5 Tips for Your First Time at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
This year we welcome back Car Week to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the world’s premier celebration of the automobile.
But to the uninitiated, the sheer size of the opulent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance can be an overwhelming experience.
Here’s a game plan to help you get the most out of Concours Sunday this weekend:
1. KNOW THAT YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO SEE EVERYTHING.
The world’s most beautiful parking lot will be brimming with hundreds of cars from several different classes and eras — expanding from the 18th Fairway to the 17th hole for some optimum vehicle viewing. There’s also the convention-challenging concept lawn across from The Lodge at Pebble Beach on the practice putting green, and a flashy Ferrari show field on the first fairway.
Come early — the fields open at 10:30 a.m. — and let your eyes lead you. Past Best of Show cars and a gathering of all five road race winners will be showcased, along with features ranging from Early Electrics to Porsche 917 and the Lamborghini Countach. See what you want to see.
2. IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN, JUST START ALONG THE WATER.
You’ve heard the caddie tip that everything goes to the ocean at Pebble Beach? Keep that sentiment in mind when you walk Pebble Beach during Concours Sunday. If you find yourself paralyzed by the plethora of choices, feel that gravitational pull of the ocean. The show field stretching the 18th fairway and 17th hole, is set up with the most selfie-seducing cars parked along the water.
Savor the only day of the year when Pebble Beach is closed to golfers, and picnic along the most famous finishing hole in golf.
And don’t forget when you’re out here to take in this special scenery. You are strolling the same hallowed ground that Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have all walked. Savor the only day of the year when Pebble Beach is closed to golfers, and picnic along the most famous finishing hole in golf.
3. THE CONCEPT LAWN IS CRAZY, WHETHER YOU’RE INTO CARS OR NOT.
The Concept Lawn is certainly a conversation starter. See mind-bending designs unveiled to the world for the first time. Many of these cars are scheduled to be showcased specifically at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the culmination of months of secretive build-up. Make time for a lap around the Concept Lawn, and let your imagination consider the unthinkable.
4. DON’T MISS THE FIRST FERRARI-WAY.
The Ferraris are back! Be sure to wander up the hill to the first hole after you check out the Concept Lawn. Admire the craftsmanship and beauty of more than 100 Ferrari cars overtaking the 1st Fairway. A salute to the classics to timeless modern designs, these Italian stallions will delight the visual palate.
5. WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR GO.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Pebble Beach Resorts has implemented measures related to COVID-19 and the Delta variant that is in line with current Monterey County guidelines and leading industry best practices.
Increased safety measures include: required mask wearing for all employees and volunteers at all times (indoors and outdoors), as well as all participants, guests, judges, and vendors (indoors, outdoors is encouraged). The show field will be expanded to include the 17th hole (in addition to the 18th) to allow for adequate social distancing, and sanitizer stations will be placed at multiple locations on the event fields.
Top Photo Credit: Kimball Studios