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17 Mile Drive is among the most scenic drives on the earth. Situated on the Freeway 1 Coastal Route between Carmel by the Sea and Pacific Grove, this drive takes you thru certainly one of California’s most unique communities, Pebble Seaside. Many individuals pay $11.25 to enter the well-known route in Pebble Seaside by automobile, however if you happen to journey a bicycle or stroll alongside the 17-mile stretch, it’s free!
Bikes will not be allowed on 17 Mile Drive and we didn’t need to be caught in a automobile, so we determined to cycle 17 Mile Drive. However as a substitute of exerting an excessive amount of vitality, we did it in type on an e-bike. The great thing about e-biking is you may discover the attractive highway on two wheels with the consolation and pace of a motorbike freed from cost!
17 Mile Drive from Monterey – Pacific Grove to Carmel
Most individuals drive 17 mile Drive by renting a automobile or taking a highway journey. You may verify automobile rental comparisons at RentalCars.com.
17 Mile Drive Value
- The fee is 11.25 for vehicles.
- Strolling and biking is free.
- Bikes will not be allowed on 17 mile drive.
- If you happen to eat at one of many 17-mile drive eating places, you’ll get your gate payment reimbursed.
To Drive or Cycle 17 Mile Drive
17 Mile Drive is situated locally of Pacific Grove, It’s only a five-minute drive from Monterey, so it is vitally straightforward to get to if you’re staying on the town. We met at our information at Big Sur Adventures in Pacific Grove the place we had been equipped with helmets, water, and state-of-the-art e-bikes.
Irrespective of which manner you select to see 17 Mile Drive, you’re going to love the surroundings of Pacific Grove. Nevertheless, visitors may be heavy and there’s a lineup to get into the drive at Pacific Grove Gate.
We discovered that by biking, we had a number of freedom and zipped previous stopped vehicles in visitors. Plus, with e-bikes, we didn’t work very laborious as a result of they’re electrical bikes. We had the enjoyable of utilizing pedal energy however had the additional enhance of pace to go uphill and journey sooner with ease. We lined a number of floor in our afternoon tour.
These E-bikes are quick. We averaged 20 miles (32km) an hour with out having to do any laborious work. If you wish to zip round from place to put, the gears and throttle make it straightforward to hit high speeds, even going uphill. We barely broke a sweat.
Issues to See on 17 Mile Drive
There are such a lot of issues to see and do on 17 Mile Drive, however Ocean View Boulevard and Sundown Drive have lots to see as effectively, so we advise making a whole day journey to discover this scenic coastal drive.
Right here’s a breakdown of the factors of curiosity on 17 Mile Drive and Ocean View Boulevard from Pacific Grove to Carmel by the Sea.
1. Lovers Level – Ocean Blvd
Lovers Level is a picturesque seaside with photogenic rocky outcrops. It’s a well-liked spot for locals to hang around and have picnics, play seaside volleyball, or catch a wave.
Earlier than coming into 17 Mile Drive, we stopped at a few scenic viewpoints alongside Ocean Boulevard. We began simply exterior Monterey close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and cycled between Pacific Grove and the Gate to Pebble Seaside. Lover’s Level was a ravishing cease to marvel at the fantastic thing about the coast. There gave the impression to be one pull-off after one other for vehicles to park and for individuals to get out and benefit from the views.
2. Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation Space
On the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation Space, a gaggle of sea otters caught our eye. No less than a dozen of them had been enjoying within the surf.
Whereas exploring Monterey and Carmel by the Sea, we discovered that by the Twenties sea otters had been believed to be extinct attributable to overhunting. However 50 or so survived alongside the coast of Huge Sur. Some individuals say they lived within the well-known Bixby Bridge space.
At this time, sea otters are thriving within the space due to the efforts of the Monterey Bay Aquariums Sea Otter program. We watched at the least a dozen of them swim in play within the surf and it was heartening to listen to that they’ve returned.
However they nonetheless face a critical menace from oil spills and meals availability. After a number of minutes of watching the lovable little guys, we hopped on our e-bikes, put our gears on excessive, and zipped to the following cease.
Ensure that to take a look at these different lovely spots for photography along Big Sur. These are highlights you don’t need to miss!
3. John Denver Memorial
It’s fascinating to listen to of the film stars and celebrities that frequented the areas of Carmel By the Sea, Monterey, Huge Sur, and Pacific Grove.
Clint Eastwood was the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea within the Nineteen Eighties and practically everybody we talked to had some type of celeb story to inform of their institution or group.
In Pacific Grove, we discovered that singer John Denver lived locally for a 12 months earlier than his loss of life. His airplane crashed within the waters simply off the coast of Pacific Grove, and in 2007 a memorial was devoted to the shores to rejoice his life.
4. Level Pinos Lighthouse
As we meandered previous million-dollar homes our information Joaquin identified the Level Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest still-operating lighthouse on the West Coast. It’s nonetheless in use at this time to assist navigate ships they usually supply every day excursions. You might also like: Where to Camp in Big Sur
5. Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay
The Links Golf course is probably one of the lovely settings for golf within the US. It was designed to guard and restore the native dunes alongside the coast to permit the plant to regrow. Due to the nursery constructed on-site, greater than 100,000 native species are replanted annually.
The primary Scottish Fashion golf course in America opened in 1987 and was designed by five-time British Open champion Tom Watson. He famous that “Spanish Bay appeared a lot like Scotland, you would virtually hear the bagpipe piping.” Ever since they’ve had pipers play because the course closes at sundown.
6. Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks
There are a number of world-class golf programs at Pebble Beach and The Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks at Spanish Bay was voted one of many Finest Public Golf Programs within the nation by Golf Digest. The 2019 US Open was held on the Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks.
- Different Golf Programs are:
- Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks
- Spyglass Hill Golf Course
- Del Monte Golf Course
- Pebble Seaside Golf Academy
7. Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay Seaside is one more scenic cease alongside a protracted stretch of seaside. Within the late 1700s, the Spanish camped right here whereas trying to find Monterey Bay. Confusion and illness set in and 6 months later they returned having by no means discovered Monterey Bay. Little did they know, how shut they had been.
It wasn’t till a 12 months later with one other discovery occasion that they really found Monterey Bay which was hidden in plain sight.
8. Pacific Grove Gate
We entered the Gates of Pebble Seaside at Pacific Grove Gate with out incident. We whizzed previous vehicles lined as much as pay their entrance payment. Being on a bicycle, we had the liberty to discover the paid portion of 17 Mile Drive on our personal.
Having our bikes, we had been driving sooner than most vehicles caught in visitors which allowed us to see all the highest websites with ease. You may choose up a map of 17 Mile Drive on the Customer’s Heart, to comply with the 21 factors of curiosity.
Certain you may spend the day checking the whole lot out, however if you’re brief on time, there are a number of should see stops. These had been our favorites.
9. China Rock
China Rock is one other lovely viewpoint on 17 Mile Drive. This was a Chinese language group within the 1800s the place they constructed small lean-to houses towards the rocks.
10. Chook Rock
Our subsequent cease was one other lovely lookout at Chook Rock. Joaquin advised us that it was once a number of inches increased however they cleared away all of the chicken poop.
As soon as they cleared the layer of dung away, the ocean lions took over for a bit however now that the layer of white chicken droppings has taken over once more, it’s gone again to the birds providing nice sightings for chicken watchers.
11. Seal Rock
Seal Rock is an efficient picnic space and is a superb 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.
12. The Lone Cypress
We had been most wanting ahead to Cypress Level Lookout because it’s the photograph that we’ve seen all around the Web of 17 Mile Drive. However it ended up being a bit disappointing to us. It appears that evidently most photographers have completed their intelligent framing and positioning to make it appear extra thrilling than it’s.
If you wish to seize that iconic shot that’s on most web sites, stroll over the fence and down onto a ledge that frames the tree by itself.
Although we had been disenchanted, the Lone Cypress remains to be a must-stop on 17 Mile Drive. It’s the image of Pebble Seaside and the 250-year-old tree now has metal cables holding it up. If you happen to handle to do the 17 Mile Drive within the close to future, you have to cease right here for a glance since you by no means understand how for much longer the Lone Cypress will final.
13. Ghost Tree
Just a bit farther alongside the highway was the Ghost Tree and that was a extra spectacular view for us. The sundown occurs straight behind the Ghost Tree (in March anyway) and it makes for a ravishing scene.
It’s a stark distinction to the Lone Cypress that’s nonetheless dwelling. This lifeless cypress tree with bare branches offers an ominous view of the ocean. Legend has it the Woman in Lace may be seen on the Ghost Tree on foggy nights.
14. Mansions
There are 21 factors of curiosity on the 17 Mile Drive route map, however none of them point out the $20-$40 million greenback mansions that line the shore. Dave and I couldn’t consider the variety of multimillion-dollar houses and puzzled, “who lives right here?” How accomplish that many individuals have such large wealth?
The 17 mile drive homes are really constructed for the wealthy and well-known and it’s enjoyable to think about who’s hiding behind the excessive manicured hedges. We might have stopped for a peek at every property however that may have taken your entire day!
15. Pescadero Level
Earlier than biking 17 Mile Drive, we spent a day at Carmel By the Sea browsing with the Carmel Surf Company off its beautiful lengthy sandy seaside. Whereas there, our teacher identified Pebble Seaside and we didn’t notice simply how shut the 17 Mile Drive was to the place we began.
Stopping at Pescadero Level gave us beautiful views of Carmel Bay and Stillwater cove. It was our final scenic view earlier than slicing again into the Pebble Seaside group and heading residence to our keep at Carmel by the Sea.
16. Pebble Seaside Customer Heart
The Pebble Seaside Customer Heart traces the historical past of 17 Mile Drive from its beginnings as a carriage route in 1881. There are 20 displays with interactive maps, an out of doors patio and meals and drinks. Hours: 8am to 7pm.
17. Mission Ranch
We even made the detour to go to Clint Eastwood’s well-known ranch. The Mission Ranch dates again to the 1800s and was rescued by Eastwood whereas he was mayor of Carmel. It was set to be a apartment improvement.
At this time it’s a lodge and restaurant set on 22 acres with sheep grazing within the meadow.
It’s price a visit simply to say you’ve been there as a result of plainly everybody you meet from Huge Sur to Monterey asks if you happen to went to Clint Eastwood’s ranch.
18. Pebble Seaside Meals and Wine Occasion
If you happen to occur to be within the space in April, the annual Pebble Seaside Meals & Wine Occasion has been a practice since 2008. Greater than 100 celeb cooks associate with 250 wineries establishing tasting rooms for wine tastings and meals pairings.
19. Carmel by the Sea
After a journey by the Lodge at Pebble Beach and the Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks, we wove our manner by the quiet again streets of Carmel by the Sea towards our lodging.
Our journey ended within the beautiful city of Carmel by the Sea. We propose spending the evening in Carmel as there are many issues to see and do. From buying in its boutiques to seek out eating, this can be a beautiful romantic escape. We’ve a whole breakdown of issues to do in Carmel at The Best Things to do in Carmel by the Sea
The place to Keep On 17 Mile Drive
We spent two days in Carmel earlier than starting our highway journey all the way down to Huge Sur. There are many locations to remain in Carmel and you too can keep in Monterey which may be very near Pebble Seaside.
The Hideaway
We liked our keep on the Hideaway Resort in Carmel and felt compelled to advocate it as a house base in your exploration of each 17 Mile Drive, and Carmel by the Sea, however there are different locations to remain as effectively which we have now talked about in your reference.
The Hideaway is situated simply half a mile from the seaside however can also be centrally situated downtown.
Inn at Spanish Bay – Situated on the Hyperlinks Golf Course, the Inn at Spanish Bay is a luxurious retreat. All rooms have a comfortable hearth and there are a lot of eating choices obtainable at this 5-star resort overlooking Spanish Bay
Lodge at Pebble Beach – The Lodge at Pebble Seaside dates again to 1919. Renovated to 5-star luxurious, the lodge is legendary for overlooking the 18th gap of the impeccable golf course situated on the ocean.
Casa Palermo – Situated on the Pebble Seaside Golf and Hyperlinks, this Mediterranean Style Lodging has 24 elegant rooms with an award-winning spa, golf, and five-star facilities.
The place To Eat Alongside 17 Mile Drive
La Balena Cucina Toscana
With its central location in Carmel, we had been only a brief stroll from our dinner reservations at La Balena Cucina Toscana Carmel. Juniper Avenue appears to be the taking place road for eating places and cafes in Carmel and each The Hideaway and Labalena are located on it.
La Balena was our favorite meal of our complete journey by Huge Sur and Lake Tahoe. The ambiance was excellent as we dined on their out of doors patio with warmth lamps maintaining us toasty heat. Run by Chef Emanuel Bartolini and his spouse, the restaurant captures Tuscan delicacies superbly.
As we’ve spent a number of time in Tuscany and felt fully at residence consuming recent burrata with olive oil, gnocchi with truffles, and savory spaghetti Neri with clams, muscle groups, prawns in a tomato chili brodo.
Carmel by the Sea is an excellent base for each exploring Monterey and Huge Sur and our time there was among the most nice days of our journey!
Pebble Seaside Meals
We didn’t eat in Pebble Seaside, however there are many choices to eat at 17-mile drive eating places and you’ll get your gate payment reimbursed if you happen to eat at one of many pebble seaside firm eating places. Most individuals picnic at one of many many beaches and picnic areas.
The preferred picnic spots are seal rock and level joe. Pack a lunch and make a day of it. Or higher but, go to the pebble seaside marketplace for some picnic meals.
17 Mile Drive – Steadily Requested Questions
How a lot does it price to drive 17 Mile Drive?
If strolling or biking 17 Mile drive is free. The Value for vehicles is $11.25 on the gate, however if you happen to spend $35 or extra at pebble seaside resorts eating places excluding pebble seaside market, you will get your gate payment again. Bikes will not be allowed on 17 Mile Drive.
The place do you begin 17 Mile Drive?
We began on the 17 Mile drive entrance on the Pacific Grove Gate at Pebble Seaside gate. In case you are driving south from San Francisco alongside Freeway 1 take the exit to CA 68 West in the direction of Pebble Seaside/Pacific Grove. You’ll then see indicators for the Pacific Grove Pebble Seaside Gate entrance.
From Huge Sur Adventures in Monterey, we cycled round ocean view boulevard to sundown drive and made our approach to the Pebble Seaside Gate the place 17 mile drive begins. You may also entry it from the nation membership gate, Carmel gate, S.F.B. Morse Gate, or Freeway 1 Gate.
How lengthy is 17 Mile drive to see?
You may zip by the 17 miles shortly, however we advise three to 4 hours to see all of the sights. Have lunch in Pebble seaside and make a day of it. There are seashores, scenic views and loads of locations to catch sundown.
Is there lodging on 17 mile drive.
There are three luxurious Pebble Seaside resorts within 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 dawn to sundown to guests, however if you’re staying in one of many Pebble Seaside resorts, you’ve gotten entry to it 24/7. The gates to Pebble Seaside are patrolled 24 hours a day.
- For extra info on 17 Mile Drive, Huge Sur, Carmel, and Monterey, go to the See Monterey Website.
- Ebiking excursions of 17 Mile Drive, Huge Sur, and Pacific Grove go to Huge Sur Adventures. Tour packages begin at $59 per individual.
- For lodging in Carmel by the Sea take a look at The Hideaway for reservations and costs.
Learn Extra About California
Our journey to California was in partnership with Go to California. For extra info on California journey and itineraries, visit their website. As standard, all opinions are our personal.
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