Thinking about seeing the iconic cliffs and perfect fairways of Pebble Beach, but your wallet clamps shut at the thought of the green fee? You can stop wondering. You can absolutely visit Pebble Beach Golf Links and the entire stunning resort grounds without playing a single hole of golf. This guide will walk you through exactly how to do it, making sure you experience the best of this legendary destination without needing a tee time.
First things first, you need to understand that Pebble Beach isn't just a golf course, it's a private resort community. Public access for non-resort guests is primarily granted through one of the most famous scenic routes in the United States: the 17-Mile Drive. This road winds its way through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, majestic forests, and stunning homes.
To enter, you’ll need to pay an access fee at one of the entry gates, which at the time of writing is just over $11 per vehicle. You can access the drive from several points, with the most common being the Pacific Grove gate to the north or the Highway 1 gate near Carmel-by-the-Sea. When you pay, you'll be handed a map that points out all the key landmarks along the way, including Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress, and of course, The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
Pro Tip: Hold on to that receipt! The best-kept secret for visitors is that your entry fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at most of the Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants. Sothinking that a drink and an appetizer at one of the world's most scenic spots could make your entry essentially free. It turns the entrance fee from a cost into a down payment on an unforgettable experience.
While the 17-Mile Drive has dozens of points of interest, your main destination is The Lodge at Pebble Beach. This is the historic centerpiece of the resort and ground zero for golf fans. Follow the map and signs directing you to The Lodge, where you’ll find ample free parking for visitors.
This is the moment most people come for. From the parking area, a short stroll toward the ocean will bring you face-to-face with the legendary 18th green of Pebble Beach Golf Links. The par-5 finishing hole, with its fairway curving around the crashing waves of Carmel Bay, is even more magnificent in person. You are free to walk right along the retaining wall and pathways behind the green. You’ll be just feet away from where countless championships have been decided and where amateur golfers are completing the round of a lifetime. The atmosphere is electric, you can feel the history. It's the perfect spot for photos, and nobody will bat an eye if you spend half an hour just soaking it all in.
After you’ve taken in the 18th, take a walk back toward The Lodge and you'll easily find the first tee and the practice putting green. You can stand right behind the starter’s hut and watch group after group tee off. Listening to the starter provides some great entertainment, as does seeing the nervous energy and excitement of golfers about to embark on their journey. The elevated tee box provides a fantastic panorama of the first fairway with the Pacific Ocean framing the left side. It’s a powerful reminder of what makes this course so special.
Don't be shy about stepping inside The Lodge itself. It has an old-world charm that’s welcoming to all visitors, not just hotel guests. The hallways are lined with memorabilia and photos celebrating the course's rich history. Stroll through the lobby, browse the upscale shops, or stop by the main Pebble Beach Pro Shop. Here you can buy that iconic hat, quarter-zip pullover, or logo golf ball as a souvenir without spending upwards of $600 for the green fee.
Remember that tip about getting your entry fee back? This is how you do it, and the options are fantastic. You don’t need to be a resort guest or a golfer to enjoy a meal at these world-class restaurants, all of which are open to the public.
You literally can’t get a better view. Located just off the 18th green, The Bench offers an expansive outdoor patio with comfortable seating and multiple fire pits. The menu centers around wood-fired specialties, and it's the perfect place for a craft cocktail, a locally brewed beer, and an incredible pizza or appetizer. You can sit here for hours, watching golfers come up the 18th fairway, listening to the waves crash, and truly feeling like you are part of the action. It's lively, beautiful, and absolutely accessible.
While Pebble Beach Golf Links gets the most attention, the resort is home to other incredible courses. A short drive will take you to The Inn at Spanish Bay, another stunning property with a true Scottish links-style course rolling through the dunes. Dining at Roy's offers an incredible blend of Hawaiian-inspired and Asian-fusion cuisine with panoramic ocean views.
However, the real showstopper here is a daily tradition. Every evening, about an hour before sunset, a lone bagpiper emerges and strolls across the Spanish Bay links, his music echoing across the course as the sun dips toward the horizon. Visitors gather on the patio at The Inn with drinks in hand to witness this nightly ritual. It’s free to watch and is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable hidden gems on the entire peninsula.
If you're looking for a different vibe, The Tap Room inside The Lodge is a must. This legendary steakhouse is like a museum of golf history. The dark wood panels are covered with priceless memorabilia, old photographs, and signed artifacts from a century of golf royalty. It has the cozy, classic feel of a 19th hole, serving up hearty fare and strong drinks. It's the perfect spot to warm up on a foggy day and connect with the game's historic roots.
A true golf nut visiting Pebble Beach will want to see more than just the main event. Luckily, the other championship courses on the property are also accessible and offer their own unique character.
Take another short drive over to Spyglass Hill Golf Course, often considered one of the toughest courses in the world and a favorite among an's advice without having a person standing next to you.S. Open competitors. The vibe here is more laid-back and woodsy. The Spyglass Hill Grill is a casual and unassuming spot with a great deck that offers a view of the first tee. You can grab a breakfast burrito or a burger and feel worlds away from the oceanside grandeur of The Lodge, soaking in the quiet reverence of the Del Monte Forest.
Located near the main driving range, the fairly new Pebble Beach Visitor Center is a fantastic addition for those curious about the resort’s story. It features interactive displays, detailed timelines of the landmark moments in Pebble's history (especially its U.S. Opens), and offers deep insight into the vision that created this golfing paradise. It's an excellent way to add context to the vistas you're enjoying.
As a golf coach, I always tell people that preparation is just as important as execution. Visiting a place like Pebble Beach is no different. Follow these tips to make your visit smooth, respectful, and stress-free.
You absolutely do not need an exclusive tee time to breathe in the legendary air of Pebble Beach. By paying the small entrance fee for the 17-Mile Drive, you unlock the ability to walk alongside the famous 18th hole, enjoy world-class dining with unmatched views, browse the historic Lodge, and create memories at one of golf's most sacred grounds.
Standing there watching players tackle that famous finishing hole, you might start thinking about how you’d play it yourself. For any golfer, visiting a place like this is inspiring, and for many, it sparks a renewed desire to improve their own game. This is where modern tools can be so powerful. From my experience coaching, confidence on the course comes from knowing what to do. With our app, Caddie AI, you get on-demand course management guidance for any shot or situation. You can even take a photo of a tricky lie to get instant advice, transforming those moments of uncertainty into opportunities to play smarter and ultimately, make the game much more fun.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
