Set at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula on the Central California Coast, Pacific Grove is one of those small towns that captures California charm and coastal relaxation. I’ve visited the Monterey area dozens of times as a California local, but never stayed in Pacific Grove until now.
What I found was a tight-knit community with a love for their town, incredible restaurants, a brand-new hotel, and unmatched access to the sea. I’d previously spent just an afternoon in Pacific Grove at the iconic Lovers Point, so I had never truly explored the town itself. What drew me to finally come stay was the newest hotel on the Peninsula, the Kimpton Mirador, set between Pacific Grove’s downtown and the ocean.
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On one side of the hotel, the charming Lighthouse Avenue is lined with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, home to restaurants, quirky antique stores, and a handful of cafes. A few blocks the other way, turquoise coves are abundant with local sea life, and a stunning coastal trail takes you around the peninsula. What’s not to love?
The best part is that all of this is within walking distance. I found Pacific Grove to be the best of both worlds. You could park your car, eat at a local spot like Wild Fish, and then soak in the sunset on the Pacific.
All of these are reasons to plan a weekend in Pacific Grove. The town is incredibly family-friendly, puts you right in the center of the Monterey Peninsula, and with endless ways to get outdoors, I think you’ll appreciate just how accessible Pacific Grove is. Read on for my guide to the best things to do in Pacific Grove, where to stay, eat, and play.
This guide was created in partnership with See Monterey, who sponsored my time in Pacific Grove. As always, all opinions are my own.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Pacific Grove:
Pacific Grove is small and walkable, so anywhere you stay puts you close to the coast, downtown, and the best of the Monterey Peninsula.
Hotels
- Kimpton Mirador ($$ / Where I Stayed), for the best new modern boutique hotel in Pacific Grove with an on-site restaurant
- Gosby House Inn ($$), for the best historic Victorian B&B on Pacific Grove’s main street
- Green Gables Inn, A Four Sisters Inn ($$), for the best oceanfront B&B with panoramic Monterey Bay views
Travel Tips
- Rent a Car for the Peninsula — You’ll need a car to get to Pacific Grove and to explore the surrounding Monterey area, including 17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Booking.com here.
- Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — If you’re visiting from abroad, reliable cell data makes navigating the coast so much easier. We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel and recommend installing your eSIM before arrival so maps and directions work the moment you land. Pre-Purchase your Holafly eSIM here.
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
Planning a bigger trip along the coast? Check out my guides to the best things to do in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, and Big Sur. I also have a full 72-hour Monterey County itinerary that covers the whole peninsula.
The Best Things to Do in Pacific Grove, California:
A Complete Travel Guide
What to Know Before You Visit Pacific Grove
Is Pacific Grove Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Pacific Grove is a gem of a town along the Monterey Peninsula, with all the charm of a small coastal community and incredible access to the Pacific Ocean. The town works beautifully as a weekend trip from anywhere in California, or as a stop on a larger coastal road trip.
How Much Time Do You Need in Pacific Grove?
To see Pacific Grove itself, I’d give yourself two days. That’s enough time to explore the town, take the coastal walks, and spend time at the beaches. To visit the greater Monterey area, though, I’d recommend at least three nights. You’ll want an extra day to explore Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Carmel Valley.
Is Pacific Grove Walkable?
You’ll need a car to get to Pacific Grove and to explore the surrounding Monterey area. Once you’re here, though, downtown Pacific Grove is very walkable. Several restaurants, shops, and coastal trails are all within easy reach on foot.
Travel Tip: The best way to explore California is by driving yourself. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Booking.com here.
Does Pacific Grove Make a Good Base for Exploring Monterey County?
Yes! Pacific Grove is a wonderful home base for the greater Monterey County area. Downtown Monterey is only 10 minutes away, home to Cannery Row and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Carmel-by-the-Sea is about 15–20 minutes south, known for its charming village-like feel. And the wine region of Carmel Valley is about 25–30 minutes away.
What is the Best Time to Visit Pacific Grove?
Pacific Grove is lovely year-round, but each season brings something different. Late spring through early fall (May to October) tends to have the best weather for coastal walks and beach time, though morning fog is common in summer. Wildflowers bloom along the coastline in spring. If you want to see the monarch butterflies, plan your visit between October and February, when they cluster at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary. Whale watching from Monterey Bay is also best during the winter months.
What is Pacific Grove Known For?
Pacific Grove has a fascinating history. Founded in 1875 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, the town began as a summer religious retreat along Monterey Bay. Visitors camped in tents for revival meetings and lectures. As rail travel expanded in the late 1800s through the Southern Pacific Railroad, the town grew into a seaside resort filled with Victorian homes and hotels. Pacific Grove was officially incorporated in 1889, and in 1892, Stanford University established the Hopkins Marine Station, making the area an important center for marine research.
Today, Pacific Grove is best known as “Butterfly Town, USA.” You’ll notice butterfly signs and decorations everywhere. The town has protected wintering monarch butterfly populations at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary for generations, and there’s actually a city ordinance with a $1,000 fine for disturbing them. Pacific Grove is also home to Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, in operation since 1855.
What’s the Difference Between Pacific Grove and Monterey?
The two towns sit right next to each other, and you can drive between them in about 10 minutes. Monterey is the bigger, busier of the two, with Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and more of a tourist hub feel. Pacific Grove is quieter and more residential. The pace is slower, the streets are lined with Victorian cottages, and the coastline feels less crowded. I love both, but Pacific Grove is where I go when I want to slow down.
Where to Stay in Pacific Grove, California
Where I Stayed: Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove
As the newest hotel to open in Pacific Grove, Kimpton Mirador is a chic boutique hotel just a few blocks off the coast and right in the heart of downtown. The hotel feels fresh and modern, with all the touchpoints that make a Kimpton property so great: wonderful service, sleek design, and always a solid restaurant. The Spanish Revival building has a lovely courtyard with a daily happy hour included, featuring local wines. I really enjoyed staying here, and the complimentary PUBLIC Bikes you can use to explore are an added plus!
Other Hotels in Pacific Grove
If you’re not able to get a room at the Kimpton, a few other accommodation options in Pacific Grove are worth looking into.
- Gosby House Inn ($$) — A beautifully restored Victorian bed and breakfast right on Lighthouse Avenue. The rooms are cozy and old-world, and the inn has real character. A great pick if you love historic stays.
- Green Gables Inn, A Four Sisters Inn ($$) — Perched right along the waterfront near Lovers Point, this is one of the most scenic spots to stay in Pacific Grove. The ocean views from the main house are stunning.
Best Things to Do in Pacific Grove, California
Pacific Grove is small, but there’s so much packed into this little coastal town. Here are the things I loved most and what I’d recommend doing on your visit.
Stroll to Lovers Point Park
When it comes to the most idyllic spot in Pacific Grove, Lovers Point Park is it. Set at the southern end of the Monterey Bay and a few blocks from downtown, Lovers Point State Marine Reserve is one of four small marine protected areas along this stretch of coast. The park is home to grassy picnic areas and two beaches, separated by a wall, each with its own access.
Lovers Point is a favorite spot for me, both for sunset and for sitting out on the beach. The area is one of the only beach spots close to downtown, and I’d recommend grabbing some food to go or a coffee and heading down to the water. Come sunset, the views across the bay are beautiful. Keep your eyes out for sea otters, seals, and whales in the distance! Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular here if you want to get out on the water.
Explore the 17-Mile Drive by E-bike with Big Sur Adventures
One of my favorite things I’ve done in Pacific Grove is renting an e-bike with Big Sur Adventures. You can rent a bike for a half-day or a full-day, and the rental includes a helmet and a small bag for storage. When you pick up your e-bike, they’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using it, as well as how to use the lock if you want to get off and explore.
To ride through the 17-Mile Drive, the best spot to pick up the bike is at their 17-Mile Drive Location, which puts you right at the entrance. You don’t have to pay to access the 17-Mile Drive when going by bike, which makes the whole experience even better.
I spent over 2.5 hours putzing around the incredible coastal drive on my e-bike. I’ve driven it countless times, but I have to say, by bike is so much better. You can stop at many places along the way. There are officially 17 numbered scenic stops, and my favorites are Spanish Bay, the Lone Cypress, and Seal Rock.
Explore Downtown Pacific Grove
Dating back to the 1900s, downtown Pacific Grove has all of the charm of a small town. The area has been rated one of the top small towns in the US for its coastal character and Victorian-style homes. There’s a lot to enjoy here, with dozens of shops and restaurants along a walkable street. I spent a few hours and discovered a handful of gems I’d recommend seeking out.
- Studio 171 — A sweet, locally run art store and boutique. They offer glass art classes where you can create your own designs, and then they fire them in their kiln for you to take home. Classes start at $40 per adult and $35 per kid.
- The Quill — One of my favorite stops. A stationery store with everything from postcards and wrapping paper to stickers. Lovely gift store, and I came back with a handful of things.
- Saint Addiction — An incredibly well-curated men’s store in downtown. They carry everything from shoes to button-down shirts.
- Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History — A great spot to bring the kids. I popped in here quickly to poke around, and there are several interactive spaces and a wonderful back garden.
Get a Coffee and Shop for Books at Bookworks
Part coffee shop, part bookstore, Bookworks is a gem of a local store right in the heart of downtown Pacific Grove. I popped in mid-morning, grabbed a coffee, and then strolled over to the bookstore side. There’s a lovely section for kids as well, with a great selection of books and even some arts and craft gifts to browse.
Drive Ocean View Boulevard
Ocean View Boulevard is one of those scenic drives that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. The road hugs the coast from Lovers Point all the way toward Asilomar State Beach, with pulloffs where you can stop and take in the views. I love driving it slowly, windows down, especially in the late afternoon when the light hits the water. The route also connects many of the best spots in Pacific Grove, so you’ll likely end up on it more than once.
Walk or Bike the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
If I had to pick one area of Monterey Bay to get outside first, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail would be it. The trail is a paved path that stretches 18 miles along the bay, with a large portion running through the Pacific Grove area.
You can walk or take a bike (Kimpton has bikes to use!) and go for a ride or stroll. I love beginning at the Hopkins Marine Life Refuge, which has a harbor seal observation area. Sometimes there are volunteers who lend binoculars so you can see the harbor seal pups from afar.
From there, I’d continue through Berwick Park, a great spot to stop and look for sea otters floating just offshore. After that, head through Lovers Point and then onto Perkins Park. Perkins Park is famous for its “Purple Carpet” that occurs each spring, when ice plants cover the walkways in incredibly bright purple flowers. You’ll have to time it right to see this!
Catch the Pacific Grove Farmers Market
The Everyone’s Harvest Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is a weekly market that happens every Monday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (winter hours are 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM) right in the downtown area. I happened to be in town on a Monday and had a chance to pop in. There were about a half dozen food trucks, a dozen-plus local vendors, and a big green space to enjoy food and hang out. The whole thing had that lovely local-town feel to it. If you’re in town on a Monday, I’d recommend going.
Go Antiquing
If you love antiques, Pacific Grove has several antique and vintage stores to explore. I found myself getting completely immersed at Pickings Antiques one morning, thumbing through their vintage postcards. I had never seen such a collection of incredible postcards, from California to Europe. Here’s a quick list of antique stores in Pacific Grove worth checking out:
- Reincarnation, for vintage clothing
- Spirals, for consignment
- Pickings Antiques, for retro vintage
- Vinyl Revolution, for records
- Habitat, for antiques and vintage finds
- The Grove Emporium, for a wildly large antique store!
Catch the Butterflies at Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
You’ll see Monarch butterfly signs and decorations all over Pacific Grove. The town is officially nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA,” and there’s even a $1,000 fine for disturbing the monarchs. Pacific Grove is their migration spot, with the butterflies starting to arrive in mid-October and peak season running from November through January. If you’re here during that window, head right over to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. The sanctuary is completely free to enter, and the tall grove of eucalyptus trees houses massive clusters of these migrating butterflies. I’ve seen it once on a previous trip, and the experience is really incredible.
Visit Point Pinos Lighthouse
Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, dating back to 1855. The lighthouse sits at the tip of the Pacific Grove peninsula and is open to visitors on weekends. I’ve driven past it dozens of times over the years, and the setting alone is worth the stop. The surrounding area is beautiful for a short walk, with rocky coastline views in every direction.
Go Tide Pooling at Asilomar State Beach
About a mile long, Asilomar State Beach is home to some of the best tide pools in Monterey Bay. The Great Tide Pool is the main draw, and the surrounding area has several walking trails and paths that lead along the coast. The beach is also part of the larger Asilomar Conference Grounds, where you can walk past the original buildings designed by architect Julia Morgan. The boardwalk through the dunes preserve is a quiet, beautiful detour.
If you go tide pooling, please remember to walk carefully. These pools are home to living creatures. Do not touch or remove sea life, and just observe with your eyes. An entire world lives under the surface here, and if you time it with low tide, the pools are abundant with creatures. I spent two hours as an adult, just hopping from one tide pool to another. You’ll spot starfish, hermit crabs, molluscs, and, if you’re lucky, even octopuses.
The Best Pacific Grove Restaurants
Pacific Grove has a surprisingly great food scene for a small town. Here are the restaurants I tried and loved.
Wild Fish
A very sweet, local restaurant, Wild Fish has all things seafood sourced from the Monterey Bay. Think fresh ceviche, oysters on the half shell, and tuna tostadas. You can easily walk in for lunch during the week, but I’d make a reservation for peak hours.
Passionfish
Passionfish is the spot for upscale seafood in downtown Pacific Grove. You’ll need a reservation, and the dining room was packed even mid-week. I tried their famous scallops topped with truffle butter, which were absolutely delicious. Don’t skip the housemade biscuit.
First Awakenings
Brunch and breakfast are the highlights of First Awakenings, one of the top weekend spots in Pacific Grove. I drove by on a Saturday, and the line wrapped around the corner. I came in on a Monday and got a seat right away. I’d try anything on the menu. My chili omelet and hash browns were great.
Happy Girl Kitchen
I’ve had Happy Girl Kitchen fermented products like pickles and cabbage from other stores, so getting to visit the actual restaurant and shop was so fun. One side is a cafe with a rotating, mostly vegetarian menu. The other is their store where you can shop all of the products.
The Caledonian
The newest restaurant in Pacific Grove, The Caledonian sits inside the Kimpton Mirador and is a chic, American-dining spot. I absolutely adored the interior here, very elevated and sleek, plus a fantastic bar with a happy hour each day. The cocktails are creative, the food is beautifully plated, and the menu covers everything from seafood to local produce.
Fandango
The best way I can describe Fandango is old-world and classic cuisine, with the most charming interior design. The food was impeccably done. I had the lamb ribs, cooked to perfection literally in front of my eyes on the grill that sits in the center of the dining room. Don’t skip the soufflé, served tableside.
Winston’s Brunch Place
A lovely brunch spot in downtown Pacific Grove, Winston’s has some fun breakfast dishes. The one recommended to me was their fluffy ricotta pancakes with lemon curd. They were excellent.
Hops and Fog Brewing Company
For a fresh pint of beer, head straight to Hops and Fog Brewing Company. This local microbrewery brews its own beer and has other California beers on tap. Fun fact: Hops and Fog was the first brewery to open in Pacific Grove. I didn’t get a chance to try their food, but the pizza looked incredible.
Captain + Stoker
Captain + Stoker, my go-to coffee spot in Monterey County, opened a location in Pacific Grove. There are no seats here, so grab a coffee to go and head out on a stroll through town or down to Lovers Point.
Where to Day Trip from Pacific Grove, California
Pacific Grove makes an ideal home base for exploring the Monterey Peninsula. You’ll have endless places to discover nearby.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
The next closest town down the coast is the charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. I can best describe it as a fairytale village with whimsical architecture and storybook streets. It’s one of my favorite Central Coast towns, with a few streets full of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Pop in for a few hours, stroll Ocean Avenue, and grab a bite at Nora’s or La Bicyclette.
Big Sur
About an hour further down the coast, you can make the drive to Big Sur. The area is home to state parks, sprawling ocean views, and cliffs with incredible viewpoints. Head to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for hiking, stop into Nepenthe for sunset drinks, and have a meal at Deetjen’s.
Monterey
Staying in Pacific Grove means you’re just 10 minutes from Monterey. The town is home to Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium (a must for all ages!), and the wharf area. You’ll find wonderful local eateries and cafes like Ocean Sushi Deli and Stokes Adobe. Monterey is a very family-friendly town to visit.
Carmel Valley
For those looking for wine and spa, head straight to Carmel Valley. Some of my favorite California wineries are here, like Folktale Winery and Holman Ranch (reservations needed). On your way into the valley, don’t miss a stop at Earthbound Farms for lunch and soft-serve. For a spa day, book in at Refuge Spa. The facility is one of the largest outdoor co-ed spas in America, with cold and hot pools alongside cedar saunas.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
