In short
- 17-Mile Drive takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.
- 17-Mile Drive charges a $12.50 vehicle entry fee.
- Guided tours let you see both areas in a single day.
In this article
If you are planning a trip to the Monterey Peninsula, you might wonder whether to drive Big Sur or 17-Mile Drive. 17-Mile Drive offers a focused 17-mile (27-kilometer) loop through Pebble Beach. Big Sur tours travel further south along Highway 1 past Bixby Bridge and Rocky Point. Both offer distinct coastal experiences.
How long do the drives take?
17-Mile Drive takes 2 to 3 hours to comfortably complete.
The 17-Mile Drive loop features 17 numbered stops along a fixed route. You can easily fit this into a half-day itinerary. Big Sur stretches further south along Highway 1. Guided tours that combine San Francisco, Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, and Big Sur typically run for 11 to 12 hours.
Which route charges an entrance fee?
17-Mile Drive requires a vehicle toll of $12.50.
The Pebble Beach gates are toll. Pay the toll at the gate (bring a card and some cash). You can get this fee reimbursed if you spend $35 or more at most Pebble Beach resort restaurants.
What will you see on each drive?
17-Mile Drive highlights golf courses, affluent mansions, and the Del Monte Forest.
Along 17-Mile Drive, you pass the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, and Bird Rock. The route runs through a privately managed gated community. Big Sur tours head south along Highway 1 to feature rocky points, Point Lobos, and the famous Bixby Bridge.
| Feature | 17-Mile Drive | Big Sur Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Route Type | 17-mile closed loop | Highway 1 coastal stretch |
| Access | Gated community | Public highway |
| Key Landmarks | Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach | Bixby Bridge, Point Lobos |
What is the driving experience like?
17-Mile Drive is a structured loop with 17 designated stops.
You can follow the official map to hit specific viewpoints. The road is narrow in segments, and cyclists share the route. Big Sur involves driving south on Highway 1 past state beaches like Garrapata.
Can you do 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur in one day?
Yes, several guided tours cover both areas in a single day.
If you want to avoid driving entirely, you can book a full-day motorcoach tour from San Francisco. You can also hire a private driver for a 3.5-hour tour starting in the Monterey area. These trips handle the navigation and include the 17-Mile Drive toll.
How should you travel these routes?
You can drive your own car, rent an e-bike, or join a guided tour.
Cyclists can enter 17-Mile Drive for free. A self-guided audio app is available for prices from $12.74 to narrate the history of Pebble Beach stops in your own car. Motorcycles are strictly prohibited inside the Pebble Beach gates.
Questions travellers ask
Is 17-Mile Drive free to enter?
No. Cars pay $12.50 per vehicle. Bicycles and pedestrians enter for free.
Are motorcycles allowed on 17-Mile Drive?
No, motorcycles are strictly prohibited inside the gated community at all times.
Can I get my 17-Mile Drive fee refunded?
Yes, the gate fee is reimbursed if you spend $35 or more at most Pebble Beach Resort restaurants.
