Northern California’s 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is one of the most famed roads in the country. That’s because much of the drive overlooks the sparkling ocean and winds past awesome flora and fauna. Not sure where to make pit stops along this road that’s packed with beautiful vista points? Here are the eight best sights that are worth pulling over for.
- Cypress Point Lookout
newformula/Flickr Cypress Point Lookout is a favorite spot for mother harbor seals to deliver their babies. If you come during pupping season, be sure to give the mothers and babies privacy. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out the Monterey Cypress trees in the area.
- The Lone Cypress
faungg’s photos/Flickr This 250-year-old cypress is situated in quite a pretty spot, but its solitude has earned it a lot of recognition. The Pebble Beach Company even uses it as their logo!
- Ghost Tree
Andrew Wong/Flickr Over time, the elements have bleached the trunk of this ghostly tree white — hence the name. Due to overzealous tourists, there’s even a wall around the tree to protect it.
- China Rock
Tim Malabuyo/Flickr This rocky spot is named to memorialize a piece of Pebble Beach history. Chinese fisherman lived here in the late 1800s and made their home on this giant pile of rocks.
- Bird Rock
davidandbevtravel/Flickr Pelicans and sea lions sit side by side on Bird Rock. Many of the birds are Brandt’s cormorants, and they come here to dry out their wings in between dives.
- Restless Sea
theunquietlibrarian/Flickr Between Spanish Bay and Point Joe, the ocean always seems particularly restless. Some say it’s due to ocean currents hitting the shore or submerged rocks. Whatever the reason, it sure makes for a pretty sight.
- The Lodge at Pebble Beach
Prayitno/Flickr Practice your swing at the Pebble Beach Golf Links, located in The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Even if you don’t spend the night, come for the views and the shops.
- Harbor Seals
oliver.dodd/Flickr Along 17 Mile Drive, you’ll likely spot many harbor seals hanging out in the sun. You’ll love seeing these adorable creatures in their natural element.
17 Mile Drive is one of Northern California’s most beautiful roads. For other gorgeous destinations, check out the 12 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In Northern California.
newformula/Flickr
Cypress Point Lookout is a favorite spot for mother harbor seals to deliver their babies. If you come during pupping season, be sure to give the mothers and babies privacy. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out the Monterey Cypress trees in the area.
faungg’s photos/Flickr
This 250-year-old cypress is situated in quite a pretty spot, but its solitude has earned it a lot of recognition. The Pebble Beach Company even uses it as their logo!
Andrew Wong/Flickr
Over time, the elements have bleached the trunk of this ghostly tree white — hence the name. Due to overzealous tourists, there’s even a wall around the tree to protect it.
Tim Malabuyo/Flickr
This rocky spot is named to memorialize a piece of Pebble Beach history. Chinese fisherman lived here in the late 1800s and made their home on this giant pile of rocks.
davidandbevtravel/Flickr
Pelicans and sea lions sit side by side on Bird Rock. Many of the birds are Brandt’s cormorants, and they come here to dry out their wings in between dives.
theunquietlibrarian/Flickr
Between Spanish Bay and Point Joe, the ocean always seems particularly restless. Some say it’s due to ocean currents hitting the shore or submerged rocks. Whatever the reason, it sure makes for a pretty sight.
Prayitno/Flickr
Practice your swing at the Pebble Beach Golf Links, located in The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Even if you don’t spend the night, come for the views and the shops.
oliver.dodd/Flickr
Along 17 Mile Drive, you’ll likely spot many harbor seals hanging out in the sun. You’ll love seeing these adorable creatures in their natural element.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
