Location: Pacific Grove
Top Things to do in Pacific Grove
10 Things to do in Pacific Grove That You Shouldn't Miss
Pacific Grove is a coastal city in Monterey County, California in the United States. The United States Census Bureau estimated its 2013 population at 15,504. Pacific Grove is located between Point Pinos and Monterey.
Restaurants in Pacific Grove
1. Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 741 reviews
Reviewed By SFantle101 - Bellevue, United States
This is a beautiful alternative (or complement) to 17 Mile Drive; much less traffic and still great views any time of day. Take the time for a relaxing walk and you'll be rewarded with serenity.
2. Asilomar State Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,041 reviews
The name of this State Beach means "a refuge by the sea," which describes the breathtaking views of forest, surf and sand on more than 105 secluded acres of scenic forest and sand dunes.
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
This State Beach starts at Lover’s Point and follows Ocean View Blvd around Pacific Grove to Sunset Dr and ends at Asilomar Beach. There is a something for everyone: nice boardwalks, footpaths, expansive tide pools at low tide, large crashing waves, lots of wildlife including sea otters, Pacific harbor seals, and lots of life in tide pools to explore. There are lots of benches to sit on and lots of rocks to climb at the right tide. Off shore you might see Humpback whales breaching, dolphins, or in winter time Gray whales. We have driven along the coast many times, taken many walks over the years and it’s always been an amazing place to hang and out enjoy nature. The weather can change a lot. Take and have with you layered clothing. The day after Thanksgiving was beautiful and sunny with no wind. Other times it has been extremely windy and cold.
3. Pacific Grove Shoreline Parkway Marine Refuge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We returned to Pacific Grove and loved seeing the views, watching the birds, seeing the fishing boats, and seeing the sea lions at Pacific Grove Shoreline Parkway Marina Refuge. We went during the day and also enjoyed sunsets. It was busy as it was Labor Day Weekend. This is also a perfect place to take a walk.
4. Lovers Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Reviewed By krysheila99
This is a definite must place to visit with or without children. A nice place to enjoy one on one time with your soulmate or awful nice place to enjoy with family my grandkids totally enjoyed the beach and also the park they have you can rent bikes you can rent Kayaks. The view is beautiful
5. Point Pinos Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
The oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast.
Reviewed By RRP807
Worth the small entrance fee. Very informative / Two very knowledgeable volunteers inside lighthouse to answer any questions you might have. This lighthouse is in great condition. Me and my wife spent about 45 minutes in the lighthouse and walking around the grounds.Bathrooms are available.
6. Lovers Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 482 reviews
Reviewed By littleezmi - San Pablo, United States
Park is small but water super clear. You will see dogs walking the park area and your able to walk down to the beach and see a big rock in the middle. People go their to take modeling pictures. Nice place to sit and chill but I would say to swim since I bet it can get pack since it’s a small place No parking fee but small parking lot. Dogs are allowed on park
7. Lover's Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By MzSandy - Berkeley, United States
This spot is not to be missed when you visit the area. Take a latte or a picnic lunch and sit on a bench right at the most beautiful coast in California...just to the south of Hopkins Marine Station (Stanford's) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
8. Monarch Grove Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 446 reviews
The Monarch Sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset, but volunteer monarch docents, who assist with the viewing of monarchs and can answer questions about the butterflies and their migration, are only there from 12pm-3pm as available. It is highly recommended that you go to the Sanctuary when a docent is present. There is no charge to visit the Sanctuary, but donations are accepted.The Monarchs arrive in the Sanctuary towards the end of October, and leave around the beginning of March. The monarch population peaks the week after Thanksgiving. The monarch migration to Pacific Grove is so inspiring that Pacific Grove is nicknamed "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." The community has always welcomed the butterflies and sought their protection. Citizens of Pacific Grove voted to create an additional tax to create the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, led by dedicated volunteers.The volunteers at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary are from the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. The Museum, which is just about mile away from the Sanctuary, has a large exhibition on monarch butterflies containing videos and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. As both the Museum and Sanctuary are free, it's great to pair them together to get the most out of your experience to the monarch Sanctuary.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We saw only three monarch butterflies, but they were beautiful. We did enjoy walking in the area and reading the information signs about the monarch butterflies. We went in mid February. There is a sign in the area where it says which months are best for seeing more butterflies. Its also best to come between 12 and 3. There is some limited free parking nearby.
9. Butterfly House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 783myrnaj - Concord, United States
Really loved seeing this home today which was decorated with bright and colorful butterflies. It made me happy.
10. John Denver Memorial
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By DebWong51
Yes, it took a few minutes to find the John Denver memorial. There was another plaque on a rock close by. It was almost like a game to find it, but once we did , we thought it was quite a touching tribute. I am posting a photo of the plaque in Oct. 2019, to give a better idea of how to find it. The day we visited the memorial, we spoke with a couple of local John Denver fans who were also there. One was playing John Denver music on her car stereo. They told us that every October 28 there is a gathering around the plaque and the carved log, to honor the artist. BUT the log somehow got moved in the past few storms, winding up about 70 feet from the plaque. Mike & I tried to lift the log, but couldn't. Really a formality, though, as Denver's plane crashed further up the beach, and not on that exact spot. If you are in Pacific Grove and a big John Denver fan, well worth the trouble to visit.
