The first half of 17-Mile Drive took us from Shepherd’s Knoll and Huckleberry Hill down to Seal Rock and Spyglass Hill. But some of the most spectacular stops are still to come. Get ready for some of the most famous and scenic sights in the world. Here’s what you need to know about them:
A Tour of the First Half of 17-Mile Drive
12. Fanshell Beach
This gorgeous panoramic beach is irresistible to harbor seals, who return each spring to bear their young. The beach is closed for pupping season from April 1 to June 1.
13. Fanshell Beach Overlook
This is as far west at 17-Mile Drive takes you. 17-Mile Drive used to sneak out a bit farther and spin around The Loop at Cypress Point, but that is now the location of one of the most famous holes in golf: the par-3 No. 16 at Cypress Point Club.
14. Cypress Point Lookout
This is the best place to catch a sunset in all of Pebble Beach, thanks to its southwesterly view. Just southeast of here is Sunset Point, full of grand mansions from the Roaring Twenties.
15. Crocker Grove
Unlike the craggy, wind-battered Monterey Cypress trees along the shoreline, the trees of Crocker Grove have grown tall and stately.
16. The Lone Cypress
The spectacular Lone Cypress marked the Midway Point of the original 17-Mile Drive, which began at Hotel Del Monte in Monterey. Despite the alternate route, it measured 17 miles, just like it does today. The iconic living trademark of Pebble Beach Resorts is considered to be at least 250 years old.
17. The Ghost Tree
Ghost Tree is many things to many people. On Instagram, the spooky snag silhouetted against the Pacific Ocean is a must-like post. (Although what remains of the original sun-bleached Ghost Tree stands next to the marker on the inland side of 17-Mile Drive.) In the surf community, it’s one of the gnarliest Big Wave spots in the world, with swells approaching 50 feet. And for ghost hunters, it’s where the Lady in Lace drifts in and out of the fog on haunted nights.
18. Pescadero Point
The southwest tip of Carmel Bay offers a peek into Point Lobos – the only other location in the world where Monterey Cypress grow natively.
19. The Lodge at Pebble Beach
Shortly after The Lodge at Pebble Beach opened in 1919, 17-Mile Drive moved entirely inside the gates of Pebble Beach. The original tolls? Motorcycles and 2-3 seat autos paid $0.25, 4-6 seat autos paid $0.50, and autos with 7 or more paid $0.75.
Today, The Lodge is perennially honored as one of the World’s Best Hotels by Travel and Leisure, and offers incredible dining and lodging views of the iconic 18th hole at Pebble Beach.
20. Peter Hay Par-3 Golf Course and 100th U.S. Open Monument
Want to play golf in Pebble Beach, but don’t have a tee time? Check out the dramatic ocean views from the only par 3 course on the Monterey Peninsula. Peter Hay also features a commemorative statue built for the 2000 U.S. Open that honors champion Tiger Woods and the previous 99 winners of the 20th century.