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

If you’re considering a way to see the stunning coastline around Monterey without the hassle of driving or walking endless miles, an electric bike tour might just be your best bet. The Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental offers an energetic yet relaxed way to soak in some of California’s most breathtaking scenery. We’ve looked into it, and here’s what you need to know before booking your adventure.

What excites us most about this experience is how accessible it makes the legendary 17 Mile Drive — a route famous for jaw-dropping ocean views, iconic golf courses, and luxury homes — all from the comfort of an e-bike. Plus, the chance to spot wildlife like sea otters, seals, and sea lions along the way? That’s an added bonus that makes this tour stand out.

One thing to keep in mind is that sections of the route share the road with cars, especially along Ocean View Boulevard. While most of the ride is scenic and bike-friendly, traffic awareness is essential. This might be a deal-breaker if you’re not comfortable cycling near cars or prefer completely separated bike lanes.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the coast at a relaxed pace, appreciate scenic stops, and don’t mind some traffic along the way. It’s a great pick for active visitors who enjoy cycling, wildlife sightings, and spending a few hours in some of California’s most beautiful surroundings.

Key Points

• Accessible and fun: Electric bikes make covering the hilly terrain easier and more enjoyable.
• Stunning scenery: Expect spectacular coastal views, wildlife, and iconic sights like the Lone Cypress.
• Flexible routes: You can ride back the same way, take a shortcut, or extend your trip to Carmel.
• Wildlife spotting: Opportunities to see sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals at designated overlooks.
• Guided or self-guided: The experience provides maps and instructions, but you can explore at your own pace.
• Weather considerations: Light rain is optional, but heavy rain can lead to rescheduling or refunds.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The half-day electric bike tour starts with a quick safety briefing and the reassurance of a powerful, easy-to-handle e-bike. The bikes are tailored for each rider, and helmets are included, making it accessible for most who have some biking experience. We loved how straightforward the process was — no complicated equipment or confusing instructions, just a quick overview before setting off.

The route takes you up toward 17 Mile Drive — a legendary stretch that showcases some of the most startling vistas on the California coast. You’ll turn onto the scenic Pebble Beach area, with its world-famous golf course and lush fairways. Here, the bikes are guided along bike-friendly paths, with the opportunity to stop and gaze out at Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Restless Sea, and China Rock. Many riders noted how quiet and peaceful these spots are, making them perfect for taking photos or relaxing for a few minutes.

One of the highlights is Bird Rock, where you can stop to watch sea lions splash and sunbathe. This is a favorite among visitors, and many reviews mention the excitement of getting close to these creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even spot sea otters at Fanshell Beach Overlook or Cypress Point Lookout. These areas are known for wildlife sightings, which adds a special touch to the ride.

As you pedal along the coast, you’ll pass by some of the most impressive mansions in Pebble Beach, hidden behind gates and lush greenery. The Lone Cypress, perched on a rocky outcrop, is an iconic photo stop — and for good reason. Its rugged beauty and the crashing surf below make it one of the most photographed landmarks along the route. Several reviewers, including Emmanuel from France, highlighted how “super temps et vues magnifiques” (great weather and beautiful views) made this part truly memorable.

For those wanting a little more adventure, a short walk at Pescadero Point leads to the Ghost Trees — sculpted by wind and waves into striking shapes. The coastline here is dramatic and ideal for snapping pictures or simply taking in the wild beauty of nature.

A practical consideration is the availability of amenities. Many stops, like Pebble Beach Lodge, offer food, restrooms, and shopping, giving you a chance to refuel or take a break. The tour’s flexibility means you can choose to explore further into Carmel or head back after a few hours. The return route is straightforward, and most riders find the pace comfortable, with the electric assist making hills and headwinds much easier to handle.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $55 per person, the experience includes electric bikes suited to each rider, helmets, locks, a handlebar bag, and a map — a decent value considering how much ground you cover and the scenic stops. However, food and drinks are extra, so it’s worth bringing some water and snacks. Extra batteries and additional time are available for an extra fee, which can be helpful if you want to extend your ride or explore more of Carmel afterward.

Practical Tips for Your Ride

Be prepared for some shared road riding, especially along Ocean View Boulevard. The bike lanes return after Bird Rock, but for that section, you’ll need to be comfortable biking in traffic. The bikes are governed to a max speed of 20 mph (32 kph), but most riders find they typically don’t reach full speed due to traffic conditions and terrain.

The tour is not suitable for children under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm) or those over 300 lbs (136 kg). If you’re not comfortable riding a bike or have no experience, you might want to reconsider, as the activity requires some basic cycling skills.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Many reviewers emphasize how spectacular the views are and how knowledgeable the guides are. Jeffrey from the US pointed out that “the 17 mile drive loop is amazing,” though he also pointed out some traffic concerns, describing it as “nerve-wracking” for those less accustomed to sharing the road with cars. Others, like Christophe from France, simply called it “magnifique cote, et superbe maison,” highlighting the coastal beauty and luxurious homes.

A less glowing review from a traveler in Italy mentioned some confusion about the activity’s specifics, noting that they had to get a guide on the spot, which added unexpected costs. This underscores the importance of clarifying what is included and how to prepare beforehand.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy cycling, scenic views, and wildlife sightings. It’s particularly suited for those who want to explore the coast at a leisurely pace, with the assistance of electric bikes to handle hills and longer distances comfortably. If you’re comfortable biking near traffic and want a flexible, self-guided adventure, this tour fits the bill.

People looking for a fully guided experience or with mobility limitations might find the self-guided, independent style less appealing. Also, if heavy rain is forecasted, the activity could be rescheduled or refunded, so it’s good to stay flexible.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Monterey and 17 Mile Drive electric bike tour offers a rewarding way to see one of California’s most iconic coastlines. The combination of spectacular views, wildlife, and manageable cycling makes it a solid choice for those who want more than just a drive — but don’t want the fatigue of walking or traditional biking.

The experience balances freedom with guided elements, giving you control over how far you go while pointing you toward the best photo spots and scenic overlooks. If you’re comfortable biking on shared roads and want to enjoy Monterey’s natural beauty without strenuous effort, this is a good pick.

If you’re seeking a memorable, flexible way to explore the coast and enjoy some wildlife sightings, this tour can definitely meet those expectations. Just remember to check the weather, be comfortable with bike riding, and be ready for some traffic sharing — it’s all part of the adventure.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm) or those over 300 lbs. It also requires basic cycling skills, so it’s best for those comfortable on a bike.

What’s included in the tour price?
You get an electric bike suited for your size, helmet, locks (free on request), a handlebar bag, a safety briefing, and a map. Food, drinks, extra batteries, and additional time cost extra.

Can I extend the ride or explore Carmel afterward?
Yes, after reaching Pebble Beach or the designated stops, you can choose to ride back the same way, take a shortcut, or continue into Carmel to explore more.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, typically available in the morning or afternoon.

Do I need prior biking experience?
While some biking experience is recommended, the bikes are easy to handle, and the electric assist makes hills and longer distances manageable.

What about weather?
Light rain is optional; you can go out or cancel with a full refund if heavy rain (more than 1 cm forecast) is expected.

Is there a guide present during the ride?
This is a self-guided experience with maps and instructions provided. Some reviews mention guides, but the core activity is designed for independent exploration.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meeting points vary depending on your booking option, so check your reservation details for the exact location.

This detailed look at the Monterey and 17 Mile Drive electric bike tour hopefully helps you weigh the pros and cons. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the coast with a bit of effort removed, offering flexibility, wildlife encounters, and gorgeous views. Just plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!

You can check availability for your dates here: