If you are looking for a coastal vacation destination in the heart of the Monterey Peninsula, the coastal town of Pebble Beach is the place to go. Homeowners here can enjoy world-class amenities and events for golfers, car enthusiasts, water sports enthusiasts, and culinary enthusiasts. Not only does Pebble Beach feature world-class golf courses, but it also hosts a variety of high-end gourmet galas and equestrian championships.
The village of Pebble Beach is a small community that dates back to the 1860s. The Lone Cypress tree, which has been around for more than 200 years, is the town’s symbol. Another famous landmark, the “Witch Tree,” was known for its bizarre appearance and served as a scenic backdrop for many Hollywood movies. Scenic vistas are a common sight in this area, with granite rock outcroppings and small islands creating stunning backdrops for photos.
While visiting the village, guests can also dine at some of the local restaurants. The Stillwater Bar and Grill serves fresh seafood and Dungeness crab cakes, while the Tap Room at the Lodge at Pebble Beach has burgers and sandwiches. The Beach & Tennis Club has an excellent terrace restaurant with incredible views over Stillwater Cove. During foggy weather, the fire pits on the terrace are a welcome sight. Alternatively, if you want to stay near the ocean, you can also book a cab and hit the waves.
A day of golfing in Pebble Beach is a perfect way to spend a weekend. Several public golf courses are within the town and are rated among the 100 best in the country by Golf Digest. The AT&T National Pro-Am, which was started by Bing Crosby, is also held here each year. It is also one of the most famous golfing destinations in the country. It has hosted several U.S. Opens over the years.
In the early 1900s, a Chinese community was still present in the town. This ethnicity was largely ignored by residents of European descent, and the local Chinese community continued to live in a village with little Chinese population. Despite this, Chinese-American girls tended to work in the restaurants and sold polished pebbles to tourists. By 1907, there were no horses on the 17-Mile Drive anymore. This was a turning point for the town’s development, as Chinese laborers contributed to the Central Pacific Railroad, which was a major source of capital for the founders of the PIC.
For those who enjoy a challenging game of golf, Pebble Beach has several courses that are open to the public. Many of the world’s most accomplished golfers have played here. A 17-Mile Drive threads its way through rocky shoreline and pine and cypress forests. It passes a 250-year-old cypress and a 250-year-old Lone Cypress. The area is largely a gated community, with few commercial enterprises.