Pacific Grove is a charming town located on the California coast, just a short drive from Monterey. It is especially known for its picturesque coastline, where you can enjoy some of the finest views in the area.
So, let’s explore the top attractions of Pacific Grove to help you plan your visit.
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Brief History of Pacific Grove
The origins of Pacific Grove can be traced back to 1875 when a group of Methodists chose this area as a place of retreat and prayer, following the model that had already been used in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. The East Coast town had been designed to create an environment conducive to meditation and spirituality.
Over time, however, the beauty of the place attracted more and more people and artists eager to live in a peaceful environment that fostered inspiration for their work. In 1887, El Carmelo Hotel, the city’s first hotel, opened, and a few years later in 1889, Pacific Grove was incorporated as a municipality.
Further solidifying the city’s status as an artistic haven was the choice of John Steinbeck and painters William Adam and Eugen Neuhaus to settle in Pacific Grove. A little curiosity related to this fact is that Steinbeck’s house still exists today at 147 11th Street, but it is not marked by any plaque that would catch the attention of tourists and admirers of the writer.
Pacific Grove has also been the location for important films and television series, including Big Little Lies.
How to Get There
As mentioned, Pacific Grove is a small town in California that is practically adjacent to Monterey and is located approximately a 2-hour drive from San Francisco.
If you’re coming from the south, the most scenic way to reach Pacific Grove is to take the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, which runs through Big Sur and hugs the entire California coastline.
Things to Do in Pacific Grove, California
A stop in this town is highly recommended for strolling or driving along the roads that overlook the Ocean. However, Pacific Grove has more to offer. Here’s a selection of the most important attractions to visit in the city.
Oceanview Blvd and Sunset Drive
Oceanview Boulevard and Sunset Drive are undoubtedly the most famous streets in Pacific Grove as they run along the coastline and connect many scenic viewpoints overlooking the ocean. The list below is just a selection of stops you can make along the way. So, take your time to leisurely savor the beautiful views that this coastal area has to offer.
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- Perkins Park Vista Point: This section of the coastline is named after a local citizen who first planted pink Aizoaceae here, which now flourish throughout the area.
- Kissing Rock: The uniqueness of this place is attributed to the rock formations that appear to be almost kissing each other.
- John Denver Memorial: It is a plaque placed above a rock commemorating the legendary American composer known worldwide for his “Country Road.” He tragically lost his life in a plane crash over Monterey Bay on October 2, 1997.
- Heart Shaped Rock: At this spot, you can observe many tide pools formed by the action of the tides, some of which have shaped the rocks into heart-like forms.
- Beach Point: An excellent ocean viewpoint with a small nearby parking area from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea.
- Asilomar Trail: A popular trail of about 3,7 miles that connects the coastline near Point Pinos Lighthouse to Sunset Beach, Asilomar State Beach, and Asilomar Conference Grounds. You can choose to hike only certain sections to admire the scenery and stretch your legs. It’s especially recommended to walk it at sunset.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
Built in 1855, Point Pinos Lighthouse is one of California’s oldest lighthouses and, to be precise, it’s the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the entire West Coast. This iconic lighthouse is set in a picturesque coastal landscape, making it a perfect spot for memorable photographs.
Its name dates back to the early Spanish explorers who named this area Punta de los Pinos due to the presence of the same-named characteristic pine trees that used to grow abundantly along the coast.
You can visit the lighthouse and discover its history, as well as the stories of the keepers who maintained it for over a century and a half before its automation in 1975. Notably, the first keeper, Charles Layton, who also served as a deputy sheriff, was killed by the notorious outlaw Anastacio Garcia while engaged in the pursuit of Garcia.
The lighthouse is open only on weekends with the following hours:
- Friday: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The cost to access the lighthouse is $7 for adults, $3 for youth aged 7 to 17, and free for children under 7 years old. Even if you can’t go inside, it’s still worth visiting this location for the captivating views it offers, especially at sunset.
Lovers Point Park and Beach
Lovers Point is a well-known promontory located on the coast of Pacific Grove, offering one of the most cherished and romantic views in the area. Lovers Point Park is a recommended spot for a leisurely stroll while the ocean waves crash against the rocks below. Here, you can certainly capture unforgettable photographs and relax before heading to the next stop on your itinerary.
In addition to the popular beach in this area, you can also find playgrounds, a children’s pool, the Beach House Restaurant, and outdoor picnic tables.
17- Mile Drive
While the 17 Mile Drive doesn’t entirely wind through the city of Pacific Grove, one of the access points to this famous scenic road is located here, at these coordinates. To drive along the 17-Mile Drive, there is a fee of $11.25 per vehicle, which can be reimbursed if you spend at least $35 at one of the restaurants within the Pebble Beach Resorts.
To discover the best attractions you’ll encounter along the route, you can read our in-depth guide dedicated to the 17-Mile Drive best stops.
Museums
If you want to learn more about the history and nature of this California region, visiting one of the city’s museums is definitely a recommended choice. Here are some options to choose from based on your interests.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
This museum offers interactive exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, including the flora, fauna, and geology of the area, as well as the history of the Native American populations that inhabited the region. You can also admire natural specimens and learn interesting details about the unique creatures and natural habitats that characterize Pacific Grove and its surroundings.
For those visiting the museum with children, there are many engaging activities tailored for the little ones, such as a treasure hunt and an outdoor area to discover fossils.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission costs $10 for adults and $6 for youth aged 4 to 18.
Pacific Grove Art Centre
A small museum where visitors can admire artworks, primarily by local artists but also international ones, with plenty of space dedicated to paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
Opening hours are as follows: Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free.
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the most fascinating attractions in Pacific Grove, where you can witness an exceptional natural spectacle. During the winter months, this garden becomes the home of Monarch butterflies that migrate to this sanctuary to escape the harsh cold.
As you walk among the trees covered with these butterflies, you can witness this event and discover interesting facts about these insects thanks to the numerous informational panels. On the official website, you can find a chart that describes the times of the year when you are most likely to see the butterflies. Keep in mind that the peak of their presence occurs from mid-October until the end of March.
You can access the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary every day from dawn to dusk, and admission is completely free.
For all butterfly enthusiasts and those curious about unique attractions, there’s also the Pacific Grove Butterfly House. This is a private residence belonging to an army veteran and artist known as “J,” who decorated the house personally to dedicate it to his muse and companion, Sonja. The house has been adorned with hundreds of colorful wooden butterflies by him, creating an effect that amazes all visitors passing by the property.
Places to Stay in Pacific Grove
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from if you decide to stay in Pacific Grove. Among these, we recommend the Sunset Inn Pacific Grove (133 Asilomar Boulevard). This establishment offers small apartments with everything you need to make your stay comfortable. Many of the rooms also have a hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring.
Other recommended options include the Butterfly Grove Inn (1073 Lighthouse Avenue), the Bide-A-Wee Inn and Cottages (221 Asilomar Avenue), and the Best Western The Inn & Suites (660 Dennett Street).
If you want to explore all the hotels available in the area, you can click on the link below.
