10 Best Scenic Stops on 17 Mile Drive in Monterey
The unincorporated community of Pebble Beach boasts the famous 17-Mile Drive, an iconic cruise that offers people some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean as well as awe-inspiring and scenic stops that everyone must see on a cruise. such a road trip. From gorgeous white sand beaches and the famous Lone Cypress to beautiful pristine golf courses, here are the 10 best scenic stops on 17-Mile Drive in Monterey, CA.
ten Spanish Bay Beach
Spanish Bay Beach is stop number 3 on 17-Mile Drive. People will have the opportunity to see a soft and beautiful white beach where they can enjoy a unique walk along the promenade. It’s also worth it for visitors to take off their shoes and enjoy the feeling of sand between their toes. People can also see the iconic golf course, The Links at Spanish Bay when they stop on Spanish Bay Beach. This beach is named after Spanish explorers who attempted to find Monterey Bay here in 1769.
9 Dot Joe
Point Joe is stop number 5 on the 17-Mile Drive adventure. In the past, many people thought Point Joe was the entrance to the southern end of Monterey Bay. This led to many ships crashing there. People will find a gazebo in this rocky area, where they can find out who Joe is and what importance he had in time. They will also enjoy the breathtaking view of the waters and the rocks.
8 china rock
China Rock is an essential and exciting historical stop along 17-Mile Drive in Monterey. It was once a small Chinese fishing village. When visitors look closely at the rocks there, they can see embedded cooking smoke that dates back to the late 1800s.
seven bird rock
Nature lovers will greatly appreciate the seventh stop along 17-Mile Drive, Bird Rock. The latter earned its name because there are many birds in the area. People will also have the chance to see seals and sea lions when stopping at Bird Rock. Plus, it’s a great place to take amazing photos, thanks to the mesmerizing rocky shores. Bird Rock was also covered in about 5 feet of cormorant and pelican guano until 1930. It was then harvested as fertilizer.
-
Point:
When stopping at Bird Rock between November and March, it is advisable to check the flukes and beaks of migrating gray whales.
6 Cypress Point Lookout
This is a particularly exciting and fantastic stop along 17-Mile Drive. People will especially appreciate the sunset at Cypress Point and take in the stunning views. Additionally, this area is the westernmost part of Southern California. Just southeast of Cypress Point Lookout is a stunning coastline known as Sunset Point. The latter is an exclusive district that is home to mansions from the Roaring Twenties.
5 The lonely cypress
It is the most famous stop on 17-Mile Drive. The Lone Cypress is home to the only Monterey cypress, which has grown on a rock off the shores of Pebble Beach. This tree is believed to be over 250 years old. Although one of its branches was broken due to a huge storm in 2019, the Monterey cypress is still going strong to this day. Because the Lone Cypress is so famous, people will see its tree as part of the official Pebble Beach logo. However, due to the loss of one of its branches, it now looks smaller than in the logo.
4 Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point
Here, people will be able to see many Monterey cypress trees that have been bleached by the sun. Tree bark was also torn off by the heavy rains and winds. The Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point is also a legendary Big Wave surf spot. In good winter conditions, the swell approaches 50 feet in this area.
3 Pebble Beach Visitor Center
This is the 14th stop along 17-Mile Drive in Monterey, California. People can learn more about the area’s history at the Pebble Beach Visitors Center through more than 20 exhibits held at this stop. Souvenirs and drinks can also be purchased at this center, which is also a retail store. It’s also worth checking out the interactive map to make sure you haven’t missed any of the scenic stops along 17-Mile Drive.
2 Pebble Beach Golf Links
When people refer to “Pebble Beach,” they’re primarily referring to the world-famous golf course, Pebble Beach Golf Links, which is stop number 15 on Monterey’s 17-Mile Drive. People will have the chance to see the greens up close when stopping here. They will also see the golfers on the first hole course, where they are just beginning their round. People can also watch the 18th hole to see golfers complete their rounds.
1 wading meadow
Ford Meadow is the final stop on the 17-Mile Drive cruise. This meadow honors Robert F. Ford and is on the doorstep of Highway 1. Ford was a generous donor who said he knew he was home when he passed by the Del Mount Conservancy. The meadow was dedicated to Ford’s memory on August 26, 1981. He lived from 1907 to 1979.