17-Mile Drive: Electric Bike Tour Pebble Beach & Lone Cypress

Summary

Electric biking the Pacific coast past sea lions and cypress trees

You’ll ride an electric bike along 17-Mile Drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea, stopping at Pebble Beach and Lone Cypress with a local guide who shares stories as you go. Watch sea otters near Bird Rock, take a break at Stillwater Cove for snacks or souvenirs, and breathe in that wild Pacific air — there’s something quietly memorable about seeing this coast up close.

What’s the experience like?

I’d heard about 17-Mile Drive forever, but riding it on an electric bike was a different kind of freedom — you just glide past those Monterey pines and salty cliffs without worrying about hills or traffic. We started out in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is so storybook it almost feels like a movie set (except there’s real fog and dogs everywhere). Our guide, Mike, had this way of pointing out things I’d never notice — like the way the cypress bark feels rough and cold if you touch it early in the morning. I tried that at Crocker Grove, actually. It’s true.

The first time we stopped near Bird Rock, I could hear sea lions barking before I even saw them. There was this mix of ocean spray and kelp smell in the air — not exactly perfume, but it made me laugh. Mike handed around binoculars so we could spot sea otters floating on their backs. He told us about Point Joe’s weird history with shipwrecks and some Chinese fisherman who might’ve lived there? The details are fuzzy but it made me wonder what it looked like a hundred years ago. Also, my Mandarin attempt got a big laugh from Li, another rider — I probably butchered “ni hao.”

We cruised past the Lone Cypress (which is apparently famous enough to be a logo), and then stopped at Stillwater Cove for coffee and snacks. That part was longer — maybe half an hour to just wander or sit by the water. I remember my hands were cold from the wind but the coffee helped. Some folks went looking for souvenirs; I just sat on a bench watching golfers try not to shank their shots into the ocean.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm by the end — maybe it was all that blue water or maybe just moving slow enough to really see things for once. If you’re thinking about a day trip along 17-Mile Drive from Carmel with a local guide, this is probably the least stressful way to do it. Sometimes I still think about that stretch between Spanish Bay and Point Lobos when the light gets gold late in the afternoon…you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided electric bike tour of 17-Mile Drive

• Start at bike shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea
• Ride to Pebble Beach golf resort
• Explore golf resort and surroundings
• Stop at Point Joe lookout
• Visit old Chinese fishing village site
• Restroom break and watch sea lions
• Enjoy scenic coastal views
• Look for sea otters at Cypress Point
• Learn about Monterey Cypress trees
• See famous Lone Cypress tree
• View Point Lobos and Carmel Bay
• Free time at Still Water Cove

Top questions

How long does the 17-Mile Drive electric bike tour take?

The tour covers 17-Mile Drive with several stops; expect several hours including breaks.

Is pickup included for this 17-Mile Drive ebike tour?

No hotel pickup; you start from the shop in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Are helmets provided on this Pebble Beach bike tour?

Yes, helmets are included with your electric bike rental.

Can children join the 17-Mile Drive guided ebike tour?

Yes, but for special requests or groups with children call ahead before booking.

Do you see wildlife like sea otters on this route?

Yes, stops include chances to spot sea otters near Bird Rock and other wildlife along the coast.

Is lunch included during this day trip from Carmel?

No lunch is included but there’s time to buy snacks or drinks at Stillwater Cove.

What happens if not enough people book?

If fewer than four riders book, your options will be reviewed: refund, private tour (extra cost), reschedule, or convert to standard rental.

Are service animals allowed on this 17-Mile Drive tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this guided ebike tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric bike starting from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, all necessary landing and facility fees along 17-Mile Drive, plus a helmet for safety as you explore iconic spots like Pebble Beach and Lone Cypress with your local guide.