Pebble Beach Hopping

Bike Ride from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach

10.13.2015

Ready to hop on a two-wheeler for one of the most scenic coastal cruiser rides on earth … featuring a string of beautiful beaches and a fire-pit respite overlooking the ocean? If you're not already pedaling, gear up for this easygoing 13-mile (round-trip) ride along the Monterey coast and a section of ultra-famous 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. Your start and end point is Lovers Point Park and Beach (Ocean View Blvd. and 17th St., Pacific Grove), overlooking Monterey Bay; it's also one of the West Coast's only spots for watching the sunrise over the ocean. Merge onto the wide bike lane and head west along the rocky coast taking in stunning views the entire way.

At Asilomar State Beach, veer inland to pass the entrance gate (and skip the fee!) to Del Monte Forest, aka Pebble Beach. This is the start of world-renowned 17 Mile Drive, a winding coastal masterpiece lined with wind-blown cypress trees, pocket coves, bluffside picnic tables, and the high drama of huge waves rushing headlong to shore and crashing spectacularly over sea stacks. Ride to Bird Rock, your turnaround point, and a point of interest among visitors. Bird Rock is—you guessed it—famous for birds like Brandt’s cormorants and brown pelicans. You might also spy sea lions and sea otters. You can jump off your bike here and peer at this gigantic sea rock through telescopes (bring quarters!), or pedal just north of this loop to a tiny unsigned parking lot for Bird Rock Beach, a sandy cove with sea stacks in the surf. Ride back the way you came. Rock and roll!

BONUS FIRE PIT: En route back to Lovers Point, take a detour to The Inn at Spanish Bay. The resort's enormous outdoor terrace has a full bar, light menu, and big views. Grab a bench near one of the five outdoor fire pits and enjoy a Fireside Mojito. At sunset a solo bagpiper does some beautiful serenading.

Rent a bike at Adventures by the Sea on Cannery Row; they'll set you up and send you out with a marked map and highlight details. The outdoor patio at The Inn at Spanish Bay is dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View

  2. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

  3. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View

  2. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

    View

  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View