Ghost Tree
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Ghost Tree Pescadero Point

4.8
ยท34 reviewsยทDel Monte Forest, United States

Spectacular sun-bleached cypress trees stand sentinel at Pescadero Point, a legendary big wave surf spot on the scenic 17 Mile Drive.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Ghost Tree

Ghost Tree Pescadero Point

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.8
(34 reviews)

"Quite possibly my favorite stop on the whole 17 mile drive! It felt special."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 ยท 34 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

๐Ÿ‘ถ Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Ghost Trees

The Iconic Ghost Trees

Pescadero Point

Sun-bleached cypress trees stand like spectral sentinels against the dramatic coastline.

Big Wave Surf Spot

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

Scenic 17 Mile Drive Views

17 Mile Drive

Enjoy breathtaking coastal vistas and unique natural formations along this iconic scenic route.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Ghost Tree

Ghost Tree at Pescadero Point is part of the scenic 17 Mile Drive. While beautiful year-round, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for stunning sunset photos. Be aware that access to 17 Mile Drive has had temporary closures, so check ahead.

Navigating the 17 Mile Drive

Ghost Tree is a key stop on the famous 17 Mile Drive. There's an entrance fee for the drive itself. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the various viewpoints and natural wonders along the route.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter mornings
Why
Potential for dramatic surf
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

1 minute of redwoods ๐ŸŒฒ #redwoods #redwoodsnationalpark #avenueofthegiants #twilightvibes
@anastasia.kazimir
412.6K likes โ€ข 2.1M views

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:

ghost trees at pescadero point is a unique stop full of spooky sun bleached cypress tree. It is also legendary big wave surf spot, with swells approaching 50 feet in the right winter conditions.
urvi_vishal_prajapati
10 likes โ€ข 226 views
๐Ÿ“ Pescadero Point 17 Mile Drive - CA Ghost Tree of pescadero point is the tourist attraction spot and it point No13 in 17 Mile drive. Pescadero point is a unique stop full of spooky sun bleached Cypress trees.It is also a big wave surf spot. . . . . #beautifuldeview #pebblebeach #turistattaction #17milesdrive #roadtrip #longdrive #onedaytrip
pooja_weekendwonders
17 likes โ€ข 258 views

Dress for Coastal Weather

It can get chilly and windy by the coast, even on sunny days. Layers are recommended. โ˜๏ธ

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:

Ghost Tree is a famed big wave surfing location off the 18th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California. The wave breaks off the rock-strewn shoreline known as Pescadero Point. On rare winter days with the proper westerly angle, waves are focused by the deep Carmel Canyon to rear up as much as 60 ft (18 m) in height. Formerly known as Peskyโ€™s, Ghost Tree is considered one of the m...
fretzdominguez
3 likes โ€ข 22 views

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. โ˜๏ธ

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

4.8
(34 reviews)

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 couldnโ€™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 Iโ€™m so glad we did!"

Vickie Musni

"This place looks and smells amazing. It is a must stop spot."

Anna Humeston

"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

What People Like

Eerie beauty of Ghost Trees
Dramatic coastal views
Iconic 17 Mile Drive stop

What People Dislike

Temporary access closures

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Parking is generally available at designated pull-offs along the 17 Mile Drive. Be prepared for crowds during peak times, especially on weekends. Reddit

While you can walk around Pescadero Point, the 'Ghost Tree' itself is a specific formation visible from the viewpoints along the 17 Mile Drive. Instagram

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Tickets for the 17 Mile Drive are usually purchased at the entrance gates. It's advisable to have cash or a credit card ready. Reddit

Information on potential discounts for the 17 Mile Drive is best obtained directly from the official Pebble Beach website or at the entrance gates. Reddit

The fee grants you access to the entire 17 Mile Drive, including all viewpoints, beaches, and natural attractions like Ghost Tree at Pescadero Point. Instagram

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography

The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the eerie beauty of the Ghost Trees. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

The main pull-offs at Pescadero Point offer excellent vantage points for photographing the Ghost Trees and the surrounding coastline. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted in protected areas like the 17 Mile Drive. It's essential to check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

The sun-bleached, weathered appearance of the cypress trees, combined with the coastal fog and dramatic lighting, gives them their distinctive 'ghostly' look. Instagram

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŒŠ 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. Instagram

You might spot sea lions, various seabirds, and marine life in the tide pools. Keep an eye out for migrating whales during the season. Instagram

The 17 Mile Drive itself is a scenic route with opportunities for short walks. More extensive hiking trails are available in nearby state parks. Instagram

Pescadero Point is known for its rocky shoreline and the deep Carmel Canyon offshore, which helps focus swells for big wave surfing. Instagram

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. Instagram

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Ghost Tree Pescadero Point (2026) โ€“ Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide