17-Mile Drive Tour: Self-Guided Audio Experience

Embark on a self-guided audio tour of the famous 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, Monterey. Explore iconic landmarks, learn about the history, and enjoy the ultimate scenic drive at your own pace.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 17 17 Mile Dr - The Pacific Grove portion of our Monterey tour is now over; the famous 17 Mile Drive portion is about to begin. This is Monterey’s most famous “attraction” and one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world.

Note: This 23-miles-long tour covers the essentials of 17 Mile drive in 2-4 hours

  • Old Fisherman’s Wharf - We’ll embark on this scenic drive in downtown Monterey, near the historic Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Cannery Row - Our explorations along Monterey’s Pacific Grove bring us to Cannery Row, immortalized by John Steinbeck.
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium - Our drive down Cannery Row ends at Monterey’s second most famous attraction: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is an optional stop, for those looking to get up close and personal with a huge variety of sea creatures.
  • Lovers Point Park - Our drive through Monterey continues along the Pacific Grove, heading closer to the top attraction: the 17 Mile Drive. Along the way, we see beautiful waterfront properties, the scenic Lovers Point Park, and the unmistakeable Kissing Rock.
  • Point Pinos Lighthouse (1855) - Our Monterey tour continues around the Point Pinos Bend, where we’ll learn about the famous lighthouse.
  • Kissing Rock View Point - Keep an eye out for our next sight: the Kissing Rock!

This isn’t really a rock. It’s actually a natural formation of two granite rocks that have fused together over time. Since they appear to be kissing, this spot was officially named “The Kissing Rock” in April 1970.

  • Asilomar State Beach - The drive then takes us along Asilomar Beach, known for it’s tidepools, which teem with life.
  • The Inn at Spanish Bay - Our first vista along the 17 Mile Drive portion of this Monterey tour is at Spanish Bay. We’ll explore Monterey’s history as we drive.
  • 17 Mile Drive - Our 17 Mile Drive tour then brings us to Point Joe. Here we’ll learn the story of two well-known shipwrecks… the St. Paul and the Celia. We’ll also understand why this ocean is known as “The Restless Sea”!
  • Point Joe - Point Joe is infamous as the site of numerous shipwrecks. From the outside, this stretch of beach looks like the entrance to the Monterey Bay harbor. In reality, the beach has a rocky underwater lining that unsuspecting ships often crashed upon. And Monterey’s foggy weather certainly didn’t help matters!
  • China Rock - The next stop on our 17 Mile Drive tour is at China Rock. This was the exact site of a small fishing village from the 1800s. We’ll try to spot the marks from 1800s cooking smoke caked into the rocks!
  • Bird Rock Vista Point - This rock is a popular hangout spot for the local fauna when they want some downtime. Set in a small cove at one of the best vantage points in the entire bay, it’s home to harbor seals, sea lions, and of course many, many birds. If you’re visiting between November and March, you might even see the far-away spouts of migrating grey whales! Make sure your camera and binoculars are handy.
  • Seal Rock Creek beach - This brings us to Bird Rock and Seal Rock, both always teeming with life. We’ll learn how to spot the difference between seals and sea lions, and identify a couple of the most common birds of the area.
  • Fanshell Overlook - As we continue to drive along the scenic 17 Mile Drive, we’ll also be able to stop at the Fanshell Beach Overlook.
  • Cypress Point Lookout - As we approach the 17 Mile Drive’s most famous attraction, the Lone Cypress, we’ll learn all about cypress trees – and what makes them so resilient!
  • The Crocker Cypress Grove - As we drive, we’ll pass Crocker Grove, which honors the man who almost single-handedly built the 17 Mile Drive. Crocker put in a lot of effort into beautifying the coastal drive while preserving its natural history and terrain.
  • Lone Cypress - Finally we reach the Lone Cypress! The Lone Cypress stands dramatically at the edge of a cliff, shrouded in fog. Its roots are embedded in a rough outcropping on a granite hillside and it is framed by a backdrop of loud, crashing waves.
  • Pescadero Point - Pescadero Point is legendary with fans of the paranormal. We’ll hear all about the spooky tales of this stop.
  • Pebble Beach - Our scenic tour of Monterey’s 17 Mile Drive ends at the world-famous Pebble Beach, a paradise of pristine white sand and sensational coastal cliffs.
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Foods & Drinks
Additional Information

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Explore the famous 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, Monterey with a self-guided audio tour! Learn about iconic landmarks like Lone Cyprus, Seal Rock, and Spanish Bay as you drive past. Discover the history behind Cannery Row, Monterey’s Aquarium, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Experience this ultimate scenic drive at its fullest. This self-guided audio tour allows you to explore Monterey with maximum flexibility and value.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
Carmel Way
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(27 Ratings)
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1 star
Angela_j
Jun 4, 2024
Great - Good app really enjoyed the history of the stops along 17 Mile drive,would definitely purchase more tours
Review provided by Viator
Charlessp7957dl
Apr 17, 2024
Great place to stay in Carmel - Great room. We were upgraded to a suite. Very well maintained and a great court yard area to experience. Staff very friendly and helpful. Would recommend to friends and family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannon_p
Apr 7, 2024
Would do again! - Such a great experience! Was very informative and helpful. Learned so many new things and saw some beautiful places. Would definitely recommend doing. Our only criticism is we wish it had ended differently. Felt like it left us wanting more!
Review provided by Viator
Timmy_r
Mar 4, 2024
Great information - Enjoyed having background before each spot. Liked that you could replay narrative! Recommend these self guided tours!
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly_g
Dec 3, 2023
First time on the west... - First time on the west coast. Amazed at the mighty Pacific. Tour allowed us to take our time at each point of interest. Very informative.
Review provided by Viator
Debbie
Oct 24, 2023
17-mile is amazing - It was beautiful and not busy. Easy access to the points/beaches that we stopped at. Very friendly people. This was our first time. There was so much to see.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margaret_c
Jan 2, 2024
Very good - The magnificence of the ocean crashing against the shore with high swells. Just need a little work to get the app started. We weren’t sure where to go the first couple of turns until the app kicked in at the aquarium
Review provided by Viator
Mrsmccarron
Dec 25, 2023
Great value for the price - Enjoyable and informative. I would add some music in between the narration. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who likes to site see independently.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbiebw8727mq
Sep 24, 2023
Easy and informative - The beautiful drive was even better with the narrative, which was it not too intrusive. I would gladly purchase another audio tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa
Oct 27, 2023
17Mile drive - It was not easy to navigate. The map would not show on my car screen so I couldn’t tell where to go. The signs for 17Mile Dr are not clearly marked. The road signs are very small
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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