A golf trip to Pebble Beach on California’s Monterey Peninsula is more than a holiday — it’s a collection of moments etched into golf history. With sweeping ocean views, forested fairways, and courses that have hosted major championships and legends alike, Pebble Beach is a bucket‑list destination for every golfer.
Pebble Beach Golf Links: The Crown Jewel
At the heart of Pebble Beach’s allure sits Pebble Beach Golf Links, arguably the most iconic golf course in the United States. Opened in 1919 and regularly rated the number one public course in America by Golf Digest, this seaside masterpiece hugs the Pacific coastline, with dramatic views and shot values that change hole by hole.
The course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, including the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open and a future Men’s U.S. Open in 2027. Its famous par‑3 7th hole, perched above Carmel Bay, and the finishing stretch overlooking Stillwater Cove are among golf’s most photographed moments.
Playing Pebble Beach is not just a round — it’s walking the footsteps of champions and feeling how coastal wind and rugged beauty shape every club selection.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course: Sand, Trees, and Strategy
Just a short drive inland, Spyglass Hill Golf Course offers a completely different but equally compelling golfing test. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1966, Spyglass starts with breathtaking coastal views over its first five holes — then plunges into the towering pines of the Del Monte Forest.
Often ranked among America’s best public courses, Spyglass demands both power and precision: wide open tee shots near the ocean give way to strategic shots through dense forest, deceptive elevation changes, and tricky greens. It also holds a respected competitive pedigree, co‑hosting the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro‑Am and set to host the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in 2030.
For many golfers, Spyglass is the toughest and most rewarding test of the Pebble Beach Resorts lineup — a course that requires thoughtful course management from start to finish.
The Links at Spanish Bay: Classic Coastal Links (Currently Renovating)
Along 17‑Mile Drive’s rolling dunes, The Links at Spanish Bay blends seaside panoramas with the feel of a traditional links course. Originally designed to emulate the great courses of the British Isles, its fairways run through sandy dune landscapes and wind around Monterey pines before finishing beside the white sands of Spanish Bay Beach.
The experience is as sensory as it is strategic — famous for wind‑swept holes and the daily bagpiper who plays at sunset to close out play.
Note: The Links at Spanish Bay is closed for renovation starting March 18, 2026, with improvements scheduled across more than a year. It will return refreshed and even more sustainable, enhancing its seaside character and playability.
Poppy Hills Golf Course: Forested Classic
Set slightly away from the ocean, Poppy Hills Golf Course offers a different yet compelling round amongst towering trees and refined fairways. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and extensively renovated in 2014, this course is often likened to Pinehurst‑style designs with firm turf and undulating greens.
Poppy Hills also carries a learned history — it co‑hosted the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro‑Am for nearly two decades before changes in the professional rotation.
For golfers seeking a change of pace from coastal winds and ocean views, Poppy Hills delivers a thoughtful inland test with plenty of variety.
Where to Stay: Hotels That Define the Pebble Beach Experience
A trip to Pebble Beach wouldn’t be complete without staying in one of its luxury resorts — where comfort, scenery, and convenience enhance every tee time.
The Lodge at Pebble Beach
Perched right above the famous 18th green, this historic 5‑star hotel is a golfer’s dream. Opened in 1919 alongside the original course, The Lodge offers elegant rooms with sweeping views of fairways, gardens, or Carmel Bay, along with award‑winning dining, world‑class spa services, and easy access to Pebble Beach’s glories.
The Lodge also serves as a social hub — from luxurious lounges to the newly reopened Tap Room, a classic post‑round gathering spot beloved by golfers and visitors alike.
The Inn at Spanish Bay
Situated amid Monterey pines with views of sparkling ocean and dune landscapes, The Inn at Spanish Bay combines seaside elegance with relaxed comfort. Its spacious guest rooms often include patios or balconies, allowing you to wake up to coastal breezes before your round.
Guests enjoy easy access to local courses and amenities, including excellent dining and spa options, making it a great base for a multi‑course golf itinerary.
Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach
For a more intimate and luxurious stay, Casa Palmero is a secluded Mediterranean‑style estate just steps from the famous fairways. With only about two dozen rooms and suites, this hotel offers personalised service, cosy lounges, bougainvillaea-lined patios, and access to spa amenities that make it perfect for a romantic getaway or serene retreat before or after golf.
Making the Most of Your Trip
A well‑planned Pebble Beach golf itinerary can combine at least two or three courses over a few days, with ample time to relax, explore the 17‑Mile Drive, savour local seafood, or even visit nearby Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea. Prime tee times are popular and often reserved months in advance, especially for Pebble Beach Golf Links — so having a hotel stay secured early is essential.
Whether your heart is set on dramatic ocean golf, strategic tree‑lined tests, or peaceful resort luxury, a golf trip to Pebble Beach delivers unforgettable rounds, spectacular scenery, and memories you’ll recount long after your last putt drops.
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