Spanish Bay Beach
A serene white sand beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive, offering breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and magical sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Spanish Bay Beach
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene white sand beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive, offering breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and magical sunsets.
"A beautiful stop along 17 mile drive to sit, watch the waves, and take in the magnificence of this place."
🚗 17-Mile Drive Entry Fee
Pay the $12.25 per vehicle fee at the gate. Consider the Pacific Grove entrance for coastal views first.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Awareness
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists sharing the paths along the beach and drive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spanish Bay Beach
17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
Expansive white sand beach with dramatic Pacific Ocean views, perfect for sunset strolls and photography.
The Links at Spanish Bay
Adjacent to the beach
A renowned public golf course offering challenging play with stunning coastal scenery.
Coastal Walkways
Along the beach and 17-Mile Drive
Enjoy scenic paths perfect for biking or walking, with breathtaking ocean vistas at every turn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your 17-Mile Drive Visit
Spanish Bay Beach Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 17-Mile Drive Entry Fee
Pay the $12.25 per vehicle fee at the gate. Consider the Pacific Grove entrance for coastal views first.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Awareness
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists sharing the paths along the beach and drive.
📸 Sunset Photography
The beach offers magical light for photos, especially during the evening glow.
🏄 Surfing Opportunities
While not ideal for swimming, the waves can be suitable for surfing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 17-Mile Drive Entry Fee
Pay the $12.25 per vehicle fee at the gate. Consider the Pacific Grove entrance for coastal views first.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Awareness
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists sharing the paths along the beach and drive.
📸 Sunset Photography
The beach offers magical light for photos, especially during the evening glow.
🏄 Surfing Opportunities
While not ideal for swimming, the waves can be suitable for surfing.
☕ Coffee with a View
Grab a coffee and enjoy it right on the beach for a relaxing break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Spanish Bay Beach is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, soft sands, and spectacular sunset views, offering a peaceful escape. Visitors appreciate its serene atmosphere and suitability for long walks. However, the strong waves make it less ideal for swimming, and some find the 17-Mile Drive entry fee a consideration.
"Spanish Bay Beach is a beautiful beach with wide sandy shores and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s perfect for long walks and enjoying sunsets, though strong waves make it less suitable for swimming. The beach has a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and photography. It is especially enchanting in the evening when the light gives the landscape a magical glow."
Tom Terry
"The Spanish beach was absolutely stunning! Soft golden sand, clear blue water, and a relaxed vibe that makes you want to stay all day. The sound of the waves and the warm sun create the perfect escape. Plenty of cafés nearby for fresh seafood and drinks. A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Spain."
Mahesh S R
"a beautiful stop along 17 mile drive to sit, watch the waves, and take in the magnificence of this place. plenty of parking, must watch out for pedestrians."
Silvia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spanish Bay Beach is located along the scenic 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California. You can access the drive via multiple gates, including the Pacific Grove Gate. There is a per-vehicle entry fee of $12.25.
Many visitors find the 17-Mile Drive, with its stunning coastal views and iconic stops like Spanish Bay Beach, well worth the $12.25 fee for a memorable experience.
Yes, the 17-Mile Drive is popular for biking and walking. You can rent electric bikes in Monterey and enjoy the coastal route.
Entering from the Pacific Grove Gate is recommended for immediate coastal views, allowing you to follow the route along the coastline.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Spanish Bay Beach, making it convenient for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for the 17-Mile Drive is $12.25 per vehicle, payable at any of the gates.
Tickets are purchased at the entrance gate for the 17-Mile Drive, not specifically for Spanish Bay Beach. Advance purchase is not typically required.
While not always available, check for potential discounts or passes through local tourism boards or hotel packages.
The 17-Mile Drive is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset, but it's always a good idea to check the official Pebble Beach website for any seasonal or event-related closures.
Spanish Bay Beach is located within the 17-Mile Drive, so access typically requires paying the entry fee.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy long walks on the soft sand, photography, watching the waves, and experiencing beautiful sunsets. It's also a great spot for surfing.
Due to strong waves, Spanish Bay Beach is generally not recommended for swimming, but it's perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Key stops include Bird Rock, Seal Rock, The Lone Cypress, and Point Joe, offering diverse coastal scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. 
Yes, there are dining options nearby, including cafes for fresh seafood and drinks, and the Inn at Spanish Bay offers restaurants.
The beach has a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon and sunset offer the most magical light for photography, creating a beautiful glow on the landscape.
Iconic spots include The Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Seal Rock, and the dramatic coastline at Point Joe, in addition to Spanish Bay Beach itself.
Drone usage is typically restricted in protected areas like the 17-Mile Drive. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife at Bird Rock.
The Inn itself offers beautiful architecture and ocean views, and the nearby fire pits at sunset can make for stunning evening shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider renting bikes for a fun way to experience the coastal paths, allowing children to feel more involved in the exploration. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out. The fee for the 17-Mile Drive is per vehicle, making it a cost-effective outing for a family. Remember to keep a close eye on children near the water due to the strong currents.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the beach, explore other photogenic stops on the 17-Mile Drive such as Point Joe for its dramatic sea spray and The Restless Sea for its powerful waves. The unique architecture of the Inn at Spanish Bay and the meticulously maintained golf courses also offer interesting photographic subjects. Remember to check local regulations regarding drone photography.
🏌️ Golf Aficionados
While Spanish Bay itself is the focus, the 17-Mile Drive is synonymous with world-class golf, featuring iconic courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links. Even if you're not playing, observing these renowned courses from the drive adds to the overall appreciation of the area's golfing heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the 17-Mile Drive
Key highlights along the drive include Spanish Bay Beach, known for its soft sands and sunset views, Bird Rock and Seal Rock for abundant wildlife viewing, and the iconic Lone Cypress, a symbol of the region perched precariously on a cliff. The drive also passes by world-renowned golf courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links and The Links at Spanish Bay, offering glimpses of the sport's prestigious venues.
+2Beyond the main attractions, the 17-Mile Drive invites exploration of hidden coves, dramatic cliffs like Point Joe, and the chance to admire the opulent mansions that dot the landscape. Whether you choose to drive, bike, or walk, the experience is designed to immerse you in the natural beauty and exclusive charm of the Monterey Peninsula.
The Charm of Spanish Bay Beach
While the visual appeal is undeniable, visitors should note that the strong waves at Spanish Bay Beach make it less suitable for swimming. Instead, it's a prime spot for relaxation, enjoying the sound of the waves, and perhaps even trying your hand at surfing, as some videos suggest.
The beach offers a peaceful ambiance, a welcome contrast to busier coastal areas, and is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking tranquility. Adjacent to the beach is The Links at Spanish Bay, a highly-rated public golf course that attracts enthusiasts with its challenging layout and oceanfront holes.
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