17-Mile Drive, California

Your Californian road trip will take you through some of the most beautiful places you’ve ever seen. Cruise along the 17-mile drive for picture-perfect scenery in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

What is 17-Mile Drive?

The popular 17-Mile Drive is a privately managed road that takes you through an exclusive neighbourhood. As well as driving past world-famous golf courses at Pebble Beach, along the Big Sur and along beautiful wind-tossed beaches.

Where is 17-Mile Drive?

Connecting Monterey and Carmel, this self-guided driving tour along the spectacular scenic road takes you along the Monterey peninsula.

Where to enter the 17-Mile Drive?

We recommend entering via the Pacific Grove Gate, off Sunset Drive. This will put you at a great spot within the loop to witness the beautiful hot spots to the right side of the road. The other gates are located just off Highway 1, Highway 68, and San Antonio Ave. To walk or cycle along this route is free, to drive there is a charge. As you enter there is a fee of $10.50 and you will receive a detailed guide map with numbered locations to stop at. Simply follow the red lines along the road as you make your way through the 17 miles tour.

When is the best time to visit the 17-Mile Drive?

You can drive the 17 miles at your own pace, choosing which sights to see and under no time limits. This can be done in anything from 1-3 hours so if you were to start mid/late afternoon you can catch the sunset and avoid the morning fog.

September and October are excellent months to visit Carmel as earlier in the year can get foggy and winter can be wet.

Golf courses along the 17-Mile Drive…

The world-famous U.S. Open Golf Tournament takes place every few years in June at pebble Beach. The Pebble Beach Pro-Am takes place here each February. 

The Best bits?

Those spectacular views! Take in the picturesque Pacific coastline coupled with the iconic scenery. Not to mention The ‘Lone Cypress’. You will feel like you’re in the cast of ‘Big Little Lies’ in this increasingly popular part of town.

Experience Mediterranean summer temperatures as you drive the 17-mile tour. Winters are generally mild with low temperatures of 4-10°C.

To make the most of your driving tour pack a picnic and park at one of the many quiet stops. Alternatively, treat yourself to dinner in The Lodge at Pebble Beach.