What to do and see in Pacific Grove, California (CA): The Best Free Things to do

September 5, 2021 Kiesha Cripe

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

Pacific Grove Oceanview Blvd., Pacific Grove, CA http://www.cityofpacificgrove.org
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 741 reviews

Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard

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

800 Asilomar Blvd South of Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-3704 +1 831-646-6440 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=566
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,041 reviews

Asilomar State Beach

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

1501 Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-2022
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Pacific Grove Shoreline Parkway Marine Refuge

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

Ocean View Blvd. at 17th Street, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 http://www.cityofpacificgrove.org
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 565 reviews

Lovers Point

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. Lovers Point Park

Ocean View Boulevard and 17th Street, Pacific Grove, CA +1 831-648-5730 http://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/living/recreation/parks/lovers-point-park
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 482 reviews

Lovers Point Park

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

6. Pacific Grove Certified Farmers' Market

Central Ave., Pacific Grove, CA +1 831-384-6961 http://everyonesharvest.org/farmers-markets/pacific-grove/
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Pacific Grove Certified Farmers' Market

7. Lover's Point Park

631 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-2230 +1 831-648-3143 https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/living/recreation/parks/lovers-point-park
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

Lover's Point Park

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

250 Ridge Road, one block west of the intersection of Lighthouse Avenue and 17 Mile Drive, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 +1 831-648-5716 [email protected] http://www.pgmuseum.org/
Excellent
48%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 446 reviews

Monarch Grove Sanctuary

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. John Denver Memorial

1275 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-2039
Excellent
31%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
31%
Poor
14%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 36 reviews

John Denver Memorial

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.

10. American Tin Cannery Factory Outlets

125 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-3046 +1 831-372-1442 http://www.canneryrow.com/shopping/factoryoutlets.html
Excellent
6%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
30%
Poor
20%
Terrible
22%
Overall Ratings

2.5 based on 54 reviews

American Tin Cannery Factory Outlets

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