How Long Does 17 Mile Drive Take?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Allow

three hours or more

for the whole drive, especially if you stop to eat or take a lot of photographs. You can enter the 17-Mile Drive through any of four gates, where you will stop to pay the entry fee and pick up a map.

Is the 17-Mile Drive worth it?

While there are other free scenic drives along the coast between Monterey and Carmel,

the 17-Mile Drive is a probably a bit better in our opinion

. However, there are also great views if you continue south to Big Sur along Highway 1 that are also free and just as dramatic.

Where does 17-Mile Drive start and finish?

Either from Monterey or Carmel the drive is two lanes both directions.

Most start the drive on the Monterrey side and end in Carmel

I believe. We spent the day in Carmel by the Sea and finished the day with 17 mile drive back toward Monterey since we were staying there.

How much does it cost to drive 17-Mile Drive?

Admission to 17-Mile Drive is

$11.25 per vehicle

. The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market. Admission for tour buses is $5.50 per passenger.

Can you walk 17-Mile Drive?

Scenic drivingGreat! This is a scenic drive, but

at several sections you can park and walk along the coast

. Only a few are connected by trails. In order to do the full scenic drive on foot, you’d be walking on the road, so this is really for biking or driving only and less of a hiking trail.

Is the 17-Mile Drive one way?

17 mile drive is

not a one way street

.

Which is nicer Carmel or Monterey?

Carmel boasts a huge selection of tasting rooms for local wineries, hip, and modern restaurants and boutique shops that will certainly make it more appealing for couples looking for a romantic weekend away. On the other hand,

Monterey is a more suitable destination if travelling as a family

.

Are dogs allowed on 17-Mile Drive?

This toll road costs $8 and allows you to access a very scenic section of coastline, walking trails and beaches.

Dogs are allowed all along 17 mile drive on leash

.

Why is it called 17-Mile Drive?

A tour left Monterey’s magnificent Hotel Del Monte and traced the picturesque peninsula, circling the coastline of Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and Carmel, before returning to its starting point.

The day-long journey lasted 17 miles

, eventually earning the world-famous route its name.

Is 17-Mile Drive a loop?

The 17-Mile Drive is

a 17-mile (27 km)-long scenic loop

having four primary entrances – the main highway entrance at California State Route 1, and entrances in Carmel and Pacific Grove.

Where does 17-Mile Drive start in Carmel?

The

Pacific Grove Gate (off Sunset Drive)

is one of the popular start points of the 17-Mile Drive. You will likely start at this entrance if you approach from Monterey or Pacific Grove.

How can I get on the 17-Mile Drive for free?

Things to Know About the 17-Mile Drive


Bicycles can get in for free if they enter through the Pacific Grove gate

. Once you get inside the gates, you’ll find signs and red-painted dashed lines on the pavement to help you follow the route.

Is the 17-Mile Drive free?

Admission to 17-Mile Drive is

$11.25 per vehicle

. The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants. Admission for tour buses is $5.50 per passenger.

Can you bike the 17-Mile Drive?

Walking and cycling is free.

Motorcycles are not allowed on 17 mile drive

. If you eat at one of the 17 mile drive restaurants, you will get your gate fee reimbursed.

Is there a bike path on 17-Mile Drive?

Best for the experienced people who bike. Although there are adequate bike lanes along miles of beautiful stretches of Pebble Beach,

many sections of 17-Mile Drive and other PB roads have no real bike lanes

. That means they are best suited to experienced riders with a lot of bicycling road savvy.

How long to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

A typical visit lasts anywhere from

2 to 4 hours

. That said, there is a LOT to see and do on the Monterey Peninsula as a whole. We have several beautiful beaches, lots of shopping, art galleries, parks, theaters, and some of the most important historic sites on the west coast.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth visiting?

Finally, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is overflowing with fine wine and dining, luxury hotels and sweeping golf courses, and outdoor activities and naturescapes galore,

it’s also worth visiting for the charming, laid-back village vibes

. The area is nothing if not incredibly Instagrammable, like a storybook come to life.

Does Monterey have a beach?

Monterey’s largest beach,

Monterey State Beach

, shares waterfront with Monterey Bay Waterfront Park and the Monterey Bay Recreational Trail. The beach, park, and trail combine to offer plenty of wide-open sand, sand volleyball courts, picnic tables, barbecue pits, and running and walking paths.

Can you bring dogs to Point Lobos?


Dogs are not allowed inside Point Lobos, even if they are left in your vehicle

. Exception: service animals individually trained to perform tasks for persons who have qualifying disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Campfires, barbecues, and camping stoves are prohibited.

Is Big Sur dog friendly?


Dogs are not allowed on State Park trails but are allowed in the picnic or day use areas, some campgrounds and on paved roads throughout the park

. Dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times and may not be left unattended.

Does Pebble Beach allow dogs?

From hiking trails to canine culinary treats,

you can bring your pet on your memorable trip to Pebble Beach

.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.