Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach is a coastal residential area in Monterey County, California, that stretches for several miles along the Pacific shoreline. Roads wind through forested hills and past rocky headlands, with homes on large parcels and golf courses overlooking the ocean.

The area originally formed part of Rancho Pescadero, a Mexican land grant from 1836, and took its name from a rocky cove filled with pebbles. Development as a residential community with golf courses and private homes began in the early 20th century.

The name refers to a small cove filled with smooth pebbles along the coastline, once used by fishermen as an anchorage. Today the golf courses and tournaments draw visitors from around the world, while locals use the quiet coastal roads for walks and scenic drives.

Visitors pay a toll to access the 17-Mile Drive, a winding scenic road along the coastline. It is best to plan several hours to stop at viewpoints and see the golf courses and beaches.

An annual automobile competition takes place on a seaside lawn since 1950, drawing collectors of rare vehicles from several continents. The event displays vintage cars organized by era and style, judged by experts for originality and craftsmanship.

Location: Monterey County

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

GPS coordinates: 36.56639,-121.94667

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:03