Things to do near17 Mile Drive

17 Mile Drive traces a private scenic road through Pebble Beach on California's Monterey Peninsula, passing through Del Monte Forest and along a stretch of Pacific coastline that has drawn visitors since the late 19th century. The route was originally used for carriage tours and remains one of the most recognized scenic drives in the United States.

Along the way, travelers encounter a series of named stops, including Bird Rock, where sea lions and shorebirds congregate, and Fanshell Beach, a crescent of pale sand backed by dunes. The Lone Cypress, a solitary tree clinging to a granite outcrop above the ocean, has become a symbol of the Monterey Peninsula and is one of the most photographed trees in North America.

Golf enthusiasts will recognize the fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, both visible from the road. The Lodge at Pebble Beach offers dining with sweeping ocean views for those looking to pause and eat well mid-drive.

The combination of marine wildlife, old-growth cypress forest, and dramatic Pacific coastline makes 17 Mile Drive a genuinely distinctive experience along the California coast.