How much does 17 Mile Drive cost?

The entry toll for 17 Mile Drive is currently $12.25 per vehicle (as of 2025), collected at the gate. This fee is waived if you dine at one of the Pebble Beach resorts (Lodge at Pebble Beach or Inn at Spanish Bay) — they provide a gate pass with a qualifying dining receipt. Cyclists and pedestrians enter for free through the Pacific Grove Gate on Sunset Drive. The toll covers access to the entire 17-mile route through the Del Monte Forest and along the Pebble Beach coastline, including all 20+ numbered stops. Given the scenery and the iconic golf courses you'll pass, most visitors consider it excellent value.

How long does 17 Mile Drive take?

The drive itself takes about 1–1.5 hours if you simply drive the route without stopping. However, most visitors take 2.5–4 hours to properly enjoy it — stopping at the key pullouts (Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Ghost Tree, Stillwater Cove) and walking short paths to ocean overlooks. If you add a meal at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or Spanish Bay, budget a full half-day (4–5 hours). The route has no entrance or exit requirements — you can drive it as slowly as you wish and exit at any of the five gates. Many people drive it at sunset, which transforms the Lone Cypress and coastline views into something extraordinary.

What are the must-stop spots on 17 Mile Drive?

The top stops in order along the route: (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.

Can you bike 17 Mile Drive?

Yes — cyclists enter free through the Pacific Grove Gate off Sunset Drive. The route is popular with cyclists on weekends, though you'll be sharing a narrow road with cars for most of the route (there is no dedicated bike lane). The terrain is relatively flat with gentle undulations. A hybrid or road bike is ideal; mountain bikes work fine too. The full loop takes about 1.5–2 hours by bike at a leisurely pace with stops. Be aware that sections through the Del Monte Forest have limited visibility on curves, so stay right and use lights. Early morning weekend rides are particularly peaceful — traffic is minimal and the light on the coast is stunning.

Is 17 Mile Drive worth it?

Yes — it's one of the most scenic drives in California and in the country. The combination of wild Pacific coastline, ancient cypress trees, world-famous golf courses, and glimpses of Pebble Beach's exclusive resort world makes it genuinely unique. The $12 toll is modest for what you get. It pairs naturally with nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea (charming village with galleries, boutiques, and excellent restaurants, 10 minutes away) and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (spectacular coastal hiking, often called the greatest meeting of land and sea). For anyone driving the Pacific Coast Highway, 17 Mile Drive is a natural add-on to the Monterey Peninsula stop that most first-time PCH drivers already plan to make.

California | Self-Guided Tour | Discover Best Attractions

17 Mile Drive
California

Got a free weekend? Take a 17-Mile Drive Tour!

by Audrey

October 5, 2021

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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 be just the thing to get you out of your head and into the beauty of nature. The Pacific Grove 17-Mile Drive tour in Monterey, California is a great choice for a quick casual getaway.

17 Mile Drive
Big Sur
California
Joshua Tree

Top 8 Things to Do in on your Tour of California

by Audrey

May 5, 2021

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Whether it’s the surf to the lush forests, a tour of California has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. Driving along the Golden State’s highways is often a dramatic, eye-popping experience, as the roads—which stretch from Mexico to Oregon—get more spectacular with each passing mile.

California

Got a free weekend? Take a 17-Mile Drive Tour!

Top 8 Things to Do in on your Tour of California

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