Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Pebble Beach, CA

  • Published 2022/03/23

The best things to do in Pebble Beach, California, attract both golfers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially with its natural splendor.

You may find this unincorporated town towards the end of Monterey Peninsula, which indicates the start of the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the United States’ most magnificent coasts.

Pebble Beach may be reached by plane in under an hour and a half from San Jose International Airport and in under two hours from San Francisco International Airport.

Everywhere you look in the Monterey pine-studded Del Monte Forest to the crystal-clear waters of Stillwater Cove, there’s an unforgettable view.

It’s a location where elegance and the raw soul of Mother Nature coexist.

Play a round of golf at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links, or just rent a car and drive 17-Mile Drive in Monterey.

There is something for everyone at Pebble Beach.

Explore this coastal destination with our list of the best things to do in Pebble Beach.

Take Photos with The Lone Cypress

Silhouette of The Lone Cypress

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One of the most popular attractions in Monterey is 17 Mile Drive, which is a must-see for every tourist.

If you’ve ever wanted to see some of the most beautiful beaches globally, then this gorgeous route is for you.

It is one of the most photographed trees in the nation, and the contrast between it and the sea and sky is stunning.

The Lone Cypress is roughly 250 years old, which indicates that this tree was only a seedling during the commencement of the Revolutionary War.

Sunny day at The Lone Cypress

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There is little doubt that the Lone Cypress is a very resilient tree.

It has weathered vandalism, droughts, wildfires, and the Pacific Ocean’s ferocious winds with flying colors.

Despite the fact that the Lone Cypress did lose a branch in a storm in 2019, the tree itself continues to thrive.

Monterey Cypress trees are widely thought to have been introduced to the Peninsula by Chinese immigrants centuries ago.

It’s common to see these cypress trees on Pebble Beach or Point Lobos if you look hard enough.

History marker of The Lone Cypress

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Lone Cypress trees only reach 25 feet tall.

However, other Monterey Cypress trees may reach 90 feet when protected from the harsh coastal winds.

If you’re ever in the Monterey Peninsula area, don’t miss a trip to the stunning Lone Cypress.

Visit this natural landmark in the spring and fall for its most outstanding views.

Scenic view of The Lone Cypress

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Traverse 17 Mile Drive

Directional sign on the road of 17 Mile Drive

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Located on the Monterey Peninsula in California, the 17-mile Drive is a gorgeous route via Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove that follows the Pacific coastline and passes several notable golf courses, mansions, and scenic sites, including the Lone Cypress and Bird Rock.

The 17-Mile Drive is just 16.78 miles long, and it’s all paved.

Driving is the major thoroughfare through Pebble Beach’s private neighborhood.

People who live outside the neighborhood must pay a toll fee to utilize the road.

Scenic view along 17 Mile Drive

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It’s not only packed with lovely homes; it also has some of the best ocean views around.

To go to Pebble Beach or the Lone Cypress, you need to use this road.

While the 17-Mile Drive may be completed in a few hours, we recommend allowing as much time as possible since the brief Drive contains many attractions.

If you’d like, you can spend the whole day here!

Road of 17 Mile Drive

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Admire the Scenery at Pescadero Point

Ghost tree at Pescadero Point

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Pescadero Point, near Pebble Beach, is located at the southern tip of the Peninsula. Small patches of Monterey cypress may be seen clinging to the cliffs.

Due to the sun and wind exposure, the trees’ trunks have been twisted and bleached, creating an almost bizarre appearance.

Warm red, yellow, and orange hues may be seen on the ice plants’ green leaves throughout the winter months.

Bring a heavy jacket and binoculars if you’re visiting during the winter months to see the local animals.

Ghost trees at Pescadero Point

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Pescadero Point was the location of the “Witch Tree,” a landmark that has appeared in several films and television shows.

January 14, 1964, was the day when the tree was down by a storm.

The path to the seashore still passes by two boulders that lean affectionately towards one another.

The Ghost Tree, a famous Monterey Cypress, may also be seen at Pescadero Point.

Rocks and ghost trees at Pescadero Point

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Catch the Sunset at Cypress Point Lookout

One of the 17-mile Drive’s more than 20 rest breaks is Cypress Point Lookout.

The rugged California coastline, the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, and the cypress trees that have contributed considerably to the region’s attractiveness may be seen from this overlook.

Visitors may also see seals, sea lions, birds, and other creatures.

This is also the ideal spot in Pebble Beach to see a sunset because of its southwesterly orientation.

You may spot several beautiful residences from the Roaring Twenties near Sunset Point, just southeast of here.

See the Bird Rock Island from Bird Rock Vista Point

Binoculars at Bird Rock Vista Point

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This is a portion of Pebble Beach’s famous 17-mile road. In addition to birds, you may also witness California Sea Lions.

Take in the view and the sound of the water, seal, and seagull songs.

Squirrels are also known to come out to greet visitors.

View of the bird rock island from Bird Rock Vista Point

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It may become pretty busy on the weekends, but you can park nearby and stroll down here.

In contrast to the others along the 17-mile route, this rest stop features neat restrooms.

There are just a few telescopes available, each of which costs 50 cents to use.

Consider bringing your own binoculars to obtain the best view of the “Bird Rock” island.

Sip Wine at Stave Wine Cellar

Stave Wine Cellar is a beautiful but relaxed place to experience the world of wine from the Monterey area of Pebble Beach. ‘Part wine bar, part wine store’

Stave Wine Cellar was named after a solitary wine barrel stave gives its name.

Stave offers a selection of wine varietals by the glass, light bites, and a cheese and charcuterie board menu.

Stave offers over 200 wines by the bottle, including several sought-after, hard-to-find bottles and approximately 50 wines and eight specialty beers available by the glass.

You may host private wine dinners and gatherings here with the help of a trained team that includes many certified sommeliers.

You can also meet up with friends for a drink to unwind after a long day at work or on the town.

There are tables and seating areas available for your convenience as well.

Explore the Pebble Beach Visitor Center

Exterior of Pebble Beach Visitor Center

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The Pebble Beach Visitor Center tells the exciting tale of Pebble Beach, from its humble beginnings as a picturesque halt on a carriage ride to its rise to the status of the world’s premier golf destination.

On 17-Mile Drive across from The Lodge, the Pebble Beach Visitor Center tells the narrative of Pebble Beach Resorts, which dates back more than a century.

It also has a retail store and refreshments for tourists to enjoy.

A sign at Pebble Beach Visitor Center

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A floor-to-ceiling television displays highlights and broadcasts from Pebble Beach’s history and interactive maps of the 17-Mile Drive.

Souvenirs and food may be purchased at the center.

The outside patio, equipped with Adirondack chairs, is the perfect place to relax and take in the ocean view.

Watch a Competition at Pebble Beach Golf Links

Scenic view of Pebble Beach Golf Links

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In terms of American golf courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most stunning.

Seaside holes make Pebble Beach famous. In addition, there is a world-class trio circling the bend that is among the greatest.

A body of water near Pebble Beach Golf Links

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Three par-4s in a row are equally demanding and lovely after a seven-hole stretch welcoming golfers to Pebble Beach.

Every year, three major events are held at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Pebble Beach Golf Links is a significant event on the PGA Tour, so it’s no surprise that fans want to know where the course is situated.

Sunny day at Pebble Beach Golf Links

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Sign Up Cypress Point Club

Only a few courses in the world are as respected as Cypress Point in the golfing community.

It was designed by Alister Mackenzie and debuted in 1928, making it one of the most famous golf courses in the world.

All significant sources routinely rank Alister Mackenzie’s masterpiece as one of the finest three golf courses ever designed.

Cypress Point is a natural wonderland unlike any other.

When it comes to Mackenzie’s feat, the secret is that he didn’t overpower the landscape, allowing the course to take form naturally.

A co-host of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, originally known as the Bing Crosby Tournament, Cypress Point Club hosted the event briefly in the 1990s.

In 1981, Cypress Point hosted the only Walker Cup on American soil.

The Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Golf Courses in the World” ranking routinely has Cypress Point in the top three.

Cypress Point will always have a unique position in the annals of golf history.

Playing a game at what is often considered the world’s most exclusive course is almost impossible unless a member invites you.

Membership fees are determined by sharing the club’s operational costs equally among its members.

No of how much time is spent playing or how many times a person attends the club, all members must pay the same dues fee.

See Endangered Monterey Cypress at The Crocker Cypress Grove

Marker of The Crocker Cypress Grove

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The Crocker Grove is one of the most popular attractions on 17 Mile Drive.

You may find it on the Pebble Beach Golf Course in California.

The Monterey Cypress trees in the grove are some of the oldest and most prominent globally, in one of just two surviving stands.

Cypress trees at The Crocker Cypress Grove

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In the adjacent Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, there is a second option for lodging.

Crocker Cypress Grove is next to the 18th Tee and the 18th Fairway.

Visit this place if you want to view the most significant examples of these endangered plants.

Go Horseriding at Pebble Beach Equestrian Center

A day of horseback riding is almost always a fantastic idea, but you simply can’t go wrong at Pebble Beach with its stunning beachfront.

It’s hard to beat Pebble Beach Equestrian Center’s 27 miles of defined equestrian paths that wind through the incredible Del Monte Forest.

Choose from a wide range of daily trail trips conducted by knowledgeable and personable guides, take a team-building outing or a pony ride for your youngster.

Horseback riding lessons are also available, and the opportunity to ride one of our numerous rescue animals.

Additionally, horse grooming, boarding, and training services are offered.

Take a Splash at Fanshell Beach

Waves crashing at Fanshell Beach shore

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Located in Pebble Beach, California, Fanshell Beach may be found on the famed 17 Mile Drive. Youmust pay a fee if you wish to follow this route or visit any beaches.

There are a few patches of sand on Fanshell’s north-facing beach, but most of the coastline is stony.

On the west end of the beach, there is a parking area at the Fanshell Overlook.

Scenic view of Fanshell Beach

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You’ll see this on the map you gave when you arrive at Pebble Beach.

In addition, there are several pull-out parking spaces on 17 Mile Drive’s shoulder just behind the beach.

Take care while walking around on the rocks and the sandy areas since strong waves might come in and surprise you.

During April and May, Fanshell Beach is closed to the public due to the presence of harbor seals.

Surf Like a Daredevil at Ghost Trees

Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California, is home to a popular surfing spot known as “Ghost Trees.” Pescadero Point serves as a launching pad for the wave.

The deep Carmel Canyon concentrates waves to a point where they may reach 60 feet (18 meters) on rare winter days.

One of the most deadly waves globally, Ghost Tree’s has a slab form, big boils, high current, bull kelp, and an underwater maze of natural rock pillars in the impact zone.

White sharks are also a common sight in this area.

Monterey Cypress trees in the region are known as “ghost trees” because of their white and gnarled appearance.

Fred Van Dyke was one of the first recognized bodysurfers of Ghost Trees in the early 1960s.

According to residents and tourists, the wave was too fast and crashed too near rocks when it was first ridden, but that hasn’t stopped people from paddling out and getting a thrill out of surfing Ghost Trees.

All JetSkis were prohibited in mid-March 2009 since the wave was located inside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a protected area of the California coast.

Catch the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

A vintage car at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

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Every year in August, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance hosts over 200 of the world’s most coveted collector vehicles in an attempt to win the coveted Best of Show title.

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has been an annual meeting of rare and vintage vehicles, automotive luminaries, and motorcar enthusiasts worldwide since 1950.

People admiring cars during Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Jay Cross from Berkeley, California, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links hosts the competition, with cars parked around the fairway.

This is not a race to the finish line but rather an exhibition of grace and delicacy.

Learn more about the vehicles’ history, mechanical prowess, and appreciate their aesthetic appeal.

A vintage car during Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Jay Cross from Berkeley, California, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Swing Your Clubs at Spyglass Hill Golf Course

Opened to the public in 1966, Robert Trent Jones Sr. constructed Spyglass Hill Golf Course.

With a reputation for being the most challenging course on the Peninsula, this challenging layout will challenge even the most experienced players.

The most memorable aspect of Spyglass Hill is the contrast between the opening five holes and the remainder of the course.

The Del Monte Forest’s subtle natural beauty and strength contrast sharply with the expansive coastal vistas and daring dunescape.

Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson inspired the course’s moniker.

According to legend, Stevenson visited the Spyglass region for inspiration while writing his book.

The holes on this course are named after characters from the novel Treasure Island, which adds a unique twist to the experience.

Final Thoughts

Pebble Beach has a reputation that few other places can match in terms of natural beauty and elegance.

If you’re looking for somewhere to get away from it all, this is your spot.

Pebble Beach’s natural beauty, atmosphere, and unique attractions make it easy to fall in love with the area.

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