17-Mile Drive

17-Mile Drive featuring a sandy beach and rocky coastline
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.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Classes & workshops

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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


Top 17-Mile Drive Hotel Deals

Carmel Bay View Inn

Carmel Bay View Inn

2.5 out of 5
Junipero Street Between 5th And 6th St, Carmel, CA
Carmel Bay View Inn
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
The Monterey Hotel
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
La Playa Hotel

La Playa Hotel

4 out of 5
Camino Real at Eighth Ave., Carmel, CA
La Playa Hotel
Stilwell Hotel

Stilwell Hotel

4 out of 5
San Carlos St at 5th Ave, Carmel, CA
Stilwell Hotel
Hotel Carmel

Hotel Carmel

3.5 out of 5
Corner of 4th & San Carlos Street, Carmel, CA
Hotel Carmel
Normandy Inn

Normandy Inn

2.5 out of 5
Ocean Ave., btwn Monte Verde St. & Casanova St., Carmel, CA
Normandy Inn
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Carmel Wayfarer Inn

Carmel Wayfarer Inn

3 out of 5
4th Ave And Mission Ave, Carmel, CA
Carmel Wayfarer Inn
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

Exploring 27.4km Drive offers a delightful array of activities, including scenic drives and renowned golf courses. Visitors can indulge in sightseeing tours that showcase the stunning coastal views and iconic landmarks. Whether you are interested in a leisurely mile drive through Monterey or engaging in sports, the area provides an unforgettable experience for all, combining natural beauty with recreational opportunities.

Shopping

Carmel Plaza, located 4.8km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and dining. Del Monte Shopping Center, 6.4km away, features a variety of shops for all tastes. For something further afield, if you're up for a drive, explore The Doud Arcade, also 4.8km away, for unique finds.

Recreation

At Pebble Beach Golf Links, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by breathtaking coastal views, just 1.6km from the scenic 27.4km Drive. Cypress Point Golf Club, located 1.3km away, offers a challenging course amidst stunning landscapes. Spyglass Hill Golf Course, also 1.6km away, provides an invigorating golfing experience.

Adventure

At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, experience thrilling motor racing excitement only 19.3km from 27.4km Drive. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Waterfront, located 6.4km away, offers stunning views and fresh air. Alternatively, challenge yourself at the Monterey Tennis Center, situated 8.0km away, where adventure awaits on the courts.

Nightlife

At 27.4km Drive, the nightlife is vibrant and welcoming. Enjoy captivating performances at the Sunset Center, Golden Bough Playhouse, and Forest Theater Guild, all located a mere 4.8km away. Each venue offers a blend of culture, romance, and family-friendly entertainment, perfect for a delightful evening.

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

Find the best attractions near 17-Mile Drive

Exploring 27.4km Drive offers a delightful blend of stunning beaches, serene reserves, and picturesque piers. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking Pacific coastline, embark on a beautiful scenic drive, and experience the charm of the Pebble Beach area. This destination caters to those seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal location for a memorable getaway along California’s coast.

  • Carmel Beach: Situated a mere 3.2km from 27.4km Drive, Carmel Beach boasts stunning coastal views and a charming sandy shoreline. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, this beach is renowned for its relaxing vibes and picturesque sunsets, making it a favourite spot for both locals and tourists alike.
  • Carmel Mission Basilica: Located 4.8km away, Carmel Mission Basilica is a historical church rich in cultural heritage. As one of the oldest missions in California, it features stunning architecture and serene gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's early Spanish history and a peaceful space for reflection.
  • Old Custom House: About 8.0km from 27.4km Drive, the Old Custom House is a fascinating historic site that highlights the area's maritime past. Once a vital trading post, it now serves as a museum, showcasing artefacts and stories that celebrate the local culture and history.

Best time to go to 17-Mile Drive

The best time to visit 17-Mile Drive can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around 17-Mile Drive falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around 17-Mile Drive falls in December, 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 and December to January, with Tuesdays being the most economical days for accommodation. Avoid Saturdays, which tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels, including eco-certified options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Public transport is a cost-effective way to navigate the area, and there are plenty of free activities to enjoy the stunning scenery without breaking the bank.

  • 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 set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, 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 enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel accommodation for the 27.4km Drive with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.