Destination Guide
Pebble Beach, California
The most famous course in the United States. Eighteen holes along the Pacific, a finishing hole that has ended careers and made others. Pair it with Carmel-by-the-Sea for partners and Spyglass Hill for a second round — this is the Monterey Peninsula golf trip.
Best time to visit: May — October (driest, warmest; fog burns off by noon)
Best Courses
The Monterey Peninsula courses
Tee times for Pebble Beach Golf Links are booked directly at pebblebeach.com — not GolfNow. Resort guests book first.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Bucket list18 holes along the Pacific cliffs. Host of 6 US Opens, 3 AT&T Pro-Ams, the 2019 US Open. The 18th hole is the most iconic in American golf.
$595–625/round
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
PremiumRobert Trent Jones Sr. Starts in the Del Monte Forest, finishes along the ocean. A harder round than Pebble — many golfers rate it higher for pure golf.
$285–325/round
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore)
PremiumSeth Raynor design. Private, but the Pebble Beach Company offers limited public access through resort packages. Worth pursuing if you can secure a spot.
$300–375/round
The Links at Spanish Bay
PremiumScottish links-style on the dunes north of the main resort. Bagpiper plays at sunset on the 18th. Windy, firm, playable for all skill levels.
$280–320/round
Poppy Hills Golf Course
Mid-rangeNCGA members' course adjacent to the resort property. Best value on the Peninsula — good conditioning, wooded layout, no ocean but well worth the price.
$90–130/round
Pasatiempo Golf Club — Santa Cruz
PremiumAlister MacKenzie design. 45 minutes north of Pebble. Considered one of the top 50 courses in the US — a worth detour if adding a Santa Cruz day.
$170–225/round
Partner Activities
What non-golfers do near Pebble Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea
10 minutes from the resort. One of California's most charming towns — boutique shops, art galleries, Carmel Beach. Full day of exploring without a car once parked.
Free to explore
Monterey Bay Aquarium
World-class aquarium 20 minutes from Pebble. The open ocean exhibit and jellyfish displays are genuinely impressive. Book tickets in advance on weekends.
$50–65/person
17-Mile Drive
Self-guided scenic drive through the Del Monte Forest and along the coast. Lone Cypress Tree, Stillwater Cove, Fanshell Overlook. $12.25 entry fee per car.
$12 per car
Carmel Valley Wine Tasting
15 miles inland, Carmel Valley has 20+ tasting rooms. Mendo, Holman Ranch, Boekenoogen. Quieter and more relaxed than Napa, with excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
$25–60/person
Big Sur Coastal Drive
30 miles south on CA-1. Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Point Lobos State Reserve. A half-day drive that is arguably the most scenic in California. No cell service.
$10–15 park fees
Sanctuary Beach Resort Spa
Marina, 25 minutes north of Pebble. Smaller, quieter spa than the main resort options. Excellent treatments without the luxury hotel markup.
$150–280/person
Where to Stay
Hotels near the courses
The Lodge at Pebble Beach
On-property at the 18th hole. Priority tee times, ocean views, five restaurants. The benchmark Pebble Beach experience. Book 6+ months ahead.
$900–1,800/night
Inn at Spanish Bay
On-property at Links at Spanish Bay. Full resort access, slightly lower rates than The Lodge, excellent dining. Bagpiper at sunset on the 18th.
$600–1,200/night
Carmel Valley Ranch
15 miles inland. Golf on-property (Pete Dye design), full spa, quieter than the oceanside properties. Good base for groups mixing Pebble with Carmel Valley wine.
$400–800/night
Packing Guide
What to bring to Pebble Beach
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pebble Beach golf trip FAQ
How much does a round at Pebble Beach cost?+
How do you get tee times at Pebble Beach?+
What is the best time of year to visit?+
What do non-golfers do near Pebble Beach?+
Is Pebble Beach worth the cost?+
Plan your Pebble Beach trip
5 questions, dual itinerary for golfers and partners, one shareable link.
From the blog
Further reading
Pebble Beach Golf Trip Planning Guide
How to get tee times, what it really costs, and the full Monterey Peninsula itinerary.
Golf Trip Budget Breakdown
Real cost breakdown by destination and group size — including Pebble Beach.
Best Bachelor Party Golf Destinations
How Pebble Beach compares to the other top US golf destinations.
The Golf Trip Packing List
What to bring for a coastal California golf trip — the windproof layer is non-negotiable.
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