Ghost Tree Pescadero Point
Spectacular sun-bleached cypress trees stand sentinel at Pescadero Point, a legendary big wave surf spot on the scenic 17 Mile Drive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Ghost Tree Pescadero Point
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spectacular sun-bleached cypress trees stand sentinel at Pescadero Point, a legendary big wave surf spot on the scenic 17 Mile Drive.
"Quite possibly my favorite stop on the whole 17 mile drive! It felt special."
Check 17 Mile Drive Access
Temporary closures can happen. Always check ahead before heading out to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:
Capture the 'Ghostly' Vibe
The sun-bleached cypress trees are especially photogenic during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Ghost Trees
Pescadero Point
Sun-bleached cypress trees stand like spectral sentinels against the dramatic coastline.
Big Wave Surf Spot
Pescadero Point
Witness legendary big wave surfing conditions in winter, with swells reaching up to 60 feet.
Scenic 17 Mile Drive Views
17 Mile Drive
Enjoy breathtaking coastal vistas and unique natural formations along this iconic scenic route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Ghost Tree
Navigating the 17 Mile Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check 17 Mile Drive Access
Temporary closures can happen. Always check ahead before heading out to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:
Capture the 'Ghostly' Vibe
The sun-bleached cypress trees are especially photogenic during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
Dress for Coastal Weather
It can get chilly and windy by the coast, even on sunny days. Layers are recommended. :cloud:
Allow Time for Exploration
Ghost Tree is just one stop on the 17 Mile Drive. Give yourself ample time to enjoy the entire route. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check 17 Mile Drive Access
Temporary closures can happen. Always check ahead before heading out to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:
Capture the 'Ghostly' Vibe
The sun-bleached cypress trees are especially photogenic during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
Dress for Coastal Weather
It can get chilly and windy by the coast, even on sunny days. Layers are recommended. :cloud:
Allow Time for Exploration
Ghost Tree is just one stop on the 17 Mile Drive. Give yourself ample time to enjoy the entire route. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the unique and haunting beauty of the Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point, calling it a memorable stop on the 17 Mile Drive. The dramatic coastal scenery and the chance to witness legendary big wave surf conditions are major draws. Some reviewers noted temporary access issues with the 17 Mile Drive.
"Quite possibly my favorite stop on the whole 17 mile drive! It was raining so hard when we for there the family photo was ROUGH. No one else was crazy enough to be walking by we couldn’t even all be in one. About 25 minutes later the rain was slowing up and about an hour later I convinced my brothers we should go back and I’m so glad we did!"
Vickie Musni
"It wasn't the most famous stop on the trip, but somehow it felt special before we said our goodbyes.
A moment to still be grateful and present. It became one of the memories I'll keep for the longest."
Felicia Asuncion
"These must be the ghost trees?
👻 🌳"
Dylan Teixeira (Blue)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ghost Tree is located at Pescadero Point, a popular stop along the scenic 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California. You'll need to pay an entrance fee to access the 17 Mile Drive.
Access to the 17 Mile Drive can be temporarily closed. It's crucial to check the current status before your visit to ensure you can reach Pescadero Point.
Driving is the primary way to experience the 17 Mile Drive. Many visitors stop at various points of interest, including Ghost Tree, to take photos and enjoy the views.
Parking is generally available at designated pull-offs along the 17 Mile Drive. Be prepared for crowds during peak times, especially on weekends.
While you can walk around Pescadero Point, the 'Ghost Tree' itself is a specific formation visible from the viewpoints along the 17 Mile Drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ghost Tree is located within the 17 Mile Drive, which has an entrance fee per vehicle. There isn't a separate fee specifically for Ghost Tree itself.
The 17 Mile Drive is typically open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always best to verify current hours as they can change.
Tickets for the 17 Mile Drive are usually purchased at the entrance gates. It's advisable to have cash or a credit card ready.
Information on potential discounts for the 17 Mile Drive is best obtained directly from the official Pebble Beach website or at the entrance gates.
The fee grants you access to the entire 17 Mile Drive, including all viewpoints, beaches, and natural attractions like Ghost Tree at Pescadero Point.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the eerie beauty of the Ghost Trees. 
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and the unique shapes of the cypress trees. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions.
The main pull-offs at Pescadero Point offer excellent vantage points for photographing the Ghost Trees and the surrounding coastline.
Drone usage is often restricted in protected areas like the 17 Mile Drive. It's essential to check local regulations before flying a drone.
The sun-bleached, weathered appearance of the cypress trees, combined with the coastal fog and dramatic lighting, gives them their distinctive 'ghostly' look.
🎫 🌊 Surfing & Nature
Ghost Tree is legendary for its big wave surfing potential, especially during winter storms when swells can reach extreme heights. It's for expert surfers only.
You might spot sea lions, various seabirds, and marine life in the tide pools. Keep an eye out for migrating whales during the season.
The 17 Mile Drive itself is a scenic route with opportunities for short walks. More extensive hiking trails are available in nearby state parks.
Pescadero Point is known for its rocky shoreline and the deep Carmel Canyon offshore, which helps focus swells for big wave surfing.
The 'ghost trees' are Monterey Cypress trees that have been weathered and bleached by the coastal elements over many years, giving them their unique appearance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of safety near the cliffs and ocean. While the main viewpoints are accessible, ensure children stay within designated areas. The drive is relatively short, making it manageable for most families. Consider bringing binoculars for wildlife spotting.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive coastal vistas and the unique shapes of the trees. A tripod will be invaluable for low-light conditions and for achieving sharp images. Don't forget to explore other viewpoints along the 17 Mile Drive, as each offers a different perspective on the stunning coastline.
🚗 Road Trippers
Factor in the entrance fee for the 17 Mile Drive. Plan your visit to coincide with good weather and consider timing it for sunset to capture the best light on the Ghost Trees. It's a relatively quick stop but offers a memorable visual experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Ghost Trees
+1These unique trees are a photographer's dream, especially during the 'golden hour' when the low-angled sun casts a warm glow, accentuating their textures and shapes. The dramatic setting of Pescadero Point, with its rugged cliffs and crashing waves, further enhances the mystique of the Ghost Trees. It's a place that encourages quiet contemplation and appreciation for the natural world's enduring beauty.
Big Wave Surfing at Pescadero Point
This extreme surf is only for the most experienced and daring professional surfers. The wave breaks off a rock-strewn shoreline, making it incredibly dangerous. While most visitors come to admire the scenery, the raw power of the ocean here is a constant reminder of nature's untamed force. Seeing the waves, even from a safe distance, is an awe-inspiring experience.
Exploring the 17 Mile Drive
Beyond Ghost Tree, visitors can marvel at the Lone Cypress, explore Bird Rock, and enjoy the manicured greens of Pebble Beach Golf Links. The drive is approximately 17 miles long and typically takes a few hours to complete, depending on how often you stop. An entrance fee is required per vehicle, which contributes to the maintenance and preservation of this picturesque corridor.
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