Spanish Bay
Upscale coastal resort known for its stunning golf, nightly bagpiper, and oceanfront fire pits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical bagpiper performance
Spanish Bay
Best Time
Magical bagpiper performance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Upscale coastal resort known for its stunning golf, nightly bagpiper, and oceanfront fire pits.
"The sunset bagpiper performance at Spanish Bay is pure magic, creating an unforgettable coastal experience."
💰 Reimburse Your 17-Mile Drive
Spend $35+ at The Inn at Spanish Bay to get your 17-Mile Drive fee reimbursed! :moneybag:
🌅 Arrive Early for Fire Pits
Secure a prime spot by the fire pits for the sunset bagpiper show by arriving an hour early. :fire:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Bagpiper Performance
Main lobby fire pits
Experience the magical sound of bagpipes as the sun dips below the Pacific horizon. Pure coastal bliss.
The Links at Spanish Bay Golf Course
Golf Course
A stunning links-style course hugging the Pacific coast, offering breathtaking ocean views with every swing.
Oceanfront Fire Pits
Inn at Spanish Bay patio
Cozy up by the fire pits with a drink and enjoy the ocean breeze and stunning coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Budgeting for Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Bagpiper
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Reimburse Your 17-Mile Drive
Spend $35+ at The Inn at Spanish Bay to get your 17-Mile Drive fee reimbursed! :moneybag:
🌅 Arrive Early for Fire Pits
Secure a prime spot by the fire pits for the sunset bagpiper show by arriving an hour early. :fire:
🏌️ Play the Whites
For a more enjoyable round, golfers recommend playing from the white tees. :golf:
🥂 Enjoy Drinks & Appetizers
Sip on wine and try the delicious spring rolls from Roy's. :wine_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Reimburse Your 17-Mile Drive
Spend $35+ at The Inn at Spanish Bay to get your 17-Mile Drive fee reimbursed! :moneybag:
🌅 Arrive Early for Fire Pits
Secure a prime spot by the fire pits for the sunset bagpiper show by arriving an hour early. :fire:
🏌️ Play the Whites
For a more enjoyable round, golfers recommend playing from the white tees. :golf:
🥂 Enjoy Drinks & Appetizers
Sip on wine and try the delicious spring rolls from Roy's. :wine_glass:
🚶♂️ Walk the Grounds
Even if you're not staying or golfing, enjoy the stunning scenery and bagpiper performance for free. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Spanish Bay for its breathtaking ocean views, magical sunset bagpiper performances, and the cozy ambiance of its fire pits. The golf course is a major draw for enthusiasts. While some rooms and restaurant service have received minor critiques, the overall experience is highly regarded, with many highlighting exceptional staff like John.
"Pebble Beach resorts are out of reach for my budget, but luckily they don’t require you to be a paying guest to enjoy their location. We spent an afternoon walking the grounds and soaking in the gorgeous scenery. The Inn at Spanish Bay was a favorite destination on my California coastal tour. The grounds are so reminiscent of Scotland, that they are now famous for their nightly bagpipers performances. The bagpiper starts at Sticks on the first? (I think) green. They have outdoor fire pits and options of drinks and/or food menus. We enjoyed a glass of wine there but ultimately decided to watch the bagpiper by the main lobby fire pits. We got there an hour early and our seats were perfect. We had a group of charming golfers join us which just added to the experience. The bagpiper comes over the hilly greens just before sunset. It’s magical. We enjoyed another glass of wine and the most delicious spring rolls from Roys. Based on that appetizer alone, I’d recommend splurging on a five star dinner at Roy’s if it’s in your budget. Despite the upscale experience, the dress code was fairly casual.
My favorite thing about this place is that it caters to every budget. Spend the $12 on the 17 mile drive and check out the Inn at Spanish Bay. If you spend $35 or more at the Inn, they’ll reimburse the cost of the drive. If you spend no money at the Inn, you’ll still get $12 worth of joy just walking the grounds and seeing the bagpiper perform."
Robin Dahl
"This place had the potential to be truly beautiful; however, I was greatly disappointed by the lack of service upon arrival. While the room was spacious, it lacked any sense of décor or warmth that would create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Furthermore, the restaurant service could be significantly improved, particularly in regard to the quality and presentation of the food."
Luisa Cast
"An amazing place! Stunning views. Welcoming staff. Rooms are 4.5 stars only because the toilet didn't work great. But otherwise perfect. Whilst visiting we had the most amazing service from John. We got to know John. Such an amazing person with excellent customer service. Very personable. Remember he said he played college ball for Hawaii. John was so attentive to our wishes. Helped Mom find a wine she liked & had a special whiskey sour that was really great. Food he recommended was very good. If you come here ask for John as your server in the outdoor seating or in the lobby! Whilst everyone there was friendly with the exception of a waitress in Roy's who was just likely having a bad day 🫤. John was truly exceptional and an asset to the Inn at Spanish Bay and made our experience worth everything to visit. 🥰"
Joshua Moroni Gathercole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spanish Bay is located within the famous 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California. You can access it by car via the 17-Mile Drive entrance. Be aware of the entrance fee, which can be reimbursed if you spend $35 or more at The Inn at Spanish Bay.
Yes, The Inn at Spanish Bay is a key stop along the scenic 17-Mile Drive. The drive itself offers numerous viewpoints and attractions.
Public transportation directly to Spanish Bay is limited. It's best accessed by car. If you're staying in a nearby town like Monterey or Carmel, ride-sharing services are an option, but factor in the 17-Mile Drive fee.
You can enjoy the stunning coastal views and the nightly bagpiper performance for free by simply walking the grounds. If you plan to have a drink or appetizer, spending $35 or more will reimburse your 17-Mile Drive fee.
No, access to Spanish Bay is through the 17-Mile Drive, which has an entrance fee. However, this fee is often reimbursed with a qualifying purchase at The Inn at Spanish Bay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need specific tickets for Spanish Bay itself, but you will need to pay the entrance fee for the 17-Mile Drive. This fee can be waived or reimbursed with a qualifying purchase at The Inn at Spanish Bay.
The 17-Mile Drive is generally open from sunrise to sunset. The Inn at Spanish Bay and its amenities like restaurants and bars have their own operating hours, typically extending into the evening.
The entrance fee for the 17-Mile Drive is typically around $12 per vehicle. This fee can be reimbursed if you spend $35 or more at The Inn at Spanish Bay.
Yes, tee times for The Links at Spanish Bay golf course can be booked online through the Pebble Beach Resorts website. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season. 
While it's an upscale resort, the dress code is generally casual, especially for enjoying the grounds and fire pits. For dining at Roy's or other restaurants, smart casual is recommended.
🎫 ⛳ Golf at Spanish Bay
Yes, The Links at Spanish Bay is a challenging links-style course that hugs the Pacific coast. It's known for its beautiful ocean views and strategic play. Golfers often recommend playing from the white tees for a more enjoyable experience.
Green fees for The Links at Spanish Bay can be significant, reflecting its status as a premier golf destination. It's best to check the official Pebble Beach Resorts website for current rates and potential packages.
Yes, golf club rentals are typically available at The Links at Spanish Bay. It's advisable to inquire about availability and types of clubs when booking your tee time.
Yes, Spanish Bay offers practice facilities, including a driving range and putting greens, allowing golfers to warm up before their round.
Many golfers consider the 17th hole at Spanish Bay to be one of their all-time favorites due to its stunning beauty and coastal vistas.
🎫 🌅 Onsite Experience
The nightly bagpiper performance at sunset is a highlight for many visitors. The bagpiper emerges over the greens just before sunset, creating a magical atmosphere. Arrive early to get a good spot by the fire pits.
Yes, The Inn at Spanish Bay features outdoor fire pits, particularly around the main lobby area, which are perfect for enjoying the evening air and the sunset.
Spanish Bay offers several dining options, including Roy's at Spanish Bay, known for its Hawaiian fusion cuisine. The Inn also has casual dining and bar services.
Absolutely! You can enjoy the beautiful grounds, ocean views, and the sunset bagpiper performance even if you're not a guest. Just be mindful of the 17-Mile Drive entrance fee.
Spanish Bay offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and the iconic golf courses. It's particularly beautiful during sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire coastline offers incredible photo opportunities. Key spots include the oceanfront near the fire pits, the fairways of the golf course, and anywhere with a view of the sunset.
Yes, Spanish Bay is renowned for its spectacular sunsets. The golden hour light combined with the ocean backdrop makes for breathtaking photographs.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos and videos of the bagpiper performance. It's a memorable part of the Spanish Bay experience.
Golden hour, both in the morning and especially before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in protected areas like Pebble Beach. It's best to check the specific regulations for the 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach Resorts before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider enjoying the sunset by the fire pits, where kids can stay warm and entertained. While fine dining might be less appealing for younger children, casual options and the chance to see the stunning coastal scenery make it a worthwhile stop. If you plan to play golf, inquire about family-friendly tee times or practice areas. Remember that the 17-Mile Drive fee can be reimbursed with a qualifying purchase, making it a more budget-friendly outing for the whole family.
🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
Beyond the main course, The Inn also offers practice facilities, including a driving range and putting greens, perfect for honing your skills. The iconic 17th hole is a highlight for many, offering unparalleled coastal vistas. Even if you're not playing a full round, experiencing the golf course grounds and the overall atmosphere of Pebble Beach is a must.
+1📸 Photography Buffs
Key spots for photography include the oceanfront near the fire pits, the fairways with ocean backdrops, and any vantage point offering a panoramic view of the Pacific. Be sure to capture the magical moments of the sunset and the bagpiper's performance. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to use one for aerial shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Bagpiper of Spanish Bay
To make the most of this experience, it's recommended to arrive about an hour before sunset. This allows ample time to find a comfortable spot by one of the fire pits, order a beverage, and soak in the anticipation. The bagpiper's performance is a cherished moment that encapsulates the spirit of Spanish Bay, blending natural beauty with a touch of timeless tradition.
Golfing Paradise: The Links at Spanish Bay
+1Many golfers rave about the stunning views from various holes, particularly the 17th, which is often cited as a favorite. While the course is undoubtedly beautiful, it also demands strategic play. Redditors suggest playing from the white tees for a more enjoyable round, even if the blue tees aren't excessively long.
Experiencing Spanish Bay on a Budget
Even without spending money at the Inn, you can still enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and the magical sunset bagpiper performance for free. Finding a spot by the fire pits and simply taking in the views is a memorable experience. For those looking for a more substantial experience, enjoying a glass of wine and an appetizer at the Inn can be a delightful way to spend an afternoon or evening, offering great value for the ambiance and views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit