California’s Pebble Beach is on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula, which starts the beginning of the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the US. The natural beauty of this coastal destination brings golfers and nature lovers alike. Play golf at the world-class Pebble Beach Golf Links or simply rent a car and cruise 17-Mile Drive. A visit to Pebble Beach California has something for everyone. The coastal beauty in and around Pebble Beach is legendary. From the legendary Lone Cypress, one of the most photographed trees in North America, to the famed eighteenth green of Pebble Beach Golf Links, or a trip along 17-Mile Drive. For a great list of all the central California beaches, go here. So get all your beach gear together, and visit Pebble Beach California!
Pebble Beach Weather (When to Visit)
In Pebble Beach the summers are short, comfortable, dry, and mostly clear and the winters are cold, wet, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 44°F to 68°F and is rarely below 37°F or above 77°F.The weather at Pebble Beach is best in spring and fall, with the best chance for clear skies. Like much of the California coast, it’s likely to be foggy in summer. The misty fog lends an air of mystery but might dash your hopes of a sun-drenched golf game. The mild climate ensures that the average temperature highs range from 60-71 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It is best to dress in layers and carry a water-resistant wind shirt or jacket. It rarely rains between April and October.
Annual Events You Should Know About
- Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament is held annually in February. With its combination of great golfers and popular celebrity participants, it draws large crowds.
- U.S. Open golf tournament is held at Pebble Beach periodically. It’s scheduled there next in 2019.
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance happens every August. This event features classic automobiles such as Bentley and Bugatti, displayed on the lawn of the main lodge, along with concept cars and high-end luxury autos.
- The Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival occurs in April. Rockstar chefs, respected winemakers and lots of food-loving fans get together for this event.
Best Pebble Beach Area Beaches
Bird Rock Beach
Bird Rock BeachBird Rock Beach in Pebble Beach is a small sandy cove just north of the Bird Rock Picnic Area. Bird Rock is a popular bird watching spot. This is a sandy cove with large rocks in the surf and at the back of the beach. A picnic table is at the parking lot and many more plus restrooms are available at the Bird Rock lot nearby. A dirt walking path follows the bluff above Bird Rock Beach and continues north to Point Joe and Moss Beach.
Fanshell Beach
Fanshell BeachFanshell is a north-facing beach that is mostly a rocky shoreline with some small pockets of sand. It’s fun to walk around on the rocks and the sandy spots, but watch for large waves that can sneak in on you. Fanshell Beach is popular with harbor seals and is closed to humans all of April and May. During that time you can still and take photos from the overlook or the road.
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Moss Beach
Moss BeachThis is a sandy beach with cobblestone rocks at the back. A rugged rocky area at the north end of Moss Beach separates it from Spanish Bay Beach There is a boardwalk trail behind Moss Beach that runs north to Spanish Bay Beach. This is a scenic walk in the dunes between the beach and the golf course.
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Spanish Bay Beach
Spanish Bay BeachThis is a wide sandy beach backed by sand dunes and a golf course. Meandering through the dunes is a wooden boardwalk making it easy to walk north and south. Surfers like Spanish Bay Beach, but it’s not a great swimming spot due to cold water and strong rip currents.
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Stillwater Cove Beach
Stillwater Cove BeachThis is a white sandy beach that extends out below the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Stillwater Cove is known for scuba diving, but there are restrictions to the number of divers per day. Call the resort in advance to inquire about diving reservations. Touring companies sometimes offer kayak tours from Sillwater Cove into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
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Best Pebble Beach Area Tours & Activities
Day Trip to Monterey and Carmel via California Coast
The California coastline is dramatic, iconic and rugged, but also difficult to enjoy when you’re trapped behind the wheel of a car rental. So take this day trip to Carmel and Monterey, and enjoy the cliffside and ocean views from the window seat of your coach. Learn more about the Monterey & Carmel Day Trip.
Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive – Full Day Tour from San Francisco
Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing the mansions of Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Browse the ritzy boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea and get a glimpse of Silicon Valley’s tech campuses on the return drive to San Francisco. Learn more about the Monterey, Carmel an d 17-Mile Drive.
3-Day California Coast Tour: San Francisco to Los Angeles
Experience the spectacular scenery, wildlife, and culture of California’s coastline, on an epic, 3-day adventure from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Sit back and relax as your friendly guide handles the driving along coast-hugging Highway 1, stopping along the way to explore highlights like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz beaches, the sea cliffs of Bug Sur, luxurious 17-Mile Drive, jaw-dropping Hearst Castle, and downtown Santa Barbara. Finish the one-way journey with a train ride into the sprawling glamour of Los Angeles. Tour size is limited to eight people for a more intimate, small-group experience. Learn more about the 3-Day California Coast Tour.
Half-Day Whale Watching Tour From Monterey
Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this half-day whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise. Get tips for great photo ops and learn all about the mighty creatures at one of California’s most famous whale-watching destinations. Learn more about this Half-Day Whale Watching Tour.
Carmel Small-Group Food and Wine Walking Tour
Explore the culinary delights of Carmel, just down the coast from Monterey, on this food and wine walking tour. With a knowledgeable foodie guide, you’ll learn about the history and gourmet culture of Carmel, an upscale enclave known for its charming architecture and cozy, small-town vibe, as you visit local eateries to sample locavore and ethnic dishes, chocolate, and wine. Limited to 16 people, this tour provides a small-group experience with personalized attention. Learn more about the Carmel Small-Group Food & Wine Walking Tour.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Admission
Discover the fascinating underwater world of one of the United States’ top aquariums with this Monterey Bay Aquarium ticket. With a prime location on California’s Pacific coast, this renowned marine center is home to a wide variety of ocean life, from mesmerizing jellyfish to adorable penguins, plus crowd favorites like sharks and rays. Enjoy all-day access to the many exhibits, where you can observe mysterious octopus, playful sea otters, creepy eels and more. Learn more about the Monterey Bay Aquarium Admission.
Best Pebble Beach Area Restaurants
Roy’s $31 – 60
Celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi offers a Hawaiian-fusion cuisine, with menu items such as Roy’s blackened rare ahi, Japanese-style Misoyaki butterfish and charred garlic honey-mustard beef short ribs. The view of the golf course and waves crashing along the shore alone would make this dinner worth the drive to its location at the Inn at Spanish Bay, even if you find yourself staying at another resort. Arrive early, grab a blanket, and sit on the outside patio around the fire pit. Telephone: 831-298-5907 Web: Roy’s.
The Bench $31 – 60
Most people head to The Bench, a restaurant overlooking the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. The dining area offers enclosed, open-air and outdoor seating alongside the fire pits. Enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail, such as the Bench Sour, which is made with Buffalo showcases dishes that meld a wide range of Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian and Latin American flavors. Telephone: 831-298-5906 Web: The Bench.
Stillwater Bar & Grill $31 – 60
The sensational scenery sets the stage for a memorable meal overlooking the world famous 18th hole at Pebble Beach and stunning Stillwater Cove. Discover a thoughtfully crafted seasonal California Coastal cuisine menu featuring fresh and flavorful sustainable seafood that is paired with local organic produce. Telephone: 1-800-877-0597 Web: Stillwater Bar & Grill.
Porter’s In The Forest $11 – 30
Porter’s in the Forest includes a panoramic view of the Del Monte Forest, a re-imagined, farm-to-table menu, unique wine and cocktail lists, comfortable leather chairs, outdoor dining and fire pits. The menu is chock full of creative fusion, such as De Vivo’s Korean Philly cheese steak with house-made Kimchi, and always includes carefully sourced ingredients. Telephone: 831-622-8237 Web: Porter’s in the Forest.
Sticks $11 – 30
Sticks is the perfect place for savory food served up in a lively sports-bar atmosphere. Enjoy cold beverages, shared bites and innovative entrees while catching a big game on our multiple flat-panel TVs. Outside on the patio, enjoy seating next to our fire pits while soaking in gorgeous views of The Links at Spanish Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Telephone: 831-298-5898 Web: Sticks.
Best Pebble Beach Bars
The Terrace Lounge
The Terrace Lounge is a relaxing gathering place for friends and family to soak in the world-famous 18th green at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Enjoy specialty craft cocktails and a unique menu prepared by Stillwater Bar & Grill Chef de Cuisine Alex Ramirez, all while overlooking this spectacular setting. Telephone: 1-800-877-0597 Web: Stillwater Bar & Grill.
The Tap Room
A wonderful watering hole with a great selection of top quality spirits, The Tap Room is a world-class steak house, bound to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites after a day at Pebble Beach. Renowned for its extensive collection of golf memorabilia, this local legend is the perfect place for lunch, dinner or simply recounting your successes on the course. Telephone: 831 625-8535 Web: The Tap Room.
Sticks
Sticks is the perfect place for savory food served up in a lively sports-bar atmosphere. Enjoy cold beverages, shared bites and innovative entrees while catching a big game on our multiple flat-panel TVs. Outside on the patio, enjoy seating next to our fire pits while soaking in gorgeous views of The Links at Spanish Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Telephone: 831-298-5898 Web: Sticks.
The Bench
Most people head to The Bench, a restaurant overlooking the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail, such as the Bench Sour. Telephone: 831-298-5906 Web: The Bench.
Traps Bar & Lounge
To cap off the end of an enjoyable day at Pebble Beach, be sure to stop by Traps. Located in The Inn at Spanish Bay, this cozy fireside lounge and bar features lively conversation, televised sporting events and hearty appetizers. Sip a fine wine or choose from cocktails, handcrafted beers, single-malt scotches and Cognacs, while you take in the panoramic views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. Telephone: 800-877-0597 Web: Traps Bar & Lounge.
Best Pebble Beach Hotels
Andril Fireplace Cottages
Andril Fireplace Cottages offers a welcome that feels like a homecoming. Nearly all of the twenty units are separate buildings set among the trees and lawns of the spacious grounds. Many of the units are separate cottages with fireplaces, kitchens, private decks or enclosed patios. Suite, two bedroom cottages as well as four and five bedroom grand cottages are available. Set among 2 acres in the Monterey pines, Andril Fireplace Cottages offers BBQs, outdoor tables, ping pong tables, a hot tub, and free WiFi.
Carriage House Inn
Tucked onto a quiet side street, the Carriage House Inn is just one block south of Ocean Avenue, the hub of this quaint yet elegant village. Guestrooms boast feather beds, fireplaces, flat screen TVs and luxury linens, with most including jetted tubs and vaulted ceilings. Recent renovations to some guestrooms enhanced the luxurious accommodations with large 2-person jetted tubs in a soothing, elegant décor. Stay with them at the Carriage House Inn and enjoy the charming cottages.
Spindrift Inn
At the Spindrift Inn, you’ll find European-style charm on the shores of McAbee Beach right along the bay. Plan an ocean view weekend escape on scenic Monterey Bay and discover why TripAdvisor travelers named them the most romantic hotel in the country. Accommodations feature canopy beds with plush feather bedding, hardwood floors, and marble bathrooms with Aveda bath products. Wake up to complimentary breakfast, delivered on a silver tray right to your room.
InterContinental The Clement Monterey
Enjoy panoramic ocean views and radiant sunrises on beautiful Monterey Bay at InterContinental The Clement Monterey. Overlooking the sapphire waters of Monterey Bay on Cannery Row, our waterfront hotel, resort and spa is where beauty and luxury indulge your senses. Whether you are planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or special event, The Clement Monterey is an inspiring Monterey Bay hotel with urban energy, modern luxury, and coastal charm.
Seven Gables Inn
Seven Gables Inn has been designated by American Historic Inns as “One of the 10 Most Romantic Inns in America.”And voted #2 in the USA Today’s voter poll of the Most Romantic Inns in the US. Each of their boutique hotel accommodations feature a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay, CA. Their luxurious rooms include a complimentary Generous Continental Breakfast in Our Oceanfront Dining Room, afternoon wine and cheese featuring wine from local Monterey County, Napa Valley and Carmel, California wineries, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet service and evening turn down service.
Pebble Beach! What a place! Did not know there was a golf tournament there. I will have to tell my dad. He LOVES golf. Well done,once again.
Thanks Robert and thank you for stopping by!
Leahrae,
I have done this drive before, back in the 80’s. Went to the Aquarium at Monterey Bay, did drive by the Pebble Beach golf course. Have videos of the hang gliders on the cliffs north of there. Great place to visit any time of the year.
I have a wall mural of the seventh hole on Pebble Beach golf course in the basement stair well. It reminds me of this area each time I go to the basement.
Thanks for your information.
John
Wow, then you know John how beautiful it is in this whole area! What a great wall mural to have 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
My wife and I are planning a trip to disneyland for next fall! Is this pretty close to there?! If so I think it would be a ton of fun to go to this beach while we are there!
Thanks for such an informative post!
Yes, it is fairly close and if you have a rental car, it is a piece of cake. You would really enjoy the whole Monterey area, as there is so much to see and do. Please let me know if you need any other information.
I used to live on the west coast and drove or rode the pacific coast highway many times. Central California is such a beautiful part of the state. I don’t think I ever stopped at Pebble Beach. I remember looking at it as we drove by.
It really is a beautiful place and the drive is really beautiful through that area by the ocean. You are right, though. The cost of living is so high in California. My kids live in southern California, so I visit often and it seems prices just keep going up.
Thanks for the information about that area.
You are right Lynn, it is such a beautiful area. The central California coast is my favorite part of the state for sure. Now if I could hit the lottery, I would live there! Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
Pebble Beach sounds like a wonderful destination. I love the idea of a week at the beach, kayaking, surfing and whale watching. What is your favorite must-do restaurant in Pebble Beach?
I am gonna have to say my favorite is The Bench. Of course, every restaurant I listed is wonderful, so it’s a hard choice. And yes, my favorite way to spend a week is at the beach kayaking, paddle boarding, checking out the sights, and of course the food!
I love the golf course picture. Great scenery always adds something special to a round of golf. The coastline looks phenomenal and yet again you have provided awesome reviews on where to stay, eat, brink and what activities are available.
Many thanks for a great article.
Kind regards
Andrew
Glad you enjoyed reading Visit Pebble Beach California. Yes, beautiful scenery, great golfing, great beaches, and lots of things to do. I don’t know what could be better! Thanks for stopping by!
Love this article, it seems like you have left nothing out. It is really good to know the rainy season because I would never have guest April to October.
Very detailed I know where to come back to for more detailed information. Thank you
Great Jennier, and thank you for visiting Beach Travel Destinations. I am glad you enjoyed!
This is such a great post! You’ve completely outlined so many things to do for a vacation to Pebble Beach! I really didn’t know about this place until I found your blog but this is fantastic. I think my favorite part is that you gave us places where we can go and eat as well. I’m pretty picky so this was fantastic. Keep up these great reviews – as someone that loves to travel (especially west coast!!), this is great!
I am glad you enjoyed your visit to Pebble Beach California! Yes, the west coast is amazing, especially the coast of central California. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Love to see it all easily in one place with an article like this, who needs to look further for a great beach, for a fun holiday. Thanks for bringing it all together.
Glad you enjoyed Julie. Thanks for stopping by Visit Pebble Beach California.
I got too caught up in that video in the end lol. That looks like such a beautiful place to visit. I’m glad there are pages like this that go so into detail, really good job with that. I’m glad you threw in hotels too, some other sites just add attractions It’s really nice too see the best of everything all on one page instead of searching all over lol. California is definitely on my list.
The video is awesome 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed my Visit Pebble Beach California post. If you need any additional information, please let me know!
Wow, it looks amazing!!! I can wait to visit Pebble Beach. I always love a travel guide like yours that includes everything one would need in one place. Thank you so much for sharing this!
You are most welcome Wei! Thank you for stopping by my Visit Pebble Beach California post. Please let me know of you need any other information.
I have never been to Pebble Beach before, but your article makes me want to go. I am not too far from it either since I am in Santa Cruz. It sounds just marvelous.
The Pebble Beach Concours de Elegance sounds especially interesting. I just love cars. They are magnificent beasts, especially the older ones. They can really purr if you just listen to them. It is like watching a beast come to life. I love them. It would also be an excellent way for me and my Dad to bond more. He owns a couple cars and he just adores them.
Thank you for sharing and I hope you make it a great day!
Glad you enjoyed Alex! I think you will love Pebble Beach and you are fairly close right? Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hi Leahrae, fine article here on Pebble Beach. As a golfer myself, I definitely attest to going to Pebble Beach to play the golf course; it is on my bucket list! Thanks.
Yes, a visit to Pebble Beach California is a must for any golfer 🙂 Glad you enjoyed!
You pick the best vacation spots. I used to want to move to California years ago when I was younger. I still wouldn’t mind relocating there. I may have to consider it after visiting some of these beautiful places that you post up.
I would live there in a heartbeat if it weren’t for the high cost of living. I still might do it. I love beaches, they are in my soul, so it would be perfect. The whole central California area is beautiful.. So much to see and do. A visit to Pebble Beach California would be awesome, you would love the area.
Wow, this article really makes me want to visit California (from PA here…).
The Lone Cypress tree is beautiful!
Wow, it would be a long travel that is for sure, but so worth it to go from the east coast to the west coast! I hope you can visit soon!
I just took a golf trip with my work friends out to Pebble Beach this past summer! It’s every bit as nice as you describe here. Unless you’ve been there to understand it’s hard to get a feel for the beauty Pebble Beach offers. I plan to go back soon and bring my family next time so we can do some of the activity’s you mention.
We’re for sure going to do the 17 mile drive 🙂 I wanted to do it while I was there but there wasn’t enough time in the day haha
We also are gonna have to eat at the Terrace Lounge. I saw it from the 18th green while we played, and it looks amazing. My wife is gonna love it! Thanks for this post. I’m gonna have to bookmark this post as an itinerary for when we go back!
How lucky to be able to head back there again! You will enjoy for sure and yes, the 17-mile drive is a must. Super beautiful. Please let me know if you need anything else!
Hi Lhea,
I really enjoyed reading your article! The video is just amazing, and after watching it, it made me want to go right away to pebble beach California. I will definitely plan a trip there. April seems to be a great time to visit this place, well at least for me:) Also, I love biking while I am on vacation, so I’ll check the Adventure By the Sea once we get there. Are there good roads for cyclists in the area?
Thank you for this excellent post!
Thank you for visiting my Pebble Beach post Daniella. You can bike the 17-mile drive which is beautiful. Of course, you do not have to bike the entire route, but whatever length of it you prefer. Glad you enjoyed!
I think Pebble Beach is one of the best places to visit. According to your webpage, there is so much to see and do. The drive along the coast there must be awesome. Pics and videos probably don’t do it justice. I used the pic of the 7th hole green for my golf website. The pics of the Pebble Beach area and the video are awesome!
Yes, it is awesome here Mick, and the golfing cannot be beat. So if you are a golfer, then Pebble Beach is a paradise. Shoot I love the beach, so for me it is paradise along with the absolute beauty of Pebble Beach. Thanks for stopping by!
Going to California for me is like going to my second home. I really enjoy everything that it has to offer. But what I love the most is going to the beach. The beach is spectacular and you always to meet wonderful people. If you haven’t gone to California yet then you should put it on your dream board. It’s worth the money. Thanks for the post Leahrae. I always love coming to this website. Keep up the hard work.
Thank you so much Kuu. Yes, I have been to California many times, and if it weren’t so expensive for the cost of living, I would probably be living there. It is definitely worth vacationing too and yes, the beaches are awesome. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
I love to go to destinations where it’s not only beautiful, but different too. Pebble beach is one of those places. What’s not to love especially if you love nature and are an outdoor person?
Stillwater Cove is the one place that really sticks out for me. I would definitely want to see that. And after watching the video on Pebble Beach, I’m sold! I would just love it there! Thanks you for an awesome article! Count me in! 🙂
Yes, it is such a beautiful place. I honestly don’t know what is not to love 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to visit Pebble Beach and leaving me some comments. Please let me know if you need any additional information.