There are few golf courses with holes so iconic, they are recognizable even to the most casual players. Pebble Beach is one of those courses. It’s not just the serene views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean, it’s the famed cypress trees, the rugged coastline, and maybe, just maybe the fact that it’s available for anyone to play.Pebble Beach Golf Course HighlightsArguably the most iconic hole is the par three 7th. There are few experiences like standing at the elevated tee box looking out over the majestic bay with the pin just over 100 yards away. On paper, it sounds easy. But when the winds kick up (and they almost certainly do), you’re left with one of the more challenging holes on the course. It can play deceptively long. You have to be ready to pull almost any club – even the putter (as Sam Snead once did to avoid the devilish winds).The par four 8th is another beauty and dubbed by Jack Nicklaus as “his favorite approach shot in all of golf”. Your blind tee shot must carry over a canyon before landing safely on the fairway. From there you hit over Stillwater Cove to greens that slope dangerously towards the ocean.The par five 6th doesn’t always make it on the list of Pebble Beach’s best holes but along with the 7th and 8th, the 6th starts a truly unforgettable stretch of golf. After teeing off 500 yards from the pin, your second shot requires you to blindly hit up a hill to an elevated fairway (nearly four stories!).The last two holes at Pebble Beach provide a fitting end to a legendary course. The par three 17th with its hourglass green has seen its share of drama. In 1972, Nicklaus hit a one iron off the flag stick for a tap in birdie to win the US Open. Ten years later, Tom Watson famously chipped in to win. The 18th hole is a is a par five hugs the curving coast and is buffered by an unforgiving bunker stretching over 100 yards. A perfectly placed cypress tree sits squarely in the fairway forcing aggressive players to tempt the left bunker. With the Pebble Beach Lodge in the distance, you can’t help but imagine the crowds and feel the ghosts of legends on this epic finish. These are some of the best holes in all of golf, but the reality is, all the holes at Pebble Beach are memorable. From the first tee to the last putt, it is a round of golf that will forever stay with you. Insider Tips for Playing Pebble BeachA trip to Pebble Beach is often much more than 18 rounds at Pebble Beach Golf Links. With three top 50 golf courses on the Bay, it’s a golfer’s paradise. Spyglass Hill, The Links at Spanish Bay, Del Monte Golf Course and The Hay are all part of the Pebble Beach Resorts complex.Plan to play at least one or two courses in addition to Pebble Beach to truly experience the magic of Monterey Bay.Don’t overlook early tee times. Yes, the weather can be unpredictable and cool in the mornings but getting out early also means freshly cut greens and impeccable course conditions.Ditch the cart and hire a caddy. Playing Pebble Beach is anything but ordinary and should be treated as such. Because carts must remain on the paths, chances are you’ll be doing a good deal of walking anyway. A caddy will be familiar with the winds and know how the course plays in all kinds of conditions.Take your time. This is not a course to rush through. There are scenic views on every hole. Take the time to stop and enjoy the views (even those behind you).Watch out for seagulls (especially on the 10th and 13th tees). They are fearless and hungry and have been known to steal snacks right out of the hands of players.Where To Stay In Pebble Beach: It’s Not Just About GolfOkay, it kind of is. But a visit to Pebble Beach is an experience – even for the non-golfers in your party. While you could stay outside the Pebble Beach resorts area, we highly recommend staying at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Casa Palmero, or The Inn at Spanish Bay.Each of these resorts is luxury at its best. From unparalleled concierge service to five-star dining and amenities, the hospitality at Pebble Beach resorts is definitely one-of-a-kind.The Lodge at Pebble Beach sits right on The Links at Pebble Beach golf course and as such, is a bit busier than the other accommodations. If you are looking for a more exclusive feel, the recent addition of the Fairway One Cottages, can’t be beat. These spacious suites are designed to make you feel like you live right on the golf course. With inviting stone stacked fireplaces, an open kitchen and wet bar, these cottages are perfect for the ultimate getaway with friends or family.The Casa Palmero is a Mediterranean style estate with only 24 private rooms, a library, billiard room, spacious bar and lounge, as well as a heated outdoor pool. It’s a perfect stay for couples looking for an unforgettable, quieter experience.The Inn at Spanish Bay overlooks the Links at Spanish Bay and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Like the Lodge it provides impeccable hospitality and accommodations. Evening drinks on the deck in front of STICKS with the setting sun, warmth of fire pits, and sounds of the Scottish bagpiper is not to be missed. In addition to access to The Beach and Tennis Club (at The Lodge), enjoy the relaxing amenities at The Spanish Bay Club.Staying within the Pebble Beach Resorts means you’ll have access to unrivaled services and lavish amenities. Regular shuttle service easily transports guests to the different properties via the gorgeous 17-mile drive so you can enjoy the restaurants, shops, and services at any of the resorts. You’ll instantly feel a sense of understated elegance and comfort at each property and know that the staff is solely focused on ensuring you have the experience of a lifetime.Things To Do Near Pebble Beach: The Greater Monterey Bay AreaIf for some reason, you do want to leave the resorts area (and once you arrive, we’re not sure you will), there is plenty to do in the great Monterey area. If you’re traveling with children or non-golfers, they are sure to enjoy a trip to the famous Monterey Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.About 5 miles north of Pebble Beach, this area of Monterey Bay is perfect for tourists looking to explore beyond the links. The Aquarium is fun for both the young and old. There are over 40 interactive exhibits featuring all kind of animals from reptiles to birds. Kids will love petting stingrays, watching sea turtles glide and even have opportunities to feed some of the sea creatures. See why it’s often rated among the best aquariums in the world.Head to nearby Old Fisherman’s Wharf if you want to head out in the bay for a whale-watching tour or relaxing kayak trip. Otherwise, stick to the docks and watch the sunbathing seals with a steaming cup of clam chowder.If shopping and snacking is more your speed, Cannery Row is worth a stop. The Cannery Row Antique Mall occupies an old canning company building so you can get a feel for what the area was like in John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row. While there are plenty of restaurants in this area, we’re partial to the award-winning restaurants back at Pebble Beach.A trip to Pebble Beach is a must for any golfer looking for an elevated experience. It will not disappoint. From the courses themselves to the accommodations and services, this is a trip that is worth every penny. Serious golfers and their non-golfing travel companions will be impressed by the level of detail and care considered in course design and hospitality services. Whether you stay one night or a week, it will no doubt remain an unforgettable trip.For those that have it all, the Links by Wicks Pebble Beach inspired golf candle is a perfect addition to your home.