Golf

Yes, you can play golf in middle-class Monterey [1]! And it’s often much cheaper to play here than to head for the hallowed courses of Carmel [2].

The public Monterey Pines Golf Course (1250 Garden Rd., 831/656-2167, $25–38, cart $20) offers 18 holes for a comparatively tiny green fee. It’s a short par-69 course that’s got four levels of tee to make the game fun for players of all levels. Monterey Pines was originally built as a private Navy course for the pleasure of the officers at the major naval installation north of town. Today, it is open to all who want to play. Call ahead for tee times.

A bit more pricy but still not Poppy Hills [2] or Pebble Beach [3], Del Monte Golf Course (1300 Sylvan Rd., 831/373-2700, www.pebblebeach.com [4], $34–95, cart $20) is part of that legendary set of courses. This historic 18-hole, par-72 course, along with two other courses, still plays host to the Pebble Beach Invitational each year. You won’t get the ocean views of Pebble Beach, but you will be treated to lovely green mountains surrounding the course as you play through. The property includes a full-service pro shop and the Del Monte Bar & Grill. You can check available tee times online, then call 800/877-0597 to book your preferred time.