Point Joe - Image 1
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Point Joe

4.6
·17 reviews·Del Monte Forest, United States

A dramatic viewpoint on the 17-Mile Drive, known for its rugged coastline, historical maritime perils, and stunning Pacific vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour light paints the coast

CrowdMedium
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Point Joe - Image 1

Point Joe

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour light paints the coast

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dramatic viewpoint on the 17-Mile Drive, known for its rugged coastline, historical maritime perils, and stunning Pacific vistas.

4.6
(17 reviews)

"Stunning views of the Pacific crashing against rocks, steeped in maritime history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Pay the 17-Mile Drive Fee

There's an entrance fee per vehicle for the 17-Mile Drive. Factor this into your budget! :moneybag:

📸 Capture the Drama

The waves and rocks create stunning photo ops. Bring your best camera! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dramatic Coastal Views

Dramatic Coastal Views

Along the 17-Mile Drive

Witness the raw power of the Pacific crashing against rugged, jagged rocks. A photographer's dream!

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Near the viewpoint

Learn about the mariners' treacherous past and the man named Joe who gave this point its name.

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Offshore and tide pools

Keep an eye out for sea otters, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds in their natural habitat.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the 17-Mile Drive

Point Joe is part of the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Be aware there's an entrance fee per vehicle. Plan your route to include Point Joe and other key stops like the Lone Cypress. Check for any road closures or construction, especially on Highway 68, which can impact access.

Understanding Point Joe's History

Point Joe is named after a man named Joe who lived here in the early 1900s, selling trinkets. Historically, it was a treacherous spot for sailors due to misleading rocks. Appreciating this history adds depth to the stunning coastal views.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden hour light paints the coast
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Del Monte Forest Trailhead

🚗 Pay the 17-Mile Drive Fee

There's an entrance fee per vehicle for the 17-Mile Drive. Factor this into your budget! :moneybag:

📸 Capture the Drama

The waves and rocks create stunning photo ops. Bring your best camera! :camerawithflash:

🥾 Watch Your Step

The terrain can be uneven and rocky. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring safely. :athletic_shoe:

🧐 Read the Informational Signs

Signs offer fascinating historical and natural history insights. Don't miss them! :memo:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Pay the 17-Mile Drive Fee

There's an entrance fee per vehicle for the 17-Mile Drive. Factor this into your budget! :moneybag:

📸 Capture the Drama

The waves and rocks create stunning photo ops. Bring your best camera! :camerawithflash:

🥾 Watch Your Step

The terrain can be uneven and rocky. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring safely. :athletic_shoe:

🧐 Read the Informational Signs

Signs offer fascinating historical and natural history insights. Don't miss them! :memo:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(17 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Point Joe for its stunning, dramatic coastal scenery and the raw beauty of the Pacific Ocean meeting the rugged shoreline. The historical context, mentioning shipwrecks and the man named Joe, adds an intriguing layer to the visit. It's a highly recommended, picturesque stop on the 17-Mile Drive.

"Point Joe is a notable landmark located along the scenic 17-Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula in California. The 17-Mile Drive is renowned for its breathtaking coastal views, and Point Joe is one of its standout features, steeped in both natural beauty and historical intrigue.

Key Features and Significance:



1. Geographical Location:
- Point Joe is situated near the northern end of the 17-Mile Drive, between the famous Spanish Bay and China Rock.
- It provides stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing dramatically against the rocky shoreline.

2. Historical Background:
- In the early 1900s, Point Joe was home to a lone shack occupied by a man named Joe, after whom the point was eventually named. Joe sold trinkets and souvenirs to passing travelers, becoming a well-known local figure.
- Historically, the area was notorious among sailors for its dangerous rocky outcrops and frequent shipwrecks, as the rocks were often mistaken for the entrance to Monterey Bay.

3. Natural Beauty:
- The rugged coastline at Point Joe is characterized by its jagged rocks and tide pools, offering a habitat for a variety of marine life.
- The dramatic interaction between land and sea here provides opportunities for spectacular photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.

4. Wildlife Observation:
- Point Joe is a popular spot for observing seabirds, including gulls and pelicans, as well as marine mammals like sea otters and harbor seals.
- The offshore kelp forests also contribute to the biodiversity of the area, attracting divers and marine biologists.

5. Visitor Experience:
- As part of the 17-Mile Drive, Point Joe is accessible to visitors via a scenic loop road that features several other notable landmarks and viewpoints.
- Informational signs at Point Joe offer historical context and natural history insights, enhancing the visitor experience.

Cultural and Recreational Importance:



- Point Joe, along with the entire 17-Mile Drive, is a beloved destination for tourists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. The area is maintained by the Pebble Beach Company, which ensures its preservation and accessibility.
- It serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the Monterey Peninsula and the enduring allure of California's rugged coastline.

Point Joe stands out as a place of both natural splendor and historical intrigue, making it a must-visit spot on the iconic 17-Mile"

GHOUSE MOHAMMAD

"One of the scenic spot on 17th mail drive. Early days many shipwrecks. It believed that in early 1900 man names Joe lived here"

Sukumar shah

"This place has history of early mariners! Worth a brief stop on the 17- mile drive"

Ridhima Arora

What People Like

Breathtaking coastal views
Dramatic wave action
Historical intrigue

What People Dislike

Can be windy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Point Joe is located along the famous 17-Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula. You'll need to pay an entrance fee per vehicle to access the drive. The drive itself is well-marked, and Point Joe is a designated viewpoint along the route.

Yes, there are designated parking areas at Point Joe, allowing visitors to stop and take in the views. Parking can fill up during peak times, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.

No, Point Joe is exclusively accessible via the 17-Mile Drive, which requires an entrance fee. It's not reachable by public transport or by walking from outside the drive.

While Point Joe itself is generally accessible, the 17-Mile Drive can experience temporary closures due to events or maintenance. It's always a good idea to check the official Pebble Beach Company website for any alerts before your visit. Some Reddit users have noted construction on nearby Highway 68, which could indirectly affect travel times to the area.

The 17-Mile Drive is a loop. Point Joe is located towards the northern end, between Spanish Bay and China Rock. Follow the signs for Point Joe as you make your way along the scenic route.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Point Joe is part of the 17-Mile Drive, which has an entrance fee per vehicle. This fee grants you access to the entire scenic drive and all its viewpoints, including Point Joe.

The entrance fee for the 17-Mile Drive is subject to change but is typically around $11.25 per vehicle (as of recent information). It's best to check the official Pebble Beach Company website for the most current pricing.

Sometimes, visitors who dine at certain Pebble Beach restaurants or stay at their hotels may have their entrance fee waived or reimbursed. Check with the establishment when making reservations.

Tickets for the 17-Mile Drive are typically purchased at the entrance gates. There isn't usually an option to buy them online in advance, but this could change, so checking the official website is advised.

The 17-Mile Drive is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, specific gate hours can vary, so it's recommended to confirm with the Pebble Beach Company.

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow on the coastline. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views of the ocean and rocks.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife like seals or otters. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.

The main viewpoint offers panoramic vistas. Exploring slightly off the main path (safely!) can reveal unique angles of the waves crashing against the rocks and tide pools.

Be extremely cautious. The rocks can be slippery, and rogue waves can unexpectedly reach higher up the shore. Always maintain a safe distance from the water's edge.

Drone usage is generally restricted within Pebble Beach properties, including the 17-Mile Drive. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid any issues.

🎫 🌊 Nature & Wildlife

Point Joe is a great spot for observing marine mammals like sea otters and harbor seals. You'll also see various seabirds, including gulls and pelicans, along the coast and in the offshore kelp forests.

Yes, during low tide, tide pools can be found among the rocks. These pools often reveal small marine life like anemones and starfish. Be sure to check the tide charts before your visit.

Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to be more active. However, sea otters and seals can often be spotted throughout the day.

Absolutely. The coastal environment attracts a variety of seabirds. Bring binoculars if you're an avid birdwatcher to get a closer look at species like pelicans, cormorants, and various gulls.

The kelp forests are vital marine ecosystems that provide habitat and food for a wide array of sea life, including fish, otters, and seals. They contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the area.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Point Joe offers a visually engaging experience for families, though supervision is key. The dramatic waves and rocky shores are fascinating for children, but staying on designated paths and keeping a safe distance from the water's edge is crucial. Informational signs about local wildlife can spark curiosity. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The drive itself is scenic, but keep it engaging for younger passengers with games or stories about the area's history.

📸 Photographers

Point Joe is a dream location for photographers seeking dramatic coastal shots. Focus on capturing the interplay of light and water, especially during sunrise and sunset for the best results. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for the expansive views, while telephoto lenses are useful for wildlife. Be mindful of the slippery rocks and unpredictable waves when seeking unique angles.

🚗 Day-Trippers

Point Joe is a perfect, relatively quick stop on a day trip along the 17-Mile Drive. Allocate about 30-45 minutes to soak in the views and read the historical markers. It's an ideal spot to break up the drive and enjoy the iconic Monterey Peninsula coastline. Combine it with other stops like the Lone Cypress or Spanish Bay for a well-rounded experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Maritime History of Point Joe

Point Joe carries a somber history as a notorious hazard for mariners. In the early 20th century, the jagged, rocky coastline here was often mistaken for the entrance to Monterey Bay, leading many ships astray. The treacherous currents and hidden rocks resulted in numerous shipwrecks, earning it a fearsome reputation among sailors.

This dangerous past is a stark contrast to the serene beauty visitors experience today. The name 'Point Joe' itself comes from a man named Joe who lived in a shack here in the early 1900s, selling souvenirs to travelers. His presence added a human element to this dramatic stretch of coast, and his name has endured, a reminder of the diverse stories held within this landscape.

Understanding this history adds a layer of appreciation for the power of the ocean and the resilience of those who navigated these waters. It's a poignant reminder that even the most beautiful places can hold tales of peril and survival.

Photography Tips for Point Joe

Point Joe is a photographer's paradise, offering dramatic seascapes and rugged coastal formations. The key to capturing stunning images here lies in understanding the light and the dynamic nature of the ocean. Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, is unparalleled for its soft, warm light that bathes the rocks and water in a magical glow. The contrast between the illuminated cliffs and the deep blue of the Pacific is breathtaking.

When composing your shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the ocean and the dramatic sweep of the coastline. Don't forget to look for interesting foreground elements, such as tide pools or uniquely shaped rocks, to add depth to your images. A polarizing filter can be invaluable for cutting down glare on the water's surface and enhancing the saturation of the blues and greens.

Safety is paramount when photographing near the water. The rocks can be slippery, and unexpected waves can surge higher than anticipated. Always maintain a safe distance from the water's edge, and be mindful of your footing. For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens will allow you to capture seals, otters, and seabirds without disturbing them. Remember to check tide charts; low tide can reveal fascinating tide pools teeming with small marine life, offering unique photographic opportunities.

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