17-Mile Drive

17-Mile Drive featuring rugged coastline and a beach
17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive


Discover palatial mansions, lush golf courses and a wild stretch of coastline inhabited by sea lions on a road often dubbed one of the world’s most scenic drives.

Gaze at dazzling mansions and barking sea lions along 17-Mile Drive, a privately owned stretch of road that winds between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach. This exclusive seafront drive hugs the wild, craggy coastline, passing great cypress trees, rocky coves, sandy beaches and undulating golf courses.

Relax at the beautiful sandy beach of Spanish Bay. Bring a picnic and laze on the beach or splurge on a meal at the upmarket Lodge at Pebble Beach. Afterward, walk off your lunch with a long stroll along the boardwalk, which traverses the rugged coastline and rolling sand dunes. Or, rent a bicycle and pedal along the coastline breathing in the salty sea air and enjoying the far-reaching views. For something more laid-back, join the throngs of spectators who come to admire the skills of the surfers riding the waves.

It’s not just watersports fans who appreciate the waters here. Many visitors come to see the humpback whales, which often pass by in great numbers. Look for their majestic tails flicking above the surface of the water. For more wildlife encounters, meet the sea lions and harbor seals at Fanshell Overlook lookout point and Bird Rock. The aptly named Seal Rock is another popular seal haunt. Spend a leisurely afternoon looking for anemones and crabs in tidal rock pools.

Challenge yourself to a round of golf or enjoy sweeping views of some of the most picturesque golf courses on the planet. Appreciate the beauty of the fourth green nestled between dunes and sea at Spyglass Hill, listen for barking sea lions as you tee off and enjoy some putting at Spanish Bay.

Drivers must pay a fee to access the gated 17-Mile Drive, but the route is free for cyclists and hikers. Motorcycles are not allowed. Follow the red-painted lines on the pavement for the full 17 miles (27 kilometers) to discover the forests, luxury hotels, golf courses and beautiful beaches. There are several entrances but the Highway 1 Gate to the Carmel Gate forms the full extent of the drive.

Reviews of 17-Mile Drive

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
19
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Pebble Beach Golf Club was the highlight. Beautiful place and made to feel welcome. Some great souvenirs and photos.

Popular places to visit


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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near 17-Mile Drive

The 27.4km Drive in Pebble Beach offers a delightful mix of activities, including world-renowned golf courses and stunning beach experiences. Visitors can enjoy scenic bike tours, explore additional attractions, and indulge in the area's vibrant nightlife. It's also an easy day trip, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure alike. Don't miss the chance to soak in the breathtaking coastal views while partaking in these diverse activities.

Shopping

Carmel Plaza is a delightful shopping centre located 4.8km from 27.4km Drive, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. Del Monte Shopping Center, also 6.4km away, provides a similar atmosphere. For a unique experience, The Doud Arcade, just 4.8km from your location, is worth a visit.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links, where stunning coastal vistas enhance your game. Alternatively, challenge yourself at Spyglass Hill Golf Course, known for its lush surroundings. For a more exclusive experience, visit Cypress Point Golf Club, famed for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 19.3km from 27.4km Drive. Enjoy the outdoor vibes at Waterfront, a stunning spot 6.4km away, or engage in a spirited match at Monterey Tennis Center, situated 8.0km from your base.

Nightlife

As night falls in Pebble Beach, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere at Sunset Center, Golden Bough Playhouse, and Forest Theater Guild, each just 4.8km away. These theatres offer a delightful mix of culture and romance, perfect for a family-friendly night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near 17-Mile Drive

Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach day, exploring nature reserves, or enjoying the charm of a jetty, 27.4km Drive in Pebble Beach offers a variety of attractions for every traveller. Perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike, visitors can immerse themselves in stunning coastal scenery while discovering local points of interest that cater to diverse interests and experiences.

  • Carmel Beach: A picturesque stretch of sand located a mere 3.2km from 27.4km Drive, Carmel Beach offers a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Enjoy stunning sunsets and the soothing sound of the waves, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing or a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
  • Fisherman's Wharf: Situated 8.0km away, Fisherman's Wharf is a vibrant jetty with an array of seafood restaurants and shops. Experience the lively marine environment, watch fishermen at work, and indulge in freshly caught fish and local delicacies while enjoying views of the bay.
  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Located 6.4km from 27.4km Drive, this reserve is a haven for nature lovers. With breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, it’s perfect for exploring coastal landscapes and observing sea lions and seabirds in their natural habitat.

Best time to go to 17-Mile Drive

The best time to visit 17-Mile Drive is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April54.5°F (12.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.0°F (17.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October61.3°F (16.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November55.9°F (13.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
December51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for 17-Mile Drive

To save money on your visit to 27.4km Drive, consider travelling during the cheaper months of March or December to January, and avoid Saturdays for accommodation. Tuesdays typically offer the best hotel rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget, location, and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, you can save further by booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. Keep an eye out for deals featuring free cancellation and attractive rates to maximise your savings while enjoying the stunning scenery.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around 27.4km Drive are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around 27.4km Drive is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around 27.4km Drive is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation for the 27.4km Drive with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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