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    You would never tire of driving the 99 miles of Monterey County coastline in either direction. But as hard as it might be to take your eyes or mind off the...more
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36 Hours in Pacific Grove

Ever wanted to escape from your car for a weekend? Charming Pacific Grove, with its dollhouse-like Victorian buildings and Main Street, USA feel, is the perfect spot for a 36-hour, car-free, surprisingly affordable getaway. Every corner of Pacific Grove is easily reached by foot or by bicycle. Feel the tension slip away as you watch the world go by at a much slower pace.

Friday

7:30pm: Dinner

Stash your bags at your Pacific Grove hotel or inn and make your way over to Passionfish for dinner. Passionfish's sustainable seafood focus made it Monterey County's first "green" restaurant. It's not just notable because of its environmental angle, however. This much-lauded restaurant has won the Monterey County Weekly's "Best Pacific Grove Restaurant" award four years in a row. Its wine list has received Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence and its selections are surprisingly affordable.

Snuggle down after dinner; you've got an early tee time tomorrow!

Saturday

6:30am: Breakfast

Power up for 18 holes with a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast at Toasties Cafe. The diverse menu ranges from old-fashioned favorites like pancakes and ham and eggs to seven varieties of eggs Benedict and more unusual selections like breakfast burritos and blintzes, providing something to please every palate.

7:30am: Tee time

Now that you've fueled up, it's time for a round of golf on a course with spectacular views of the California surf and holes designed by Jack Neville, as well as some spectacularly low greens fees. No, we don't mean the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links just a few miles down the road; we're talking about Pacific Grove's own municipal golf course, Pacific Grove Golf Links. Designed in 1932, this well-preserved golf course will give you a feel for the game as it was played in the days of bygone legends Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Gene Sarazen. Greens fees for non-residents for a full 18 are only $68 Friday through Sunday.

Noon: Clubhouse lunch

Watch the ocean, your fellow duffers, and the occasional deer through the window at the Point Pinos Grill, located in the clubhouse at the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links. With comfort food favorites like an old-fashioned tuna melt, tasty grilled cheese and fish and chips, the menu selections are sure to hit the spot.

1pm: Historic lighthouse

Point Pinos Grill is located directly across from Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lightstation on the West Coast. This Pacific Grove lighthouse has become a symbol of the community. The interpretive tour will teach you about the history of the lighthouse as well as the history of Pacific Grove, and the requested donation is only $2.

2pm: Surf stroll

Let the sound of the surf wash away any remaining stress as you take a stroll on Asilomar State Beach. The wheelchair-accessible walking trail along the beach is an easy but beautiful walk, and the quarter-mile boardwalk through Asilomar Natural Dune Preserve provides an introduction to this unique ecosystem. If you have the chance, explore the Asilomar Conference Grounds, designed by famed architect Julia Morgan.

3pm: Window shopping

Now that you've gotten in touch with nature, unleash your shopping side with a meander around downtown Pacific Grove. Many unique boutiques are clustered within a few blocks of the intersection of Lighthouse Avenue and Forest Avenue. The area's compact size and broad sidewalks make for an easy walk, while its enchanting architecture and great stores provide plenty of eye candy.

7pm: Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at Peppers Mexicali Cafe. Southwestern favorites and the freshest of local ingredients combine for a truly exceptional dining experience. Make sure to leave room for a margarita or dessert; you've earned it after your day on foot.

Sunday

10:30am: Butterfly kingdom

If you're in Pacific Grove between October and February, you're in for a treat. Pacific Grove has earned its nickname "Butterfly Town, USA" by being one of the most popular wintering-over spots for the beautiful Monarch butterfly. To protect these fragile creatures, the town created the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary, protecting their favorite winter home. If you don't have binoculars, volunteers at the sanctuary often have some to share. Just don't touch these flying beauties; "molestation of butterflies" is punishable by a $1,000 fine.

11:30am: Brunch

Pacific Grove's Fandango Restaurant has perfected the art of brunch. Offering traditional favorites like eggs Benedict, French toast and Belgian waffles side-by-side with Basque salad, pasta puttanesca, paella, and Pacific Grove's local specialty, filet of sanddabs, Fandango has covered all the bases, and its setting in the middle of Pacific Grove's commercial district will allow you a last wistful look before you have to say farewell.