Hi! We just spent the better part of the past weekend watching the US Open. Pebble Beach
& surrounding area (Carmel Beach) look
SPECTACULAR!!! Is this a good place to go for a 'beach holiday'? ( Saw lots of people strolling on the beach but not many in the water. Too cold? Polluted? What's the scoop?)
If it is a good place for a beach vacation, what time of year is best?

Its a beautiful area with Carmel and Big Sur close by,and a great vacation spot BUT the water is COLD. It is a place where you go to LOOK at the water not get into it. JMHO

Paula,

My father treated us to 2 nights at the Lodge at Pebble Beach as a wedding present since we were going to California for our honeymoon. It is a beautiful place and our room was fabulous, right on the 18th green. The bathroom was bigger than most hotel rooms! The service was impeccable, but for $500 a night it ought to be, right?! We had a wonderful dinner at Club XIX and breakfast was overlooking the bay. As far as being a place for a beach vacation, no way! We were there in August and I didn't even want to put my toes in the water. I wore a sweater and jeans when we walked down the beach. It was cool enough in the evenings to have a fire in the room's fireplace. For a big splurge and special occasion, it can't be beat.

We live in the area. The Monterey Peninsula is spectacular at all times but it does get foggy and cool in the summer months. Spring and Fall is better. Do not plan on swimming in the ocean. It is too cold. Much better for walking on the beach. A neat little hotel in Carmel is the Pine Inn, right on Ocean Street in downtown. They have great winter packages that include rooms and food. As residents out here we enjoy the winter months in Carmel as all the tourists try to come in the summer during the poor weather. That leaves the town less crowded when the weather is really nice and the hotels offer deals. We are now looking for a place to buy for retirement in this area but prices are absolutely through the roof as more and more baby boomers flock down. Gotta go, heading to Carmel tonight for dinner!

Pebble Beach is a golf mecca. People who have homes in the area often walk the beach, tourists drive the 17 mile drive and nobody but the otters swim in the ocean--it's pristine ice water! Farther south is Pismo Beach where you can get your feet wet but still cold. I think you really won't be wanting to swim in the Pacific until you reach San Diego, if at all. But, that said, all of the towns along the coast are wonderful beach towns if you enjoy the sounds and smells of the ocean. Unless you're a good golfer, Pebble Beach is too expensive and since there's no town right there, no place to stay except the Lodge. Bob's advice about Sept/Oct are absolutely correct.

i've only been in the area once and it was only a day trip. loved carmel and big sur. i would love to go back to those areas