Pebble Beach, California

Pebble Beach, In Monterey County, is nestled in the Del Monte Forest next to the ocean between Pacific Grove and Carmel. Botanically, Pebble Beach is a wizard's garden. Cypress trees, rare to begin with, grow here in wondrous concoctions and spin out enchanting scenes. The branches reach out into the fog for life. Streaming west, they weave mysteries into the atmosphere. This is the only town in America where an outsider has to pay to get in. To be among such an exquisite mating of sea and land, is a very uncommon experience, and considered worth a price. The folks who live here have paid a lot to dwell in a natural setting. And, they've vowed, legislated, and put up gates to keep it that way.