Just went last month for the 1st time and it's amazing. Give yourself plenty of time to do some shopping.
I would highly recommend getting a caddie for both rounds and set up a reservation to the Tap Room for a post-round drink and meal. Soak it all in!

October is one of the best times of the year to visit the Monterey Peninsula. Spanish Bay is currently closed for renovations, so another public access course I would recommend that's within the 17 Mile Drive area is Poppy Hills GC. You won't get the dramatic ocean views as Pebble Beach GL and Spyglass Hill GC but it's not bad and the conditions are generally pretty good. Another nice thing is Poppy Hills won't do as much damage to your wallet as the other courses; if you can find a NCGA member to play with (I wonder who that could be), it will save you even more. The Bayonet and Blackhorse courses in Seaside are other good options. Both are former military base courses and are fun to play. About an hour drive north of Monterey is Santa Cruz and you will find another Northern California gem, Pasatiempo. It's designed by the famous golf course architect, Dr Alister MacKenzie. If you get there, don't forget to take a picture of his house which is just off the 6th fairway. Enjoy your visit...I love that area.

I have played Pebble half-dozen times and it never gets old! Show up early, as the practice area is quite away from the first tee (there is a shuttle). Bring your phone for photos, the views are spectacular! Don’t hit driver on the first tee.

As for another golf course, try Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz up the coast. It is a great track only about 45 minutes north.

Or the Black Horse and Bayonet courses (previously Ft. Ord) just north of Monterrey.

Have a great time at PB!

Just enjoy the experience.
Don't worry about the score just take in every step.
If planning additional golf head up to Pasatiempo!!!
Pasa is one of my all-tme favorites......stunning layout!!!

Cheers,
Dr. K

Was there in March, played Pebble and Spyglass twice, Poppy Hills (which was excellent), and Monterey Peninsula CC. Caddies are definitely great to have, especially at Pebble where it's all cart path only, and walking is definitely a MUST there. Soak in all the amazing views and history. Try to make sure you play as quickly as possible at Spyglass, we had a nasty encounter with a ranger there, and we were barely off pace (the group in front was just exiting the 5th hole when we were making our way off the 4th green. Bayonet and Blackhorse are supposed to be great public courses, I didn't play there, but some of our group did and they said it was amazing. You could also try Pastiempo, it's not in Monterey, but it's definitely worth checking out. Have fun!

Just enjoy every moment you’re out there. There are so many iconic holes at Pebble that you have to pinch yourself while you’re out playing, especially the first 5 holes at Spyglass. The greens are fairly small at Pebble and when you get to the fourth green you’ll know what I mean. If you venture just an hour north to Santa Cruz play Pasatiempo…you will not regret it. Those 3 courses definitely made my top 5 during my trip.

If you want to have some fun and play a local muni try Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course. The wild life and the light house., a day to remember and the back nine plays along the ocean. Back nine known as the poor man's Pebble. The front nine typical muni, but the back absolutely stunning. Deer will come up to you while you practice putting. Check it out on Google.

Visit Carmel/Monterey near by. Great seafood, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary (if it is the right time of the year).

A lot to do and see, if you have the time.