Pebble Beach and Carmel Valley, California
John and I took our first trip to Pebble Beach and Carmel Valley for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We loved it so much, we repeated the trip for our 28th anniversary; except this time, we went to Carmel Valley first and then to Pebble Beach. This is a two-location trip and I’ll tell you why, Pebble Beach is on the coast and its often foggy and cool while just 15 miles inland at Carmel Valley there are clear blue skies and sunshine.
My first tip for any trip: If you have a list of hotels and resorts you are interested in, join their email list as early as possible. Many will send you package deals that aren’t always listed on their website. I worked with a concierge at Pebble Beach and from the time I booked our room until we took our trip, there were room / golf packages added and we were able to save a significant amount of money. When I booked, the concierge told me exactly when to look for the packages to be posted and to call her back for the reduced rate. I couldn’t have waited for the package before booking our room because the category of room we wanted was completely booked by the time the package prices were released.
How to Get There:
Fly into Monterey airport and rent a car, preferably a convertible.
PEBBLE BEACH
Where to Stay:
The Inn at Spanish Bay
The Lodge at Pebble Beach is a hub of activity and a huge tourist stop. So, I suggest staying at the Inn. There is a complimentary shuttle to The Lodge, the restaurants, the spa and all of the Pebble Beach golf courses. If you are celebrating a special event, be sure to tell the concierge; most likely you’ll receive a complimentary treat in your room.
Where to Eat:
General Dining-out Tip – Make a reservation! Even if it’s just for lunch, the restaurant staff appreciate it and typically you will be seated at a nicer table. If your golf round is running late, just call and they’ll gladly adjust your reservation.
The Bench at The Lodge is a great lunch stop after playing the Pebble Beach Golf Links. If it’s nice, eat lunch outside around the fire pits on the patio.
Sticks at Spanish Bay is also a great lunch or happy hour stop with fire ribbon tables on their patio.
Stillwater Bar & Grill at The Lodge – consider this your fancy night at Pebble Beach. 
The windows overlook the 18th hole at Pebble Beach, go early for a cocktail in The Terrace Lounge by one of the fireplaces. Make sure to order a bottle of the Pebble Beach Memories Pinot Noir. It might not be the best wine on the menu, but the bottle is pretty awesome.
Roy’s at Spanish Bay – delicious Hawaiian-Fusion cuisine
La Bicyclette in Carmel-by-the-Sea – stop for lunch to share a wood-oven fired pizza and order the mousse au chocolat topped with fresh chocolate curls. YUM!
Cantinetta Luca in Carmel-by-the-Sea – fresh, authentic Italian food
Things to Do:
Obviously, if you’re a golfer – GOLF! Even if you aren’t a golfer, but you’re traveling with one, consider walking the Pebble Beach Golf Links course. The views of the course, the coast and the homes are amazing. Much to my husband’s dismay, I missed several of his “great shots” while I was taking photos of the area. Oops!
To the North of Pebble Beach: Explore Monterey and walk around Cannery Row. Drive along the coast back to Pebble Beach. Stop at the Beach House Restaurant and Bar at Lover’s Point for a cocktail with great views of the water. At Point Pinos, stop and tour the historic Lighthouse.
Enjoy the 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. If you’re staying at a Pebble Beach hotel, you already have access to the 17-Mile Drive without paying the admission fee. Just ask for a map at the gate and make sure to take a photo at the Lone Cypress.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is just outside the Pebble Beach gate near The Lodge. Spend a day exploring this adorable town and its shops. Look for the free Carmel Coast Weekly – a newspaper with lists of current activities. Explore the Scenic Road Walkway, book a tour at Tor House, purchase a “passport” for the Carmel Wine Walk and try to locate The Secret Garden.
Continue South of Carmel on Highway 1 for a scenic drive to Big Sur. Stop and take a short hike at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for beautiful photos of McWay Falls. Consider ordering a picnic lunch from the Pebble Beach Market for your adventure.
Around 5:45 each day, the bagpiper will walk from the #1 tee on The Links at Spanish Bay for the closing of the course. He will stop by the patio outside The Lobby Lounge. Make sure to catch this iconic event at least once during your stay. Go early to secure a spot by one of the fire pits. Bring a warm wrap or sweater; when the sun sets, it will get cold!
CARMEL VALLEY
Where to Stay:
Bernardus Lodge & Spa: The rooms, the food and the spa are all amazing.
Where to Eat:
The Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch is a must. Go early to wander the grounds and enjoy the sunset. (photo, left: the vegetarian risotto was amazing!)
Lucia’s Chef’s Table – splurge on the Chef’s table, we did this both trips and each experience was amazing. This table has seen numerous celebrities, many who have written on the wall around the booth and include Julia Child and Leonardo DiCaprio. (Obviously, this must be booked in advance and be sure to inform the kitchen of any dietary restrictions when booking.)
Lucia’s – Try the $44 Duck Burger topped with Foie Gras. (photo, right) John talked with one of the chefs about this burger during our Chef’s Table experience and we had to go back to the dining room the following night so he could order it. He says it was amazing!
Things to Do:
Bernardus Spa: book at least one spa service during your stay and spend some time in the adults only spa pool.
Hiking – ask for a map at the front desk, there are several great hikes depending on how far and strenuous you’d like your hike to be.
Wine Tastings – this isn’t Napa, but there are several wineries in the area. Go to West Carmel Valley Road where there are numerous tasting rooms. If you’re traveling with a group consider the Wine Trolley Tour.
Folktale Winery Tasting (photo at right) – great gardens and yard games, tasty cheese board, wine tastings daily from 11 am – 8 pm, check their website calendar to make sure there aren’t any private events.
Holman Ranch Tour and Tasting – this is an incredible event venue that is booked out years in advance for weddings. We had a private tour and tasting from one of the owners. I was hoping our tour would include a peak at the venue, but unfortunately, there were guests arriving for the weekend and we weren’t able to tour that area.
Since we love this area, I’m sure we’ll be back. If you have any favorite activities or restaurants in the area, please tell me about them in the comments and I’ll add them to my list for our next trip.
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