The 17-Mile Drive runs from Pacific Grove to Carmel-by-the-Sea on California's Monterey Peninsula

The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic toll road on the Monterey Peninsula in California. It starts at the Pacific Grove Gate (near Sunset Drive and Asilomar Boulevard in Pacific Grove) and ends at the Carmel Gate (on San Antonio Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea). The drive takes its name from the actual distance: roughly 17 miles of coastal road that winds through private land owned by the Pebble Beach Company.

You don't have to drive the entire route. Many visitors enter at one gate, drive partway, and turn around. The road is one-way in each direction, so you'll need to decide which direction suits your schedule and which stops matter most to you. The toll is per vehicle, not per mile, so the cost is the same whether you drive the full length or half of it.

The drive is open year-round during daylight hours. Gates typically open at 8 a.m. and close at sunset, though hours shift with the seasons. Winter sunsets come around 5 p.m.; summer sunsets around 8:30 p.m. Check the official Pebble Beach Company website for exact hours before you go, because closures for maintenance or weather do happen.

Key Takeaways

  • The 17-Mile Drive starts at the Pacific Grove Gate and ends at the Carmel Gate, covering roughly 17 miles of Monterey Peninsula coastline.
  • The road is one-way in each direction, so you choose your entry point and exit point based on where you're coming from and where you're headed.
  • You pay a single toll per vehicle regardless of how far you drive, so turning around partway costs the same as completing the full route.
  • The drive operates only during daylight hours, opening at 8 a.m. and closing at sunset, with hours varying by season.
  • Major stops include Lone Cypress, Cypress Point Lookout, Fanshell Beach, and Pescadero Point, each with parking and short walking trails.

Pacific Grove Gate: The Northern Entry Point

The Pacific Grove Gate sits at the intersection of Sunset Drive and Asilomar Boulevard in Pacific Grove. This is the northern entrance to the 17-Mile Drive. If you're coming from Monterey or the north, this gate is usually your first option. Parking at the gate itself is limited, so arrive early during peak season (May through September) or on weekends.

From the Pacific Grove Gate, the drive heads south and slightly inland before curving toward the coast. The first major stop is usually Lone Cypress, a single Monterey cypress tree that has stood on a rocky outcrop for over 250 years. The tree is about 4 miles from the Pacific Grove Gate. A short paved path leads to a viewing area; the walk takes five to ten minutes round-trip.

Continuing south from Lone Cypress, you'll pass through residential areas mixed with coastal views, then reach Cypress Point Lookout around mile 7 or 8 from the Pacific Grove Gate. This is one of the most photographed spots on the drive—a rocky headland with views of the Pacific and, on clear days, views south toward Big Sur.

Carmel Gate: The Southern Exit Point

The Carmel Gate is located on San Antonio Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea, near the intersection with Ocean Avenue. This is the southern terminus of the 17-Mile Drive. If you're staying in Carmel or heading south toward Big Sur, you'll likely exit here. The gate area has a small parking lot, though it fills quickly during tourist season.

Approaching the Carmel Gate from the north, you'll pass through Fanshell Beach (a harbor seal pupping area, closed to the public April through May), Pescadero Point (a sandy cove with tide pools), and several smaller pullouts. The final stretch of road becomes more residential as you approach Carmel. Once you exit at the Carmel Gate, you're on public roads in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're driving the route in reverse—entering at Carmel and exiting at Pacific Grove—the experience is the same, just in opposite order. The road itself is identical; only your perspective changes.

Toll Cost and Payment Methods

As of 2024, the toll for a passenger vehicle is $12.50 per car. Motorcycles are $8.50. Rates may increase; check the Pebble Beach Company website before your visit. You pay the toll when you enter at whichever gate you choose, not when you exit.

Payment is cash or credit card. Most gates accept both, though it's wise to carry cash in case of card reader issues. You receive a receipt with your toll payment; keep it in case you need to prove you paid if you return to the same gate within a short time.

There is no discount for partial drives. Whether you drive 5 miles or the full 17, you pay the same toll. This means if you're short on time, you can enter, drive to one or two stops, and turn around without paying twice.

Major Stops and What to See

The 17-Mile Drive has roughly a dozen named pullouts and viewpoints. The most visited are Lone Cypress (mile 4 from Pacific Grove), Cypress Point Lookout (mile 7–8), Fanshell Beach (mile 11–12), and Pescadero Point (mile 14–15). Each has parking and a short walk to the view or beach.

Lone Cypress is the most iconic—a single tree on a rocky point, visible from the road and worth a five-minute walk. Cypress Point Lookout offers the widest ocean views and is a good spot for photos on clear days. Fanshell Beach is a sandy cove where harbor seals haul out; the beach itself is closed April through May during pupping season, but you can view seals from the parking area year-round. Pescadero Point has tide pools and a small sandy beach accessible by a short trail.

Other stops include Lone Cypress Grove (a cluster of cypress trees), Pescadero White Sand Beach, and several smaller pullouts with benches and views. None require more than a 10-minute walk. Plan 2 to 4 hours total if you want to stop at most viewpoints and take photos.

Driving Time and Route Planning

The drive itself takes 30 to 45 minutes if you don't stop. With stops at 3 to 4 major viewpoints and short walks, plan 2 to 3 hours. If you want to linger, explore tide pools, or have a picnic, add another hour.

The road is narrow in places and winds frequently. Speed limits are 15 to 25 mph. Driving is not difficult, but it's not a highway; expect to move slowly and share the road with other tourists. During peak season (summer weekends), traffic can back up at popular pullouts.

If you're coming from Monterey, allow 20 to 30 minutes to reach the Pacific Grove Gate. If you're coming from Carmel, allow 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Carmel Gate. Plan your entry point based on where you're staying and where you're headed next.

Seasonal Considerations and Closures

The 17-Mile Drive is open year-round during daylight hours. Winter (November through February) brings shorter days, so gates close around 5 p.m. Summer (June through August) offers longer daylight, with gates open until 8:30 p.m. or later. Spring and fall are moderate.

Fog is common on the Monterey Peninsula, especially in summer mornings and fall evenings. Visibility can drop suddenly, reducing the value of the views. If you're visiting for the scenery, aim for late morning or early afternoon on a clear day. Check the weather forecast before you go.

Occasional closures happen for maintenance, storm damage, or special events. The Pebble Beach Company website lists current hours and any closures. During heavy rain or high winds, the road may close temporarily for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the 17-Mile Drive in either direction?

Yes. The road is one-way in each direction, so you can enter at Pacific Grove and exit at Carmel, or enter at Carmel and exit at Pacific Grove. The toll is the same either way. Choose your entry point based on where you're staying and where you're headed next.

Do I have to complete the entire drive?

No. You can enter at any gate, drive as far as you want, and turn around. You pay the toll once when you enter. Many visitors drive partway to one or two stops and return to the same gate.

Is the 17-Mile Drive worth the toll?

That depends on your interests and time. The scenery is striking, and the stops are short walks. If you're in the area and have 2 to 3 hours, most visitors find it worthwhile. If you're on a tight budget or schedule, you can see some of the same coastline from public roads in Carmel and Pacific Grove for free.

What's the best time of day to drive it?

Late morning or early afternoon on a clear day offers the best light and views. Avoid early morning (fog) and late afternoon (sun angle and crowds). Summer weekends are busiest; weekday visits in spring or fall are quieter.

Can I stop and have a picnic on the 17-Mile Drive?

Yes. Several pullouts have benches and tables. Fanshell Beach and Pescadero Point are good spots. Bring your own food; there are no restaurants on the drive itself. Carmel and Pacific Grove both have cafes and shops nearby.