Pebble Beach California
Pebble Beach – Golf, Surf
, And Cars
, And CarsPebble Beach is best known for its world-class golf courses, the concours d’elegance car show and the 17 mile drive, is found on the Monterey peninsula between Pacific Grove and Carmel.
It is not like any other Central California beach city.
First, it is a gated community, but one that allows you access for a $10 charge per car (no motorcycles allowed) on the 17 mile drive.
There are very few businesses here other than those owned by the PB Company such as the Lodge at Pebble Beach and the Inn at Spanish Bay and the golf courses. No restaurants are to be found outside of the resorts.
Pebble Beach is basically a very high-end residential area whose houses are hidden in old-growth forest, with golf courses and resorts on a rocky coast.
Pebble Beach California – Quick Facts
- County: Monterey
- Population: 4,531 (2010)
- Size: 10.6 square miles
- Elevation: 3 ft.
- Coordinates: 36.58252N, 121.97372W (Cypress Point along the 17 mile Drive)
- Zip Code: 93953
- Area Code: 831
- City Government: none; unincorporated
- Founded: 1880 by the Pacific Improvement Company
Needless to say, the prices for accommodations in Pebble Beach are steep, but if you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Central California with a spectacular setting this is definitely the place.
Stays at the Pebble Beach resorts include access to the Beach and Tennis Club and the Spanish Bay Club facilities.
The 17 Mile Drive In Pebble Beach California
It is, in fact, seventeen miles long even though it has changed course numerous times over its more than a century of existence.
There are five gates from which the 17 Mile Drive may be accessed, both in Pacific Grove and in Carmel.
There is a charge of $9.75 per vehicle which allows you access to this lovely scenic drive.
Undoubtedly you’ve seen other photos of this cypress tree which clings precariously over the ocean. It is found along this route along with many other great sites.
There is a nice place to rest along this trip at Bird Rock which also has restrooms and a picnic area. You might consider getting a picnic lunch somewhere before entering here and making a stop to take in the birds, surf and marine mammals here.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’elegance
In August of each year, a charitable fundraiser is held here – the Concours d’elegance. It is a car show, but only of the rarest automobiles of the highest quality.
For those who are curious, the car shown here is a 1921 Paige Model 6-66 Daytona Speedster.
Pebble Beach Golf
“Golf” and “Pebble Beach” are almost synonymous. There are five courses open to the public and all of them are challenging and interesting. The “Links” has now hosted five U.S. Opens which is testimony to the level of play demanded on this course. It is also rated #1 on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses list.
It also hosts the AT&T National Pro-Am each year which was started long ago (under a different name) by singer Bing Crosby.
Whether you just pass through here on the 17 Mile Drive; stop for a meal or a round of golf or spend several days of luxury, this lovely beach town nestled in the forest is a “must do” if you are visiting the Monterey area.
