| | Published August 22nd, 2018
| Lamorinda travel destinations Iconic Pebble Beach
| | | By Fran Miller |  | | Photos Fran Miller |
Located on the Monterey Peninsula where the Del Monte Forest meets the Pacific Ocean and where gracious mansions line the prestigious 17-mile drive, Pebble Beach has long been a landmark destination for golf lovers the world over, since 1919 in fact. Four resorts, 14 bars and restaurants, and five stellar golf courses fall under the Pebble Beach umbrella. But one need not be a golfer to appreciate and enjoy the area's beauty. It helps, of course, to know the significance of the area's golfing past in order to fully respect the allure, and to comprehend the selfie stick-wielding tourists who pose at every scenic vantage point. And, it helps to know golf's future; the 2019 U.S. Open Championship will take place on The Pebble Beach Golf Links course next June 13-16.
Those who wish to educate themselves with a little golf background need simply step into the Lodge at Pebble Beach-adjacent Golf Links to the Past memorabilia shop for a quick primer, where golf's history and traditions are on display via original artwork, photography, periodicals, clubs, trophies, and other artifacts. Then, step over to the nearby memorial rock wall that pays homage to Pebble Beach's founder Samuel F.B. Morse, where you'll find the names of each of the winners of the famed Bing Crosby-founded 'Clambake' tourney, later known as the AT&T National. Golf fluent or not, visitors will surely recognize the listed names as part of America's social fabric.
Just as one need not be a golf expert to enjoy the area, one need not be an overnight guest to enjoy the shops, restaurants, and sights of Pebble Beach, but a hotel stay elevates the experience. Most popular of Pebble Beach's four lodging options is The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Golfers especially owe it to themselves to stay here in order to pay proper tribute to the game they love. Known in the golf world as a bucket list item, a stay at the lodge in one of its 161 rooms affords stunning and varied patio and balcony views of gardens, Stillwater Cove, the Pacific Ocean, and the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links 18th fairway.
Six restaurant options surround The Lodge. Stillwater Bar & Grill is an elegant destination for a relaxing dinner overlooking the fairways. The Tap Room serves a selection of American tavern-style classics, while The Terrace Lounge is an ideal destination to sit back and relax in one of the oversized armchairs while sipping on a specialty cocktail and enjoying the panoramic golf course views. Guests looking for the familiarity of a home-cooked meal should visit Gallery Café, the home-style breakfast and lunch bistro. For cove and ocean views, enjoy lunch at the conservatory-esque The Beach Club. And The Bench is a casual spot with al fresco fire pit tables overlooking the 18th hole, specializing in crafted cocktails and wood-roasted dishes.
All Lodge guests are provided complimentary access to The Beach & Tennis Club at Pebble Beach. And like its Pebble Beach Golf Links neighbor, this swank yet low-key venue is equally rich in history and features tennis, workout facilities, and a heated pool that juts over Stillwater Cove. Shoppers will enjoy The Shops at Pebble Beach with their nearly overwhelming number of logoed items. (The newest boutique to open exclusively features an array of 2019 U.S. Open merchandise.) Casa Palmero, the area's most exclusive lodging option just steps from The Lodge, features a world-class spa that's open to any Pebble Beach resorts guest. And kayaking, horseback riding, biking, and hiking are all just outside your hotel door. But for those who merely seek a room with a view in order to hit a good read rather than a golf ball, they'll find no better place to simply relax and unwind.
Find all lodging, restaurant, and golf options at www.pebblebeach.com.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA