A vacation doesn’t have to be a long, meticulously planned trip. If you find yourself with a day or two to spare, a short self-guided tour might get you out of your head and into the beauty of nature. The Pacific Grove 17-Mile Drive tour in Monterey, California, is an excellent choice for a quick casual getaway.
What is the 17-mile drive?
17-Mile Drive is a scenic road along the California coast, passing through Pebble Beach and the Del Monte Forest. From majestic mountain ranges to charming small towns, from captivating coastlines to iconic cities, the 17- 17-mile drive Tour is full of diverse attractions and experiences awaiting discovery. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, exploring history or culture, or just relaxing with stunning views – there is something for everyone along this fantastic tour!
Below are some of the reasons that let anyone admire this tour.
Photo fun at Crocker Cypress Grove
Whether traveling with friends and family or flying solo, this short-day trip is excellent. The whole drive takes less than an hour, depending on whether you stop for photos and picnics! The drive offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky beaches, and million-dollar homes. It’s also a great place to take pictures. You’ll want to leave the car for a few scenic vistas.
The Crocker Cypress Grove is a fairy-tale forest of temperate cypress trees where you can see the rocky coastline of California. This location is home to the Lone Cypress, a 250-year-old tree that grows on the edge of a cliff. The cypress’s roots are embedded in a granite outcrop over the Pacific Ocean. Its impressive tenacity makes it the most photographed tree in the United States. Cypress Point is a fascinating stop on the 17 Mile Drive. In the same way that the pyramids and the Eiffel Tower are iconic symbols of their respective countries, so too is this tree of the Monterey Peninsula.
Fishy behavior at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Pacific Grove is so closely intertwined with the ocean; it’s no wonder marine wildlife is everywhere! The local economy hinged on fish before tourism took the coast by storm. You can still see this on the streets of historic sardine factories known as Cannery Row and the still-operational Fisherman’s Wharf. Local seafood is always in season!
If you’d rather look at fish than eat them, the most exotic and exciting marine life can be found at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I also recommend stopping by Asilomar Beach. You can peer into its famous tide pools to get a closer look at crabs, urchins, and sea stars.
Golfing
One of the most popular activities in the area is golfing. This looping road of 17-mile drive provides panoramic vistas of the coastline and some of the world’s most famous golf courses.
Pebble Beach is famous for its golf courses, including the Pebble Beach Golf Links. The course features 18 holes, with a par of 72. It is open year-round and offers a pro shop, practice facilities, and a restaurant. During its history, Pebble Beach has hosted seven major championships. These tournaments have included the U.S. Amateur, the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am, the Masters, the Champions Tour First Tee Open, and the U.S. Women’s Open. There are other golf courses you can play on, like Spyglass Hill Golf Course and The Links at Spanish Bay. These are also world-renowned golf courses, each with its unique features.
Rock and roll
Like any self-respecting coastal town, the 17-mile drive tour features its share of excellent geological features created by saltwater erosion over centuries.
A crowd favorite is The Kissing Rock, two massive granite boulders fused to resemble a few mid-smooch.
Can’t get enough wildlife? Park near Seal Rock and Bird Rock, which host colonies of pelicans, cormorants, gulls, seals, and sea lions year-round.
You’ll even find remarkable rocks below the waves. At Point Joe, what looks like smooth sailing is an underwater rock formation. Over the past 400 years, the hidden formation has caused numerous shipwrecks.
The mild climate keeps the greens green, even in winter. Several shops and restaurants along the drive offer a range of options, from souvenirs to high-end dining. Carmel Valley Village has many art galleries and shops. Additionally, there are plenty of wine-tasting spots.
Let’s go!
Doesn’t the 17-mile Drive Audio tour sound like a great way to spend the day? Explore breathtaking views and discover the fantastic sites of the Mile Drive Tour. Once you purchase your tour, you can start at any time. That way, you can treat yourself to a bite-sized vacation next time you have a spare weekend!
If you like the tour, I recommend subscribing to Action+, which includes all our tours in a single, year-long package. Travel all year and take our self-guided tours with you wherever you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 17 Mile Drive cost?
How long does 17 Mile Drive take?
What are the must-stop spots on 17 Mile Drive?
(1) Spanish Bay Beach — dramatic rocky shoreline with crashing Pacific surf
(2) Bird Rock — large flat rock usually covered with sea lions, cormorants, and pelicans
(3) Seal Rock — similar wildlife viewing closer to shore
(4) The Lone Cypress — the most photographed tree in North America, a lone Monterey cypress clinging to a granite outcropping above the ocean
(5) Ghost Tree — a bleached, wind-sculpted cypress with jagged roots at water’s edge
(6) Pescadero Point — sweeping views of Stillwater Cove and Carmel Bay
(7) The Lodge at Pebble Beach — iconic golf clubhouse overlooking the 18th green and Stillwater Cove, worth stopping for a drink or bite even if not golfing.
