Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Since 1950, classic automobile owners have been bringing their finely-restored vehicles to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It's an event for the cars' owners to get together, but also for folks who love fine automotive design to get a look.

Most of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is held in and around the Lodge at Pebble Beach. The Tour d'Elegance travels through downtown Carmel. Concours Sunday is an outdoor event, with classic cars displayed on the eighteenth fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, with fine coastal scenery as a backdrop.

• Wednesday through Sunday of the third weekend in August
• Held at Pebble Beach and nearby Carmel
• Pebble Beach Concours website
• Buy tickets ahead of time - or at the gate for a higher price

If you just want to see those wonderful classic autos and can't afford the ticketed events, the Tour d'Elegance drive stops in Carmel on Thursday. If you can't make it then or if you're a car buff who can't get enough, see More Auto-Related Events below.

Tour d'Elegance

If you happen to own a classic car that makes the grade for entry, you can join the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic, a three-day drive that starts near Seattle and ends at Pebble Beach on Wednesday before the Concours.

Collector car auctions are also held during the Concours, with vehicles on setting records for their multi-million-dollar selling prices. There's a fee just to watch.

Check the website for Monterey Auto Week to get the full schedule of rallies, auctions, shows and celebrations, including the Concours d'Lemons which celebrates (in their own words) the "oddball, mundane and truly awful of the automotive world."

It would be worth a visit for that alone, but we also enjoyed the futuristic concept cars, pavilions showcasing the latest luxury vehicles and some fascinating classic motorcycles.

If you can't walk around a lot, Concours Sunday is not for you.

Unfortunately, it's not possible to control smoking outdoors and our only complaint is that we had to smell too many stinking cigars.

Tips for Enjoying Concours Sunday

• There's more to see than you may think. Go early.
• It's hard to find your way after you get off the shuttle bus - and an event map won't help find food. Your best bet is to ask for directions.
• Official dress code is "dressy to resort casual," but we saw plenty of jeans and tees.
• You'll be walking a lot - on grass. Think flat-soled, comfy shoes.

Primary Needs

Many folks bring picnics and watch the awards ceremonies. Concession stands on the show field serve surprisingly mundane fare. A better choice is a light lunch in the deli across from the Lodge. Or a substantial breakfast before you go.

Many of the car makers' pavilions serve wine and appetizers. No invitation required.

You'll find plenty of restroom facilities, the nicest portable ones we've ever seen.

Tickets and Reservations for Concours Sunday

Buy tickets at the Concours website, call their charitable partner, United Way Monterey County at 877-693-0009 - or get them at the gate for a slightly higher price.

How to Get to Pebble Beach Concours Sunday

Enter 17-Mile Drive from CA Hwy 1 south of Monterey and follow the signs for General Spectator Parking. From there, you'll take a half-hour bus ride to the main event.

Park in Carmel and take a shuttle from the bus stop near Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue (for an extra fee), avoiding traffic in Pebble Beach.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary admission for the purpose of reviewing the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.