Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Exploring the stunning coastlines of Monterey and Pebble Beach on a half-day electric bike tour offers a relaxed, eco-friendly way to experience one of California’s most iconic scenic routes. This experience, rated 4.9 out of 5 from over fifty reviews, combines the thrill of a bike ride with breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, and charming coastal towns. While it’s ideal for those with some cycling confidence, it’s not suited for complete beginners or those with mobility restrictions.

What we really love about this tour is how accessible and flexible the electric bikes make the ride, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than worrying about the physical effort. The highlights, like the famed Lone Cypress, the chance to see sea otters at Fanshell Beach, and the gorgeous coastal mansions, make it a well-rounded adventure. One potential consideration is the route along Ocean View Boulevard, which shares space with cars—riders should be comfortable with traffic and riding at a speed of at least 15 mph (24 kph).

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a combination of scenic beauty and wildlife without the strain of traditional biking. It suits those who appreciate flexibility—whether you want to extend your ride, explore Carmel afterward, or just enjoy a relaxed, guided experience. If you love coastal vistas, wildlife, and a touch of luxury, this activity checks many boxes.

Key Points

• Scenic route: Ride along the famous 17 Mile Drive, passing Pebble Beach and breathtaking coastal vistas.
• Wildlife sightings: Expect to see sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions, especially around Bird Rock and Fanshell Beach.
• Flexible itinerary: You can ride back the same route or extend your ride into Carmel for more exploration.
• Expert guidance: The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide safety briefings and local insights.
• Comfort and convenience: Electric bikes make the ride accessible, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without exhaustion.
• Value for money: At $55, the experience offers excellent value considering the scenery, wildlife, and guided service.

Starting Point and What’s Included

Your adventure begins with a quick pickup of your powerful electric bike, fitted with a helmet (mandatory), handlebar bag, and locks upon request. The process is straightforward: after a brief safety briefing, you’re ready to roll. The bikes are designed to accommodate most riders comfortably, with adjustable features and straightforward controls. This makes it suitable even if you’re not an experienced cyclist but have basic riding skills.

The tour is hosted by Big Sur Adventures Inc, who emphasize flexibility with options to reserve and pay later, which is perfect if your plans are still coming together. Riders need to bring a valid ID and wear comfortable shoes—no fancy gear required.

The Itinerary in Detail

Your first stop is a climb up the hill to the start of 17 Mile Drive, where you’ll turn right onto Pebble Beach’s scenic route. The bike path meanders along the coastline, providing plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the striking Lone Cypress, perched on its rocky outcrop—arguably the most photographed symbol of Pebble Beach.

As you cruise past iconic golf courses and well-manicured yards, keep an eye out for deer grazing nearby—a detail frequently mentioned in reviews as a charming surprise. Riding past spots like Spanish Bay, Point Joe, and China Rock, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the ocean and rugged coastline.

One of the most popular stops is Bird Rock, where you can observe sea lions and sea otters basking or splashing around. Reviewers like Paul noted how “stunning” the views are and appreciated the opportunity to stop and take photos or just soak in the scenery. Plus, the public restrooms here make it convenient to pause before continuing.

Next, your ride takes you to the Fanshell Beach Overlook and Cypress Point Lookout. These spots offer close-up wildlife viewing and impressive vistas of the coastline. Stop here and you might catch a glimpse of otters swimming or seals sunbathing—one of the highlights, according to guests like Sally, who said, “Riding by the ocean is always a bonus.”

The Iconic Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point

A key highlight is the Lone Cypress, perched on a stony outcrop with a backdrop of crashing waves. Many reviewers rave about this photo opportunity, with Sharon pointing out how “the 17-mile trail is beautiful and the bike rental was a great price compared to other rides in the state.” Approaching this landmark on an e-bike makes it easy to linger, take selfies, and truly appreciate its rugged beauty.

Further along, you’ll reach Pescadero Point and the Ghost Trees, a striking coastline with sculpted trees and dramatic rock formations. A short walk from the bike offers a chance to marvel at the natural artistry of erosion and weathering.

Rest and Refresh at Pebble Beach Lodge

After enjoying the coastline, a stop at the Pebble Beach Lodge provides an opportunity to rest, refuel, and shop. It’s a popular place for a snack or a drink, especially after the invigorating ride. From here, you can choose to ride back, take a shortcut, or head into Carmel for additional sightseeing.

Extending the Adventure

One of the benefits of this tour is the option to extend your ride into Carmel, a charming town known for its cottages, art galleries, and local eateries. While the tour lasts about four hours, many guests choose to continue exploring on their own—something you can plan for after your guided experience.

The Ride and Traffic Considerations

The route along Ocean View Boulevard is shared with cars, so riders should be comfortable with traffic and riding at a steady pace. The bikes are governed to 20 mph but typically won’t reach full speed due to the pace of traffic. Once you leave the busy section, the bike lane becomes more prominent, making the ride safer and more enjoyable.

Reviewers like Sharon appreciated how the electric assist made uphill or windier sections less strenuous, enhancing enjoyment and safety. However, riders should be comfortable riding at about 15 mph (24 kph) and be ready for some curvy roads with scenic views.

Wildlife and Scenery

The universal highlight for most riders is the chance to see sea otters, seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. Bird Rock, in particular, is a hive of activity, with the splash and chatter of marine mammals providing a lively backdrop. The scenic vistas—cliffs, rocky shores, and expansive ocean—are stunning enough to make many forget about the actual riding.

Guests have praised the guides’ knowledge and their ability to point out wildlife and hidden spots. The tour offers a balance of structured stops and free time to explore or take photos, making it accessible for all ages and interests.

Practical Aspects and Value

Priced at $55 per person for 4 hours, this tour provides significant value considering the scenery, wildlife, and guided experience. Equipment such as locks and handlebar bags add convenience, and the option to rent extra batteries or purchase gloves ensures comfort in different weather conditions.

The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours ahead or reserve without upfront payment adds reassurance, especially for travelers planning uncertain schedules.

Final Thoughts

This electric bike tour along Monterey’s coast and 17 Mile Drive offers a fantastic blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and relaxed exploration. The guided approach means you get insightful commentary and safety support, while the e-bikes make the experience accessible without excessive exertion.

The stops at iconic landmarks, like the Lone Cypress and Ghost Trees, combined with the chance to see marine mammals, make it a memorable outing. While the route along Ocean View Boulevard involves some traffic, most riders find the experience smooth and enjoyable thanks to the bike lane and the assist.

If you’re someone who loves coastal scenery but prefers a more comfortable way to cover ground, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially suited for those who want a mix of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife spotting without committing a full day.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a balanced outdoor activity—not too intense, but engaging enough to see the highlights. It’s ideal if you enjoy scenic drives, wildlife, and charming coastal towns. Those with basic cycling abilities and a sense of adventure will find it a rewarding way to explore Monterey’s most famous coastlines.

However, if you are uneasy about sharing roads with cars or have mobility restrictions, this may not be suitable. The tour’s focus on scenic beauty and wildlife makes it a great fit for nature lovers, families with older children, and anyone seeking a relaxed outdoor activity.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive a powerful electric bike, helmet, handlebar bag, locks (on request), and an instructional briefing. The guide will also provide a map and local insights.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts about 4 hours, including riding, stops, and sightseeing. You can check availability for specific start times.

Can I extend my ride or explore Carmel afterward?
Yes, after the guided portion, you can choose to ride back, take a shortcut, or extend your exploration into Carmel. Options are flexible.

Is the route suitable for beginners?
While the bikes are easy to operate and assist with uphill climbs, riders should be comfortable riding at least 15 mph. The route includes some traffic along Ocean View Boulevard.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Optional items include gloves (available for purchase). Riding in light rain is allowed, but heavy rain may lead to rescheduling.

Are there any age or size restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm) or those over 300 lbs (136 kg). It’s best suited for confident riders.

What about wildlife sightings?
Sea otters, seals, and sea lions are often seen at Bird Rock and Fanshell Beach. The guides are knowledgeable about wildlife spots.

What if the weather is bad?
In case of heavy rain forecasted (more than 1 cm in 4 hours), the tour will be rescheduled or canceled for a full refund. Riding in light rain is optional.

Is there a maximum group size?
The data doesn’t specify group size, but guided tours are typically small for a more personalized experience. Expect a friendly, manageable group.

This electric bike experience along Monterey’s coast offers a superb balance of adventure, scenery, and wildlife in a relaxed, guided setting. It’s perfect for travelers looking to enjoy the best of California’s famous coastline without the physical strain of traditional biking. Whether you’re snapping photos at the Lone Cypress or keeping an eye out for playful sea otters, you’ll come away with memories—and perhaps new appreciation for eco-friendly exploration.