The Lone Cypress

Standing alone on a granite pedestal on 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California is the world-famous Lone Cypress. Wrapped in fog and pounded by waves, it has clung to its ledge and weathered storms for 250 years. One of the most photographed trees in the world, it symbolizes individualism, strength and ruggedness. Featured as one of the main attractions on stop 12 of 17-Mile-Drive Tour, it has been visited each year by over 2.1 million visitors.

Samuel F.B. Morse the founder of Pebble Beach and the Del Monte Forest, first discovered the tree when 17-Mile Drive, in 1881 as the halfway point between the Del Monte Hotel and Pebble Beach Golf Course. This stop was referred to as the “Midway Point”. Since 1919, it has been the logo and symbol for Pebble Beach Resorts.

Boss: The Story of S.F.B Morse the founder of Pebble Beach. Morse imagined a place with a pristine coastline, green-belted and free of buildings. He imagined creating a playground for his wealthy sporting pals and gals. He also imagined he could go the distance with Kid McCoy, a professional boxer who took on all comers. Click here for more info.

Monterey’s Hotel Del Monte: California’s “Big Four” railroad tycoons built the Hotel del Monte to be the most elegant seaside resort in the world. Although it boasted 126 landscaped acres when it was constructed in 1880, pampered guests, including presidents and kings, stars and magnates, needed a larger playground. Click here for more info.

There are only a couple of places in the world rare Monterey Cypress grow natively: Point Lobos in Carmel Bay and Pescadero Point to Fanshell Beach in Pebble Beach. Sheltered from the coast, Cupressus macrocarpa can grow to giant proportions and age to be 400 years old.

Among the Cypress: Includes not only the natural vistas of the Peninsula but also other attractions: the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel, Cannery Row, and some of the world’s finest golf courses. Click here to read more.

Winter Storms that ravaged the Monterey Peninsula Spring 2019 forced long-term power outages and brought down hundreds of trees crashing into homes and buildings. The storm damaged world-famous Lone Cypress from unrelenting 65 mph winds which broke one of its lower limbs. Still secure on its perch, we hope it remains for many more years to come!