SEVENTEEN MILE DRIVE:
PACIFIC GROVE, CALIFORNIA
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last updated: January 23, 2024
Length: 17 Mile Drive; 17 miles
17 Mile Drive; Short Loop; 11.5 mile Loop
Difficulty: Moderate. On-road route with some steep hills. Not recommended for kids on bikes.
Directions:
There are many gate entrances for the 17 Mile Drive. I parked along Sunset Drive and biked down 17 Mile Drive past the Pacific Grove Gate to avoid the entrance fee. I would strongly recommend biking or driving the 17 Mile Drive as it is an absolutely scenic drive. From Route 1, take Route 68 towards Pacific Grove, not Route 68 towards Salinas. In Pacific Grove Route 68 is also Sunset Drive. At the intersection of Seventeen Mile Drive continue straight for on-street parking. The Pacific Grove Gate is just down the road. For fee and other information visit; 17 MILE DRIVE .
NOTE; THERE IS A FEE TO DRIVE 17 MILE DRIVE.
17 Mile Drive is widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world. The famous coastal landmark runs through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, from the dramatic Pacific coastline to the majestic Del Monte Forest. You can also bike this road, alongside traffic, however, the traffic is slow moving. Some sections have a BIKE LANE. The 17 Mile Drive is about 17 miles long. I biked a Short Loop to avoid excess hills and distance.
From Sunset Drive [Northern End]; Head Southwest down 17 Mile Drive to the Pacific Grove Gate. A bike trail takes you around the gate.
Note; You can pick up a Map of the 17 Mile Drive from the booth.
We didn't follow the entire 17 Mile Drive route which contains some tough hills and traffic. This is all on-road with some BIKE LANES. However, the traffic is light and slow. This residential road is tree lined. After 1 mile take your 2nd right, Northwest, on Spanish Bay Dr. Follow a BIKE LANE along this open section as you travel through the Links at Spanish Bay Golf Course. The numbered scenic points along the route are detailed in the route Map. I couldn't believe all the Black Tailed Deer we saw just hanging around the golf course. This brings you to the ocean and Moss Beach where the road turns West alongside the Pacific Ocean, with windswept open views. The Dunes Golf Course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club follows along your left. Pass by the Spanish Bay Vista Point at 1.7 miles where the road turns South. Pass by the China Rock Vista Point. Pass by a couple more overlooks, the 2nd one has picnic tables at 2.6 miles. Travel past Granite Beach, followed by Bird Rock Vista Point, Seal Beach and Seal Rock Overlook. Here, you can view and hear Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. They even have spyglasses for viewing. Bathrooms located here. There are some picnic tables, just past here, with ocean views, just before Spyglass Hill Rd at 3.5 miles. The BIKE LANE continues along Spyglass Hill Rd, however, continue straight, South, on-road along the narrow road. Travel past Fan Shell Beach, followed by Fan Shell Beach Outlook, past which the road turns inland, South, as you travel through Cypress Point Golf Course. Come to a Y in the road at 4.5 miles.
Note; Right, Southwest, leads to the Sunset Point Overlook.
Continue Southeast through the Crocker Cypress Grove along a residential corridor. Pass by Cypress Point Overlook and the Lone Cypress Tree. The houses along the route are magnificent and varied in architecture. Come to Pescadero Point at 6.3 miles where the trail turns North bringing you to Cypress Dr at 6.7 miles. Follow Cypress Dr/17 Mile Drive right, Northeast, past Pebble Beach Resort & Golf Course and a shopping area. Heavy traffic area. You climb a steep hill with the Peter Hay Golf Course to your left. Follow the road all the way to the top of the hill and come to a Y in the road at 7.2 miles.
Note; The 17 Mile Drive route continues right, Southeast, up to and along 17 Mile Drive. However, this route is longer and hilly.
Continue straight at the Y up to the intersection of 17 Mile Drive & Portola Rd. Travel left, North, along this narrow road (BIKE LANE). Pass by the Peter Hay Golf Course on your left and come to Stevenson Drive straight ahead. Continue along the Stevenson Drive BIKE LANE and you'll soon enter the woods. There is another steep hill to climb which brings you to Spyglass Hill Rd at 8.1 miles.
Note; You may continue straight, Northeast, along Spyglass Hill Rd (BIKE LANE) which will return you to 17 Mile Drive at 8.7 miles. You can then retrace the route right, North, back to the Pacific Grove Gate after a 12.1 mile Loop.
We continued right, North, on-road along Stevenson Drive between the Spyglass Hill Golf Course. This is all downhill. Enter the woods and after 8.9 miles you continue along a residential corridor. Pass between the Monterey Peninsula Country Club at 9.4 miles. Come to Old 17 Mile Dr at 10.3 miles and head right to Sloat Rd and continue left. Take another quick left, North, along 17 Mile Drive. This will return you back to the Pacific Grove Gate after a 11.5 mile Loop.
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BIKE IT OR HIKE IT