17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is a scenic route that really lives up to the hype, especially if you’ve got a dog to share it with. The drive stretches from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach through the Del Monte Forest, and leashed dogs are welcome to experience the whole thing with you. It’s about an hour of driving if you’re stopping frequently, which you absolutely should be.

The route has several pull-offs worth exploring. China Cove is particularly striking—the water is that brilliant turquoise you don’t expect to see on the California coast. The Lone Cypress, that gnarled tree standing alone on a rocky outcrop, is exactly as dramatic as the photos suggest. Pebble Beach Golf Links runs along part of the drive, and even if golf doesn’t interest you, the manicured grounds contrasting with the wild coastline are worth noting. My dog was more interested in sniffing the cypress trees than looking at the views, which was fine—she was having her own good time while I was having mine.

There are designated picnic areas scattered along the route where you can stop with your dog. The ocean breeze is constant and refreshing, and there’s something genuinely calming about watching waves hit the rocks while your dog explores nearby. The drive is lined with cypress and pine forest, so there’s shade if you need it, but also plenty of exposed clifftop sections with big views.

One practical thing: there’s a gate entrance with a fee, and you’ll get a map when you pay. The road itself is well-maintained and not too steep, making it manageable for dogs of various ages and fitness levels. If your dog gets tired, you can drive between stops rather than walking the whole route. The best time to go is midweek if you can manage it—weekends get crowded with tour buses. Early morning light hits the water beautifully and means fewer people at the main overlooks.