change during certain special events, such as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Please note that motorcycles are prohibited.
• The average high temperatures at Pebble Beach range from 58-70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, but can vary throughout the day. Mornings can be foggy; afternoons are often warmer. It rarely rains in the Summer — the average rainfall from May through September is less than 1 inch combined.
• If you’re visiting from the south, consider driving up Hwy 1 through beautiful Big Sur. If you’re flying to the area, the Monterey Peninsula Airport is located 20 minutes from Pebble Beach Resorts. In addition, San Jose International Airport is about 90 minutes north, while San Francisco International Airport is about 2 hours north.
Top 10 Things to Do Along the Central Coast:
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Pfeiffer Beach
17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
Rock formations near China Rock along 17-Mile Drive
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me today along the world famous 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. For a virtual visit, see my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
The Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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