Pebble Beach is well-known for a few things: excellent golf courses, stunning coastlines, and large-for-California mansions. Located just south of Monterey, Pebble Beach is a branded, gated community that sees thousands of tourists each year. Famous for its stunning 17 mile drive, PB is a must-see for anyone traveling down California’s coast.
I grew up traveling down to this region– its kelp-dotted waters still cause me to remember times at the beach with family. But this is no ordinary beach: it is less appropriate for tanning and more appropriate for hiking, photography, and picnicking with a coat on.
There are no real “secrets” in Pebble Beach, but there are must-see stops along the way. Here are my tips for visiting this stunning coastal region.
A Quick Guide to 17 Mile Drive
When to visit
The California coast, particularly in the north, can get quite a bit of fog. I find this gloomy weather romantic and mysterious, but if you’re only here once, you probably want sunshine.
The best bet for great weather is summer-into-fall, between late June and mid-September. The photographs here were taken in August. As for time of day, the fog usually lifts between 11AM and 3PM, and rolls back in close to sunset.
How to get there
I prefer to do Pebble Beach from north to south– starting in Pacific Grove and ending in Carmel. You can find more detailed maps via Google, but I recommend entering through the Pacific Grove Gate.
Once you enter, you’ll receive a map and proceed toward 17-Mile Drive. There are plenty of signs that will point you in that direction, and soon you should find yourself coasting along a winding road by the ocean. Note that the entrance fee is $9, but you’ll be reimbursed for dining or shopping within Pebble Beach (ask the restaurant for this).
Where to stay
If your travel style is anything less than luxurious, then avoid staying in Pebble Beach itself. Save your money and enjoy the surrounding towns instead!
Carmel-By-The-Sea has a number of cute inns (the ones off Ocean Avenue are more affordable), and is just at the end of 17-Mile Drive. Monterey is another great option, and has a cute downtown area itself. Pacific Grove might be your most inexpensive choice, but is less interesting.
Must-See Stops on 17 Mile Drive
First stop: Spanish Bay
The Inn at Spanish Bay can feel intimidatingly fancy, but don’t let that deter you. Drive into the Inn, and park your car in their free lot. Once you enter the Inn, you’ll see a patio out back where you can wander through its pretty golf courses (the Links) right on the water.
If you happen to be hungry, Roy’s is a great spot for a drink and snack. Its high-end Hawaiian cuisine can be found nowhere else in this area.
Second stop: white sand beaches and Bird Rock Cove
As you continue from the Inn, you’ll find yourself cruising along white-sand beaches and crashing waves. The people who built Pebble Beach so many years ago had the foresight to include turn-outs at almost every corner, so pulling off the road is easy.
These beaches are some of my favorite in the world. They tend to be quiet, sometimes even empty, and have so much texture to them.
The water is probably too cold to swim in comfortably (and there aren’t exactly “beach facilities” in the area), but the sand is soft enough for you to walk barefoot and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Third stop: The Lone Cypress
This Cypress tree is the emblem of the entire Monterey Peninsula– unsurprising, since it’s been around for 250 years. A fortune has been spent to keep this tree alive, so it’s not to be missed.
When you pull up to the Lone Cypress, park by the wood railing and head towards the steps down the bluff. You’ll find an excellent spot for photographs, and beautiful rocks down below.
Fourth stop: Ghost Tree
As you continue from the Lone Cypress, you’ll see a sign for Ghost Tree. This is a fabulous area to stop, as you can get lots of gorgeous snapshots of ice plants, rocky cliffs, and yes, the ghost-like tree.
Aaron and I took our own engagement photos here, so I think it’s a really great spot for portraits too!
Exit: Carmel Gate
It’s absolutely fantastic, I think, that 17-Mile Drive drops you off in Carmel. A charming oceanside town filled with little cottages (each has a name), adorable boutiques and delicious restaurants, there’s no better place to end your journey.
Get a quick glimpse at Carmel’s charm, shops, and food!
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That makes me so happy Maxine! It really is such a special place. Thanks for reading!!
I lived here when I was little, and I miss this area so much, it causes a heartache. Thank you, for these beautiful pictures! I was really transported back there. ♥
That’s fantastic, Darlene! I love it every time!
I’ve been on 17 Mile Drive many times, It’s one of my favorite places, I don’t think I will ever tire of it.
I love seeing this through your eyes! it’s so special to us (being the first road trip in California and all!)..glad you enjoyed it too!!
Omg! I did this drive earlier this year in spring, here was my take on it: THE MOST SCENIC 17 MILES I’VE EVER DRIVEN
It was quite chilly but the beauty was worth it. Lucky you, getting to frequent this region!
Beautiful photographs! Looks like such a picturesque place to visit – you are seriously fuelling my wanderlust! Xx
This looks like such a pretty/relaxing place! Need to add this to places I want to visit!
I visited California earlier this year but we didn’t have time to do the 17 Mile drive! I loved California’s coast and I’m sure I’d love these beaches too!
Hello Daisy! You left me wanting to hop on a plane and simply spend an entire day along those 17 miles of pure beauty and relaxation enjoying myself and connecting with mother nature. We are actually planning to visit San Francisco in October (which may be too late to enjoy it a its best) but I am sure it is still be ok (right?). We are taking my youngest daughter Andrea, on a four days weekend trip and October is the only time she will be able available (she has two days off from school on that month). Anyways, I also want to let you know that I always find your posts so breathtaking and I truly admire the quality of your work. There is no doubts in my mind that you were born to do this so keep going and never stop! I can clearly see your successful future! Sending you lots of love and blessings. Thanks so much for sharing:-) XOXO, Jeannette
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Oh my gosh you would love this place Christina! I think it’s a worthwhile place to come back to, and you can totally do the coastal drive on a budget too!
I can see what you mean by tropical– those waters are unbelievably blue for a place that isn’t filled with palm trees, right? haha. And I LOVE NYC– I was just there briefly for a wedding, but have spent quite a bit of time there in the past. Central park is stunning.
I’m still in CA and I miss this place all the time– hah!! Thank you, Angela!
Ooh yes! I think this whole area is worth coming back for!
Absolutely– this whole area is so great for hiking, and I actually like that the beach isn’t dotted with people sunbathing and drinking margaritas. It definitely feels more majestic and elegant.
Thank you Ashley! It’s worth coming out to CA just for this, I think!
Oh, but Big Sur is in a category all it’s own– so so amazing, probably one of my absolute favorite places on earth. Hope you do come back and do this drive too, Emmalene!
Certainly! It’s an amazing photo spot for sure. Thanks for stopping by Rachel!
Thanks Ashley! It’s worth it. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Thank you Megan! And congratulations on running a half-marathon! Monterey must have been a beautiful place to do it.
I am just going to bookmark all of your amazing California wanderlust posts for when we are able to make our way back to Cali someday. I have only been once about 2.5 years ago (to the San Francisco area), but would love to be able to explore the rest of the state. Stunning photos Daisy!
This all looks SO nice. It looks so tropical somehow haha. I’d love to go back to California.
I’m from NYC so my favourite spots are super cliche; central park, little Italy, and williamsburg brooklyn haha.
xx, Pia
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This makes me miss CA! The photos are stunning!
So gorgeous! I was bummed that I didn’t have a chance to visit Carmel when I was in California. Hopefully this can be part of my next trip out there!
I actually love rocky coastlines way more than perfect white sandy beaches–possibly because I don’t like swimming anyways, but when it comes to just sitting and staring at the scenery, rocks like these make everything look so much more interesting. Gorgeous shots!
I would love to do this one day! Your pictures look gorgeous!
Such a beautiful coastline – we did Monterey and Big Sur but for some reason missed out on the 17-Mile Drive… Just another excuse to come back soon 🙂
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Beautiful! I will make sure to add this to the list when visiting California! Great spot to stop and take photos.
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This is just gorgeous. I will have to bookmark this drive!
Gorgeous photos! I ran my first (and only) half-marathon in Monterey a few years ago, and we got to run most of it along the coast. So beautiful! Of course we went to see the Lone Cypress afterward. 🙂
I used to take this place for granted when I lived nearby but now I miss it all the time!
Oh you should, Ashley!! I think it’s an excellent choice– the perfect balance between adventure and leisure. Let me know if you have any questions at all about it!
It’s totally worth going to, Caroline!!
Oh you’d love it! Pebble Beach all the way down through Big Sur… it’s heaven.
It’s pretty amazing, yes!
I love that you take time to explore areas around home and soak up the stuff I take for granted. 🙂
Oh my word! Greg and I have been talking about an anniversary destination, and now I’m going to have to add this to our possible places list…which just keeps getting longer and longer. ? Simply stunning.
Wow! Gorgeous! We LOVE traveling and clearly need to add this to our list of places to go!
So saving this for when we visit NorCal! I’ve been dying to driving down the coast, only been down PCH near Santa Barbara on down.
Looks like a very beautiful spot!
Renee | Lose The Road