There are many interesting things to do in Monterey, California, and driving through the 17-Mile Drive is one of them. This scenic drive through the communities of Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove is filled with spectacular ocean views matched by man-made landmarks that exude elegance.

17-Mile Drive: Why It's Worth The Trip

The state has other attractions perfect for field trips and sightseeing tours, like the rich Monterey Bay Aquarium, the historic Cannery Row, the tide pools of the pristine beaches, the charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the picturesque Big Sur. The 17-Mile-Drive, however, takes the cake because of its iconic sights and allure. No road rage is possible along this stretch of Pacific paradise, only pure bliss.

Scenic Stops Along 17-Mile Drive: Places Worth Stopping For

Shepherd’s Knoll

Before anything else, tourists should be reminded that 17-Mile Drive is located in the gated community of Pebbles Beach. When everything’s settled, tourists should first stop by Shepherd’s Knoll. There’s no sheep here, only scenic sights. There’s an elevated viewpoint in the area where travelers can take in the picturesque views of Monterey Bay. The scenery looks stunning and is a great way to start this worthwhile journey. The stop at Shepherd’s Knoll is quick, but the memory is long-lasting.

  • $11.25 entry fee per vehicle

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Huckleberry Hill

If tourists can't get enough of the views in Shepherd’s Knoll, they will be satisfied in Huckleberry Hill. There are more stunning sights in this destination located 800 feet above sea level. The hike up the hill is easy, and atop, trekkers will be hugged by the Pacific breeze. Huckleberry Hill is a place of inspiration because of the relaxing blend of the lush pine trees and the pristine ocean. No wonder writers John Steinbeck and Robert Louis Stevenson visited this place.

Spanish Bay Beach

Travelers who want to explore the beach are lucky, thanks to Spanish Bay Beach in Pacific Grove. This sandy destination lets tourists be nearer the Pacific waters and enjoy the salty breeze. They might not be able to swim or surf, but simple beachcombing is enough to enjoy the beauty of the place. From the dunes to the shore, Spanish Bay Beach is an ideal place to have a sunshiny day.

Point Joe

The Pacific waves impose their might on the craggy rocks while the wind hugs the shore. That’s what tourists will experience in Point Joe. The combination of the rocky banks, the crystal-clear Pacific waters, and the blue sky make the area a natural studio for Instagram lovers. Tourists will also be amazed that some rocks are blooming with flowers. They can also observe the greenery of the golf course of Monterey Peninsula Country Club. All that beauty, thanks to Point Joe.

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Bird Rock

Wildlife lovers and birders will have a satisfying stay in the vista point of Bird Rock. It was named as such because harbor seals, pelicans, cormorants, and other shore birds frequent this rocky bay. Sea lions also visit this beach, an added treat for wildlife watchers. When tourists take a scenic drive from November to March, they might get lucky spotting migrating gray whales from the overlook at Bird Rock. This destination simply rocks.

Fanshell Beach

The overlook in Fanshell Beach is another ideal spot to check out harbor seals as it is one of their pupping habitats on the Central Coast. When the seals are not around, tourists can stroll along the beach, jump from one rock to another, and wet their toes. The beach is off-limits to tourists from April to June, but the overlook got them covered. During those months, travelers can busy themselves watching the belching seals and their playful pups.

Crocker Grove

Crocker Grove is among the most stunning destinations when journeying along the 17-Mile Drive. The place looks eerie because of the towering trees yet majestic when surrounded by the Monterey cypresses, some of which are the largest and oldest in the world. It’s okay to hug the trees; maybe they are enjoying the presence of the tourists because they are proud of their elegance, after all. Pebble Beach flaunts this grove, which is one of only two native Monterey cypress forests on the planet.

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Pescadero Point

Pescadero Point is probably one of 17-mile Drive’s most famous landmarks, thanks to the Ghost Tree. If Crocker Grove is eerie, then Pescadero is spooky. The white Monterey cypress trees with gnarly hands call to mind witches or goblins. One famous ghost story in this place involves the “Lady in Lace” that’s spotted during foggy nights. Though the place is folkloric, it’s undeniably a scenic spot, especially since the beach afar is a famous big wave surfing destination.

Be wary of large waves that are common along its shores.

Lone Cypress

Another star in Pebble Beach is the Lone Cypress, which Atlas Obscura said is “the most photographed tree in the world.” That’s not a surprise at all because it looks symbolic, and viewing it firsthand is awe-inspiring. It already lost a limb but remains an iconic landmark along the 17-Mile Drive. The tree has been braving the storms brought by the Pacific for more than 250 years. It is named the Lone Cypress, but it’s never alone, thanks to its majesty that attracts tourists who want to see why it’s one of Mother Nature's masterpieces.

Cypress Point Lookout

Another viewing spot where tourists can enjoy the freeing sensation of the Pacific is the one at Cypress Point. It has an expansive view of the rocky coast, the ocean, and the towering trees, all working together to deliver a memorable California vacation. Its location southwest makes the Cypress Point Lookout the perfect place to watch as the sun slowly sets, streaking colors of orange and yellow in the sky. It signals that the 17-Mile Drive journey will soon end, but really, there are more sites to explore. There are a total of 17 stops, and the sunset will energize tourists to travel further.