The 119th U.S. Open kicks off on June 13 with a crowded field of players including Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka, who has won each of the last two years. One of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, the U.S. Open is also one of the most scenic thanks to its pristine setting on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s also one that begs for a longer stay to explore area amenities that exude both luxury and charm.
While you can’t play on the impossibly picturesque yet formidable greens of Pebble Beach Golf Links that challenge even the most skilled of players during the four-day span of the tournament, there’s plenty else to enjoy during your stay, from some of the best golf courses in the country just down the road, to acclaimed restaurants, hotels and resorts. And, if you decide even an extended stay among this glorious landscape isn’t enough, we’ve curated a few exceptional property options for you to consider purchasing, too.
Where to Stay
The Lodge at Pebble Beach
The Lodge at Pebble Beach is the old standard of Pebble Beach luxury, having opened in 1919. One hundred years later, perhaps no other resort in the area still so perfectly captures its prestige. It doesn’t hurt that many of the accommodations in this iconic five-star hotel overlook the 18th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links—or the ocean if you’re looking for a bit of a reprise from the greens when you retire to your room. Expect plush, classic interiors, tip-top service, and spectacular panoramas everywhere you turn.
The Inn at Spanish Bay
Romantic and refined, the suites at The Inn at Spanish Bay provide large accommodations with views overlooking the Del Monte Forest, the Pacific Ocean, or The Links at Spanish Bay golf course. A bonus to staying at The Inn—outside of its amazing location on the 17-mile drive and upscale dining including the new wine lounge, Stave Wine Cellar—getting to play a round (or five) on one of the best public courses in the country, which is open during the U.S. Open.
Post Ranch Inn
You’re a good 25 miles from Pebble Beach at Post Ranch Inn, but it’s well worth it. Choose from ocean-view or mountain-view rooms, one of the private houses, or a luxe treehouse, and prepare to be awed. Located high atop the cliffs of Bug Sur, with vistas that are about as breathtaking as it gets, Post Ranch Inn offers a unique perspective both in and around the property, with modern architecture juxtaposed against the Redwoods and ocean blue.
Where to Eat
Aubergine
Fancy without being stuffy, Aubergine is a must-visit on a trip to Pebble Beach. The Carmel restaurant just won a Michelin Star—the only spot in Monterey County that was honored in the new Michelin’s guide. Aubergine does California cuisine beautifully, and their seasonal tasting menu is always a decadent delight.
The Bench
As Pebble Beach restaurants go, well…The Bench has golf-lovers lining up at the door. Why? Because it overlooks the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links, for starters. This is one of the resort’s more casual eateries, but the food is tasty. Order a burger, the BLT salad, or a starter of balloon bread and you’re all set. Pro tip: Investigate first to see if you can get a spot where the view isn’t obscured by the grandstand.
Restaurant at Mission Ranch
Come to enjoy the American menu or listen to live music in the piano bar, or to partake of the famed Sunday Brunch at the Restaurant at Mission Inn. No matter what you order, it’s sure to be even more remarkable when gazing out to toward grazing sheep in the meadow, the Santa Lucia Mountains, and Point Lobos
Where to Play
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
If you can’t play the Pebble Beach Golf Links while you’re here for the U.S. Open, there’s always Spyglass Hill. If that sounds like a consolations prize, it shouldn’t. As Golf Advisor puts it: “Golfers wouldn’t be wrong if they favored playing Spyglass Hill, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1966. Spectacular coastal dunes frame the first five holes. The views of the Pacific Ocean from these opening holes are just as inspiring as those at Pebble Beach.”
The Links at Spanish Bay
The aforementioned Links at Spanish Bay offers a massive side order of astounding views with your round of 18. Think rolling sand dunes, craggy coastline, and windswept ocean waves. Don’t miss the bagpipes at dusk—a nod to the Scottish inspiration for this Robert Trent Jones Jr.-, Tom Watson-, and Sandy Tatum-designed course.
Pasatiempo
Take a drive about an hour up the coast to charming Santa Cruz to play this championship course. Pasatiempo has been ranked as one of Golf Digest’s top three public or semi-private courses in the state, and is so beloved by designer Alistair MacKenzie (who is also responsible for the design of Augusta National and Cypress Point), that he still has a home on the sixth fairway.
Where to Buy
3208 17 Mile Dr
Pebble Beach, CA.
4 Bedrooms
4 Baths with 1 ½ Partials
7,403 Square Feet
Seven fireplaces from English and French castles, cobblestones from London, a fountain from Roman aqueducts—there is one exquisite detail after another, plus views that have to be seen to be believed, and a location unlike any other, in this Sunset Point masterpiece. On more than two and one-half acres of oceanfront paradise along the 17-Mile Drive and up on a majestic promontory looking out to Point Sur, this superb property unfolds through an enchanting gated entrance and the oldest grove of Monterey Cypress trees on Earth, to a specially crafted home worthy of its exceptional setting.
This home is listed for $34,000,000 by Kimberly DiBenedetto of Coldwell Banker Pebble Beach The Shops at The Lodge.
3208 Stillwater Ln
Pebble Beach, CA.
5 Bedrooms
4 Baths with 2 ½ Partials
6,960 Square Feet
Why not make the Pebble Beach experience a full-time delight, or be able to soak up its grandeur and wonder whenever you choose? Updated finishes and a light and bright, modern feel mixed with traditional luxury make for a compelling blend in this expansive Mediterranean estate located on the 16th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Southwest facing windows bring Stillwater Cove and the Pacific Ocean beyond right into the home, luxe interiors include a grand living room that opens directly out to a spacious courtyard with fire pit, patio, and pool and a gourmet kitchen, and the stellar location puts the Beach and Tennis Club and the Lodge at Pebble Beach within footsteps.
This home is listed for $14,900,000 by Timothy Allen of Coldwell Banker Carmel-by-the-Sea/Junipero.
3057 Cormorant Rd
Pebble Beach, CA.
4 Bedrooms
4 Baths with 2 ½ Partials
4,980 Square Feet
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean in this distinctive, highly detailed home. Unique details are found throughout, with Spanish tiles on the stairs risers, wood-framed windows, ornate stainless steel railings, and a show-stopping island kitchen that leads right out to one of the home’s multiple view-oriented outdoor areas. Located in the coveted Country Club Neighborhood of Pebble Beach, this property includes a 4,400-square-foot main residence with three en-suite bedrooms including a private master bedroom with its own living room, wood-burning fireplace and whitewater views, plus a detached guest cottage.
This home is listed for $ 5,999,900 by Sharon Matthams of Coldwell Banker Pebble Beach The Shops at The Lodge.
