23 Popular Things to Do In Pebble Beach (Besides Golf)

You may have heard of Pebble Beach, California before in relation to the world-famous Pebble Beach golf courses AND playing host to the US Open, but did you know that it is open to the public if you wish to check off a bucket list item and play a round of golf?

If you are more inclined to explore beaches and take in stunning scenic coastal views as I am, then you will be more interested to discover 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach—home to a California scenic drive that you will absolutely love.

23 Things to Do In Pebble Beach

Follow the red-dotted line to visit beautiful beaches, see dramatic cliffs, visit groves of trees, and photograph a coastal landscape that is simply enchanting.

Plan to spend the day leisurely exploring and taking pictures all along the coast. One of your very first destinations at Pebble Beach and 17 Mile Drive stops should be Spanish Bay Beach.

1. Spanish Bay Beach

Capturing its name from the Spanish explorers who camped here in 1769 as they tried to find Monterey Bay, it is a wonder they chose to even leave.

Within the private community of Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay Beach is simply pristine and welcoming with soft sand, picnic tables, and views that stretch on for miles.

Stroll the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white beach of Spanish Bay going North or South.

The Links at Spanish Bay, a Pebble Beach golf course, and the sand dunes add a beautiful backdrop to the beach.

2. Restless Sea

This is one of the most turbulent sections of coastline along the Pebble Beach drive as you meander along and make 17-Mile stretch of road. Waves converge from the north and the south upon each other and crash dramatically against rocks below the surface and along the shoreline.

3. Point Joe

The interpretive sign at the entrance to the Point Joe parking lot reads, “In the early 1900s, a man named Joe lived in a driftwood hut here, selling trinkets to tourists and tending goats.”

It is not known if the point was named for the man named “Joe” or if Point Joe is where the man lived and he took on the name after living there. In earlier days, Point Joe along the Pebble Beach drive was often mistaken for Monterey Bay and became the site of many shipwrecks of unfortunate sailors trying to put in at Monterey Bay.

4. China Rock

A small Chinese fishing village was established at China Rock in the 1800s long before Pebble Beach was created. If you look carefully, you can still see cooking smoke caked onto the rocks from this early settlement.

Today, China Rock offers beautiful scenic views as one of the 17-Mile Drive stops.

5. Bird Rock

As you may have guessed, Bird Rock is home to a variety of birds, particularly pelicans and cormorants. Did you know that in 1930, four to five FEET of bird poop or guano was harvested from the rock for fertilizer?

Once the fertilizer was removed, sea lions took advantage of the popular perch and settled in for some sunbathing and have been there ever since making it a popular wildlife spot.

6. Seal Rock

Depending on the time of year, you may not actually see any seals at Seal Rock, but this beautiful beach is a perfect chance for you to get out and explore as you discover 17-Mile Drive. You can check out the tide pools, stop for a picnic lunch, meditate to the sound of the ocean waves, or walk along the boardwalk to the Gingerbread House.

7. Fanshell Beach

Since Fanshell Beach is a prime “pupping” habitat for harbor seals along the Central California Coast, you will likely see seals here. In the Spring, the female seals will be stretched out along the rocks basking in the sun. Baby seals are often born between the months of March and June along these secluded beaches.

8. Cypress Point Lookout

If you happen to be driving along and want to see 17-Mile Drive at sunset, Cypress Point Lookout offers a stunning vantage point. The backdrop of white sandy beaches and ocean waves make for amazing views.

You will also find seals along this section of beach. Many harbor seals return each spring to give birth here. The beach is closed from April 1 to June 1 for pupping season.

9. Crocker Grove

Home to one of the only two native Cypress forests in the world, Pebble Beach claims the oldest and largest Monterey Cypress living in the world in Crocker Grove. (The other forest is not too far away at Point Lobos State Park across Carmel Bay.)

10. The Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach

Standing on the rocky outcrop, the Lone Cypress has been a sentinel figure for over 250 years. It has braved storms and winds as it overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It is the midpoint along 17-Mile Drive. The Lone Cypress Tree is also featured as the iconic logo of Pebble Beach Resorts.

11. Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point

The sun-bleached Cypress trees often have a spooky appearance to guests of Pebble Beach.

If you are into surfing, you may wish to note that the swells at this point can reach upwards of 50 feet in the winter months if the weather conditions are just right.

12. Visit the Pebble Beach Visitor Center

Whether it is the start of your journey to discover 17-Mile Drive or the end point, be sure to plan for a stop at the Visitor Center where you can read the entire history of Pebble Beach as it grew from humble beginnings to a golf capital of the world.

You will also find a small cafe, souvenirs, and restroom facilities.

If you bring your own snacks and a picnic lunch to eat along the way, don’t forget to pack protein bars and other snacks.

13. Play a Round of Golf at Pebble Beach

After you spend the day discovering 17-Mile Drive, you may wish to think about golf next. If it has always been on your bucket list to play a round of golf at the legendary Pebble Beach golf courses, you have a few world class golf courses to choose from:

• Pebble Beach Golf Links – ranked the #1 public golf course in America
• Spyglass Hill Golf Course
• The Links at Spanish Bay
• Del Monte Golf Course
• The Hay – a 9-Hole Short Course designed by Tiger Woods and TGR Design

14. Discover Accommodations at Pebble Beach

Looking for a little pampering after your drive? How about some luxurious amenities and world-class service?

Consider one of these amazing accommodations:

• Lodge at Pebble Beach – a stately Pebble Beach lodge overlooking Pebble Beach Golf Links
• Fairway One at The Lodge – complete with 30 rooms and two four-bedroom golf cottages
• The Inn at Spanish Bay – overlooks the Links at Spanish Bay and the Pacific Ocean
• Casa Palmero – a Pebble Beach Resort with 24 suites in a Mediterranean style
• Pamper yourself at The Pebble Beach Spa – a 5-star retreat

Search for lodging at Pebble Beach

Day Trips from Pebble Beach

If you have a little extra time on your Pebble Beach, CA excursion, plan a few days to explore neighboring areas.

15. Drive the Big Sur Highway

I highly recommend trying the GuideAlong audio tours if you have never listened to one and begin a drive along the Pacific Coast Big Sur Highway. It is the quintessential California scenic drive.

And oh, the views.

16. San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the top 21 places to visit in California; you don’t want to miss it.

You might think San Francisco is too far for a day trip, but it is definitely worth the two-hour drive. There are so many things to see and do in this vibrant town, let me narrow down the options with some of the BEST things to do in San Francisco.

• Ride the cable cars
• Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
• Plan a tour to Alcatraz
• Explore Chinatown
• Find the Yoda Statue in Presidio
• Drive down Lombard Street
• See the seals at Fisherman’s Wharf
• Stop for chocolate at Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop

17. Capitola

Less than one hour from Pebble Beach, you’ll find Capitola. It’s the cutest little seaside town with distinctive colorful homes right along the beach and boardwalk.

These beach houses are some of the most Instagram Worthy Insanely Colorful Destinations Around the World.

18. Bixby Bridge

The Bixby Bridge spot is a popular Instagram viewpoint; cars begin to slow and prepare to pull over long before reaching the bridge. The famous Big Sur bridge, Bixby Bridge, is one sight you won’t want to miss whether you stop at the first pull-out and capture views there or cross over to the inland side of the highway to park.

We visited the Bixby Bridge early in the day, but can you just imagine the sunset view in the evening? It would be worth timing your California scenic drive just to take in the setting sun here.

19. Hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

What is the attraction to planning a day trip to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park? How about:

• One of the best places to hike in Big Sur
• Pfeiffer Falls
• Campgrounds
• Ice cream at the Visitor Center
• Big Sur Redwoods
• Hiking trails through a variety of trees in the forest: oaks, conifers, sycamores, willows
• Open meadows
• Wildlife

You will need to purchase a State Park Pass to visit the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

One of the best places to hike in Big Sur takes you to Pfeiffer Falls and then branches off to Valley View Trail. While both hikes have some elevation, both are relatively easy hikes.

21. Pfeiffer Beach

While Pfeiffer Beach is considered one of the must-see stops along the Pacific Coast Highway on the GuideAlong tour (formerly known as Gypsy Guide Tours) due to its beautiful beach, dramatic rocks, and Pfeiffer Beach purple sand, I will give a little caution here: IT IS SUPER DUPER WINDY!

20. Monterey

If you are looking for some pretty epic things to do in Monterey, especially if you are traveling with kids, plan some time for:

• Monterey Aquarium
• Monterey Bay and Beaches
• Cannery Row
• Old Fisherman’s Wharf

21. Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea

Wander this cute little down and discover:

• Art Galleries
• Carmel Beach
• Dine at romantic restaurants
• Galleries, quaint shops, antique stores, and boutiques
• Walking tours

22. Book a Whale Watching Tour

The Monterey Bay provides an amazing habitat all year long for a variety of whale species. A whale watching tour is educational, phenomenal, and offers epic sightseeing moments.

The best time for whale watching is:

• Blue whales from May to October, peak time from July to August. 
• Killer whales from April to mid May as well as late August to October. 
• Gray whales from December to May, peaks time in January and March.
• Humpback whales from March to November, peak time from July to August.
• Occasional sightings of minke, fin, and sperm whales—as well as the rarely observed beaked whale—have been known to delight tour guests!

23. Catch the Sunset

You don’t have to go far to find a stunning vista to watch the sunset anywhere along the California coast.

Chris stopped at a pull-out overlooking the ocean, and we watched the sun go down. A perfect ending to an amazing day at Pebble Beach and some of the Big Sur viewpoints.

Get Your Camera Ready

Whatever your skill level with a camera, be prepared for some amazing photos along the Pebble Beach coastline.

Canon Powershot G1 – This camera is great if you leave the camera in AUTO mode and work well with a point and shoot.

Canon T8i – If you are just learning photography skills and want to switch back and forth between Auto, Aperture Priority, or Manual Mode, this makes a great entry level DSLR.

Canon 6d Mark II – A great camera for advanced photographers who are comfortable with shooting in Manual Mode. You’ll get some outstanding shots with this DSLR.

Smart Phone – Cameras on your phone nowadays are amazing. If this is your picture-taking device, you will surely capture some amazing images. I usually “tourist” with my DSLR around my neck and my Smart Phone in hand! And yes, I probably don’t “blend in” that well.

You may even wish to arrive early in the morning for the best photo opportunities. Whatever you choose as your camera as you discover 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California, you will want to have the battery charged and ready to go for the day!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts on Discovering 23 Popular Things to Do In Pebble Beach (Besides Golf)

When you set out to discover 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach, California (or the day trips nearby), you may not realize just how memorable and stunningly beautiful this section of the California coast will be.

Whether you take pictures of your journey all day long or catalog the scenes in your mind, you won’t soon forget the spray of the sea as it crashes against the rocky shoreline or the beautiful snow white beaches of Spanish Bay Beach.

Build memories for you and your family that will last forever.

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