Pacific Grove is the perfect weekend getaway, where charming Victorian buildings and a quaint Main Street set the scene. With everything easily accessible by foot or bike, you’ll slow down, take in the sights, and feel the stress melt away in this coastal gem.
Day 1
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 multiple 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!
Day 2
Breakfast & Tee Time
Kick off your morning with a delicious breakfast at The Grill at Point Pinos, where you can enjoy traditional favorites or grab a quick espresso and bite to go. Then, tee off at Pacific Grove Golf Links, a hidden gem with stunning coastal views and holes affordable green fees. This municipal course offers a fantastic golf experience in a breathtaking setting!
Lunch
After your round, head to Fishwife at Asilomar Beach for some lunch. Cool off with one of their signature drinks like the Fishwife's Old Fashioned or Millionaire's Hibiscus Margarita. Enjoy fresh seafood starters, fish and chips and pasta.
Lighthouse Tour
A short distance away, Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating light station on the West Coast. This Pacific Grove lighthouse has become a symbol of the community. Since 1855, its beacon has flashed nightly as a guide and warning to shipping off the rocky California coast. The lighthouse is open for daily tours. Learn more here.
Oceanside 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.
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.
Dinner
For exquisite dishes that celebrate the rich bounty of local, seasonal ingredients at Spotted Duck Restaurant. The menu changes steadily according to harvest. Looking for a cozy Italian spot? Check out Rudolfo's and enjoy fresh pizza, pasta, local wine and craft beer. Another great option is Vivolo's Chowder House. Vivolo’s Chowder House is known for not only for their authentic and award winning chowder, but also for their fresh local seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Post Dinner Fun
Looking to check out other fun places in Pacific Grove? After dinner have a drink at Hops & Fog, Pacific Grove's first brewing company! Have a drink on the patio next to the fire pit and check out the awesome octopus mural. Afterwards, head to Pop & Hiss, to listen to live music and check out all the vinyls.
Day 3
Butterfly Sanctuary
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.
Lunch
California Seltzer Co. is located in the heart of Pacific Grove overlooking Lover's Point. This is a great spot to enjoy unique flavors of hard seltzers, wood fire oven pizza, a variety of salads and pastries from local bakeries.
Outdoor Recreation
Work off the lunch with an exhilarating bike ride from Lovers Point to Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf and beyond. Pick up your rental bikes at Adventures by the Sea at Lovers Point and set off on the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretching from Castroville to Pebble Beach. Adventures by the Sea also offers kayak, boogie board and stand-up paddleboard rentals for those looking to get out on the bay. You're bound to find an array of local creatures including sea otters, sea lions and dolphins.
Snacktime
Before heading out, stop by the Lovers Point Beach Cafe (just downstairs from the Beach House Restaurant). Here you can grab a tasty snack and soak in the ocean views this quaint cafe has to offer. A signature acai bowl, panini or bacon waffle is sure to end your trip on a high note.