17-Mile Drive is a scenic toll road along California's Monterey Peninsula coast
17-Mile Drive is a private, gated toll road that runs 5.3 miles along the rocky coastline of the Monterey Peninsula near Pacific Grove, California. You pay a one-time toll to enter and drive the route at your own pace, stopping at pullouts and scenic overlooks. The road winds through cypress groves, past white-sand coves, and along granite cliffs where sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions live in the water below.
The drive takes between 30 minutes and two hours depending on how many stops you make. Most visitors spend at least an hour exploring the named viewpoints and walking trails. The road is open year-round during daylight hours, though fog and weather can affect visibility and access.
Key Takeaways
- 17-Mile Drive charges a one-time toll per vehicle (amount varies by vehicle type) and is open to the public during daylight hours.
- The route has ten named scenic stops with pullouts, picnic areas, and short walking paths to overlooks and beaches.
- You can enter from the Pacific Grove gate (the most common entry) or from the Pebble Beach Resort gate, and you do not need to exit from the same gate you entered.
- The road is privately owned and maintained, so it is narrower and less crowded than state highways, but weather and maintenance closures can occur without notice.
- Peak season is May through September; winter months bring fewer visitors but also more fog and occasional temporary closures.
Toll cost and payment methods
The toll in 2024 is $12.50 per vehicle, though this amount changes periodically. You pay cash or card at the gate booth when you enter. If you enter through the Pacific Grove gate (the main public entrance), you receive a receipt that allows you to re-enter the same day if you exit and want to return.
Motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are not permitted on 17-Mile Drive. RVs and vehicles over 20 feet long are also prohibited. If you arrive in an oversized vehicle, you will be turned away at the gate.
The ten scenic stops and what to see at each
The route is marked with numbered pullouts. Lone Cypress (stop 2) is the most photographed tree on the peninsula—a single Monterey cypress standing on a rocky point. Crocker Grove (stop 3) has a short walking path through old-growth cypress forest. Seal Point (stop 5) overlooks a rocky island where harbor seals and sea lions haul out; binoculars help you see them clearly.
Fanshell Beach (stop 6) is a protected harbor seal pupping area closed April through May. Cypress Point Lookout (stop 7) offers views of white-sand coves and offshore rocks. Pescadero Point (stop 8) has a small beach and tide pools. Sunken Battery (stop 9) is a historic military installation with a short trail. Pebble Beach Golf Links (stop 10) is viewable from a distance but not open to the public unless you are a guest or member.
Each stop has a parking area and informational signage. Some have restrooms and picnic tables. Walking trails range from five minutes to 30 minutes round-trip.
Entry gates and how to navigate the route
The Pacific Grove Gate (on Sunset Drive near Asilomar Boulevard) is the main public entrance and the most direct route to most scenic stops. The Pebble Beach Gate (at the Pebble Beach Resort) is also open to the public but is less commonly used by day visitors. You do not need to exit from the same gate you entered; the road is a loop.
The drive is one-way in the direction of traffic flow, though you can stop and reverse direction at any pullout. Speed limits are 15 to 25 mph. The road is narrow and winding, with no passing lanes, so plan for slow-moving traffic during peak season.
Best times to visit and what to expect by season
May through September is peak season: weather is clear, water is calm, and wildlife is visible. Parking fills by mid-morning on weekends. October through April brings fewer visitors, but fog is common and can reduce visibility to a few hundred feet. Winter storms occasionally close sections of the road for a few hours or a full day.
Early morning (before 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) are quieter times. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends year-round. If you visit in fog, drive slowly and use headlights; the scenery is still worth seeing, though photography will be limited.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring a jacket or sweater even in summer; the coast is windy and cooler than inland areas. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk the trails or explore tide pools. Bring water and snacks, as there are no food vendors on the drive itself. The nearest restaurants and shops are in Pacific Grove or Carmel, both a few minutes away by car.
Check weather and road conditions before you go. The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce website and local traffic reports sometimes post closures. Bring a camera or phone with a charged battery; most stops offer photo opportunities. If you have mobility concerns, most pullouts have parking close to viewpoints, though some trails require walking on uneven ground.
Nearby attractions and how to combine 17-Mile Drive with other activities
17-Mile Drive is part of a larger coastal area. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is just south of the drive and has additional hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small coastal town with galleries, restaurants, and beaches, about 10 minutes south. Monterey Bay Aquarium is in Monterey, about 20 minutes north.
Many visitors combine 17-Mile Drive with a stop in Pacific Grove (the town at the north end) or Carmel. A typical day trip includes 17-Mile Drive (1 to 2 hours), lunch in Carmel or Pacific Grove (1 hour), and a walk on a nearby beach or through Point Lobos (1 to 2 hours). The entire Monterey Peninsula loop—including 17-Mile Drive, Carmel, Big Sur, and Monterey—can be driven in a full day or split across two days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bike or walk 17-Mile Drive?
No. Bicycles and pedestrians are not permitted on the road itself. However, you can park at the Pacific Grove Gate and walk the adjacent Asilomar State Beach trails, or park in Carmel and walk the beach there. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, just south, allows hiking and has similar coastal scenery.
Is 17-Mile Drive open in winter?
Yes, it is open year-round during daylight hours. However, heavy rain, wind, or landslides occasionally close sections for a few hours or a full day. Check local traffic reports or call the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce before you go if weather is severe.
Can I stop and have a picnic on 17-Mile Drive?
Yes. Several pullouts have picnic tables and benches. Fanshell Beach and Pescadero Point are popular picnic spots. Bring your own food and water; there are no vendors on the drive.
How long does 17-Mile Drive take?
Driving without stops takes about 30 minutes. Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours, including time at pullouts and short walks. If you explore multiple trails or tide pools, plan for 2 to 3 hours.
What is the best gate to enter from?
The Pacific Grove Gate is the most convenient for most visitors and puts you closest to the most popular stops. The Pebble Beach Gate is farther from the main scenic areas and is used mainly by guests of the resort.