Monterey 17 Mile Drive: Electric Bike Tour with Coastal Stops

Summary

Electric bikes, sea lions, and Pebble Beach’s wild coast

You’ll cruise Monterey’s 17 Mile Drive on an electric bike with stops for sea lions, windswept beaches, and local stories from your guide. Expect salty air, easy riding even if you’re not an athlete, photo breaks at places like Lone Cypress and Asilomar Beach—and maybe coffee overlooking Carmel Bay before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell—salty air mixed with something green and sharp, maybe sagebrush or just the ocean doing its thing. We started up near Asilomar State Beach, where the sand looked almost white and a couple of surfers were already out, bobbing in the gray-blue water. I fumbled with my helmet straps (never gets easier), and our guide Sam grinned like he’d seen it a thousand times. He pointed to a clump of rocks where harbor seals sometimes nap—I didn’t spot any at first but then someone else did, and suddenly everyone was squinting in the same direction.

The electric bikes made everything feel easier than I expected. I’m not exactly athletic, but gliding past Pebble Beach’s mansions and those twisted cypress trees felt kind of surreal—like being in a postcard but also sweating a little under my jacket. Sam told us about the old Chinese fishing village that used to be tucked away here; he got this faraway look when he talked about it. There was a quick stop at Bird Rock (smelled strongly of…well, birds), and we watched sea lions bark at each other while Sam rattled off facts about kelp forests and why otters are such big deals around here.

I kept lagging behind because every time we rounded a curve on 17 Mile Drive, there’d be another ridiculous view—waves crashing against rocks or deer picking their way across a golf course like they owned it. At one point we stopped by the Lone Cypress (I guess it’s famous? I’d never heard of it before), and someone asked if it ever falls over in storms. Sam just shrugged: “Not yet.” The wind picked up then and I had to tuck my hands into my sleeves for warmth—should’ve worn thicker gloves.

We ended up somewhere overlooking Carmel Bay with coffee in hand (Sam insisted on this stop), legs buzzing from the ride. It wasn’t all smooth—I nearly missed a turn gawking at some house covered in bright flowers—but honestly that made it better. I still think about that stretch under the old cypress trees, how quiet it got except for our tires on wet pavement. If you’re thinking about booking this Monterey electric bike tour, just do it—you’ll probably come back smelling like ocean air for days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Electric bike tour of 17-Mile Drive

• Start at Big Sur Adventures shop
• Watch surfers and take photos
• Ride oceanfront from Pacific Grove gate to Bird Rock
• Ride 8-mile scenic 17-Mile Drive section
• Stop at Lone Cypress for photos
• Ride past golf course and hear history
• Visit white sand beach and learn history
• Snap photo and look for sea otters
• Stop and enjoy coastal view
• See old Chinese fishing village site
• Restroom break and watch sea lions
• Look for sea otters at lookout
• Ride under Monterey Cypress tree canopy
• Stop at Pebble Beach Lodge shops
• Relax with coffee and snacks at Carmel Bay
• Visit 250-year-old trademark tree
• Stop at Point Lobos and Carmel Bay viewpoint
• Walk to Ghost Trees point if time allows

Top questions

How long is the Monterey 17 Mile Drive electric bike tour?

The tour covers about 16 miles round-trip and lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is there an age or height requirement for riders?

Solo riders must be at least 12 years old and 4'10" tall; younger kids can ride tandem with an adult.

What should I wear on the tour?

Dress in layers—it can get chilly along the ocean. Gloves are provided but thicker ones might help if you get cold easily.

Are non-cyclists able to join?

Yes, non-cyclists can ride tandem with a parent or adult on a cargo eBike.

What wildlife might we see along 17 Mile Drive?

You may spot sea lions, harbor seals, deer grazing on golf courses, sea otters (if you’re lucky), and lots of seabirds.

Does the tour include stops for photos?

Yes—expect plenty of scenic photo stops including Lone Cypress, Asilomar Beach, Bird Rock, and more.

Is bottled water included?

Bottled water is included for all riders during the tour.

Are helmets provided?

Yes—helmets are provided for every participant as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes an electric bike fitted to your size (with over 50 models available), helmet and gloves for comfort and safety, bottled water to keep you hydrated along the coast, plus stories and guidance from a local expert throughout your Monterey adventure.