Monterey & 17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, the Lone Cypress & Carmel-by-the-Sea
Monterey & 17-Mile Drive
The Monterey Peninsula is one of the great driving destinations in California — a compact stretch of coastline that packs in world-class golf, Steinbeck history, extraordinary marine life, and the iconic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. This route begins in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the storybook village of galleries and wine bars, then winds through the private Pebble Beach estate past the Lone Cypress — the most photographed tree in North America — before descending into Monterey for Cannery Row and the Bay Aquarium. For the driving enthusiast, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca sits just 15 minutes inland, home to the legendary Corkscrew corner that has defined motorsport photography for decades.
"The 17-Mile Drive is not a road. It is a gallery — one where the exhibits are ancient cypresses, crashing surf, and fairways that have hosted more major championships than anywhere else on earth."
The Stable
Quick Facts
85 Miles, 5 Rally Points
A curated driving experience through some of the most beautiful roads in the region.
Discover the Monterey & 17-Mile Drive Route
This route pack includes 5 expertly curated rally points across 85 miles of stunning driving roads. Become a member to unlock the full interactive route map and detailed driving notes.
See What's Inside
Explore a sample of the Monterey & 17-Mile Drive route pack. The first 2 Rally Points are fully visible — become a member to unlock all 5 segments plus insider tips for every stop.
What You Get
Trip Planning Essentials
Route-specific logistics to help you plan ahead. Fuel stops, cell coverage, reservation requirements, and recommended apps for this drive.
Fuel Stops
Fuel is readily available in Monterey and Carmel, but stations are sparse along 17-Mile Drive and in Carmel Valley. Fill up before heading out for the day.
Cell Coverage
Cell service is generally good in towns but can be spotty on 17-Mile Drive and in the more remote parts of Carmel Valley. Download maps for offline use.
Book Ahead
Dinner reservations at top restaurants like The Sardine Factory and Passionfish, and lodging in Carmel and Pebble Beach, should be made several weeks in advance, especially for weekend travel.
17-Mile Drive Toll
The $12.00 toll for 17-Mile Drive is waived if you spend $35 or more at Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants. Keep your receipt. Cash and card accepted at the gate.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
The Storybook Village
Begin in Carmel — the village of no street addresses, no chain restaurants, and more art galleries per capita than anywhere in California. Walk Ocean Avenue, visit the Carmel Mission, and taste Chardonnay at Folktale or Bernardus before heading north.
Depart by 8:30 AM for morning light on the cliffs.
Easy city driving with some potential for morning traffic. Roads are well-maintained but can be narrow in the village center.
17-Mile Drive Entrance
Pebble Beach & the Lone Cypress
Enter via the Carmel Gate ($12.25 toll, waived with dining reservation). Wind past Spanish Bay, the Lone Cypress on its granite headland, and the Pebble Beach Golf Links — one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Stop at every pullout; each one frames a different composition of rock, sea, and cypress.
Arrive mid-morning to beat the afternoon crowds.
A winding, scenic two-lane road with a low speed limit. Expect pull-offs for photos. The road is smooth asphalt with some gentle elevation changes.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Unlock the Complete Monterey & 17-Mile Drive
Get the full route pack with all 5 Rally Points, detailed driving notes, plus 10 curated stops with insider tips, parking notes, and reservation guidance.
Food, Wine & Experiences
The Sardine Factory
Monterey
Monterey institution since 1968. The Captain's Room wine cellar holds 30,000 bottles and the abalone bisque is legendary.
Don't Miss: The Abalone Bisque is a house specialty.
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend dinner.
Valet parking available, or self-park in the adjacent lot.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Accommodation
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Unlock the full Monterey & 17-Mile Drive
Reviews & Ratings
3 reviews
Pebble Beach and beyond
Everyone knows 17-Mile Drive, but The Stable built a full day around it with stunning back roads through Carmel Valley and along the coast. The rally points at the lesser-known viewpoints were the highlight.
Classic California motoring
This is what California driving should feel like. Ocean views, cypress trees, winding roads, and world-class dining. The roadbook is a work of art and the GPS files are perfectly calibrated.
Monterey like a local
The route avoids the tourist crowds and takes you through the real Monterey Peninsula. The dining recommendations were exceptional — we had the best seafood of our lives at one of the suggested stops.
Everything You Need
Downloadable Roadbook
Offline-ready PDF with route notes, maps, and curated stops for use without signal.
Link Hub Access
Mobile-first navigation with tap-to-drive Rally Points, designed for in-car use.
Restaurant Recommendations
Curated dining with parking notes, reservation tips, and what to order.
Hotel Suggestions
Car-forward accommodations with valet, secure parking, and character.
Winery & Experience Access
Tasting room details with appointment guidance and parking notes.
Ongoing Updates
Routes are continuously updated with new stops, seasonal tips, and community feedback.
Save 30% with annual billing
$99/year for Global access — only 100 of 100 spots left
Pre-Drive Checklist
Get your car, gear, and documents ready with a checklist tailored to this route.
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The Sardine Factory: A Monterey Legend on Cannery Row
After a breathtaking drive along the Monterey coast, reward yourself with a legendary dining experience at The Sardine Factory, a Cannery Row icon since 1968.
Passionfish: Sustainable Seafood and Superlative Sips in Pacific Grove
The perfect culinary epilogue to a drive along the Monterey & 17-Mile Drive, Passionfish in Pacific Grove offers sustainably sourced seafood and an exceptional, affordably priced wine list in a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere.
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"The 17-Mile Drive is not a road. It is a gallery — one where the exhibits are ancient cypresses, crashing surf, and fairways that have hosted more major championships than anywhere else on earth."
The Stable