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!

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