Pebble Beach

The Basics

If you’re not golfing, 17-Mile Drive is the main attraction, winding through Pebble Beach and neighboring Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s a scenic drive (with an entrance fee) that takes you past large homes, golf courses, and natural attractions like the Lone Cypress, a landmark tree that stands on a cliff above the sea. Many day tours from Monterey and even San Francisco include 17-Mile Drive.

Aside from golfing, activities in Pebble Beach mostly involve pampering yourself, from spa treatments to elegant meals. Horseback riding is available at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Pebble Beach is essentially a private gated community with few businesses aside from its resorts, golf clubs, and restaurants.

• Head to the Inn at Spanish Bay or the Lodge at Pebble Beach for public services such as dining and cocktails.

• Motorcycles are not allowed on 17-Mile Drive.

How to Get There

Pebble Beach is 120 miles (190 kilometers) south of San Francisco and 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Monterey; turn west off California Highway 1 just before you reach Carmel to get on 17-Mile Drive.

When to Get There

Pebble Beach is beautiful any time of year, and annual events provide a festive atmosphere and an additional reason to visit. Foodies flock to the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival, held in April, and the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, a one-day event in August, brings classic-car enthusiasts out to view 200 of the world’s most prized collector cars.

Golf in Pebble Beach

For golfers, Pebble Beach is a bucket-list destination, with the Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, and the Links at Spanish Bay providing some of the best golfing in the United States. Pebble Beach Golf Links has been named the best public golf course in the country by Golf Digest since the rankings began in 2003.

Ways to explore

While Pebble Beach has a handful of upscale resorts, most of the area consists of golf courses and the Del Monte Forest. Many visitors pick a home base in nearby Carmel or Monterey, then drive to Pebble Beach for a day of sightseeing. Be sure to make reservations for popular golf courses, and allow at least two hours to enjoy 17-Mile Drive’s 17 viewpoints, from the Lone Cypress to Spanish Bay. You can also experience the coastal route on a guided bike tour, or stop by on a full-day excursion to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.

Accessibility

Many attractions in Pebble Beach, such as the visitor center and several viewpoints along 17-Mile Drive, are wheelchair accessible—book an accessible tour or check ahead before planning your trip.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, golf gear

What to wear

Wear layers—Pebble Beach sees mild daytime temperatures year-round but can be windy and chilly along the coast. You’ll also want comfortable walking shoes to explore its coastal trails.

Not allowed

Motorcycles and drones aren’t allowed on the 17-Mile Drive, and swimming is discouraged due to unsafe rocks, rough waves, and strong currents.

Amenities

The Pebble Beach Visitor Center has a gift shop, maps and exhibits on local attractions, and public restrooms.

Address 

Located on the Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach is 120 miles (190 kilometers) south of San Francisco. Renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace, though you can also get to Pebble Beach on a guided tour from San Francisco and other cities.

Driving

From Monterey, take Pacific Street south for easy access to 17-Mile Drive’s Highway 1 gate. From Carmel-by-the-Sea, take the coastal San Antonio Avenue north, which leads to another 17-Mile Drive entry point.

Public transportation

Public transportation to Pebble Beach is limited. If you don’t have a car, use a rideshare app or visit the area as part of a guided tour that includes transportation.

Best times to visit

Pebble Beach can be foggy in the morning, especially in the summer. Visit once the marine layer burns off at midday, and arrive well before sunset for the best views.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to visit Pebble Beach—just note that there may be extra traffic along 17-Mile Drive on weekends.

Best months to visit

Pebble Beach is beautiful any time of year, with daytime temperatures consistently falling between 60°F (16°C) and 71°F (22°C). Visit between April and October for the lowest chance of rain.

Special events

Foodies flock to April’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, while August’s Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance brings car enthusiasts out to view hundreds of the world’s most prized collector cars.