Meet Pacific Grove
Meet Pacific Grove
WELCOME TO Pacific Grove, CA
In Pacific Grove, fog drifts over Victorian rooftops while butterflies gather in eucalyptus groves. Nicknamed America’s Last Hometown, this seaside village pairs small-town intimacy with ocean horizons. Wander storybook streets, catch the first light of sunrise at Lover’s Point Beach & Park, and let nature guide a slower pace.
Historic Downtown
Exploring downtown feels like a step back in time. Giant eucalyptus trees scent the air, and Victorian storefronts still frame Lighthouse Avenue. Step into Aliotti's Victorian Corner for a cozy breakfast, or grab a hearty deli sandwich at Compagno’s Market, a local fixture since the 1890s. Spend the afternoon exploring the streets lined with eclectic shops, galleries and locally-owned restaurants.
Discover Historic DownTownEXPLORE Pacific Grove, CA
From sunrise at Lover’s Point Beach & Park to sunset along the trails at Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove’s shoreline is coastal magic. Inland, the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary fills with thousands of butterflies each fall and winter, while the Point Pinos Lighthouse has guided mariners since 1855.
PLACES TO STAY IN Pacific Grove
Stay at the Green Gables Inn, where bay windows open to sweeping ocean views. Around town, cozy B&Bs like the Gosby House Inn or Seven Gables Inn carry forward the town’s heritage charm and stunning seaside views.
Green Gables Inn
Centrella Hotel
Butterfly Grove Inn
Monterey Peninsula Inn
Upcoming Events in Pacific Grove
Seasonal traditions keep Pacific Grove’s small-town spirit alive. Spring welcomes the Good Old Days Festival, complete with parades and live music. In October, the Butterfly Parade & Bazaar celebrates the return of monarchs with costumes and community festivities, and the weekly Pacific Grove Certified Farmers Market brings fresh flavors to Lighthouse Avenue year-round.
Things to do in Pacific Grove
Watch monarchs cluster by the thousands in the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, or tee off at the famous Pacific Grove Golf Links, where ocean breezes meet vintage fairways. Climb the lantern-lit staircase of the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest operating on the West Coast, then explore tidepools at Lover’s Point or cycle the Coastal Recreation Trail.
Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
The Monarch Butterflies arrive in October to cluster together on the pines and eucalyptus trees of the Sanctuary. Come and view the butterflies.
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Pacific Grove Golf Links
Situated on the tip of the scenic Monterey Peninsula, overlooking Point Pinos and the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Grove Golf Links is a historic, 18-hole golf course featuring both parkland and links-style nines.
Golf Links
Point Pinos Lighthouse
Oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Since February 1, 1855, its beacon has flashed nightly as a guide and warning to shipping off the rocky California coast.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
Lovers Point
Since the late 1800s, Lovers Point Park and Beach have been a popular spot for lounging, walking, kayaking, swimming, and, over recent decades, surfing. Lovers Point Park has, above all, become Pacific Grove's best-loved spot for picnics, plein air painting and scenic photography.
Lovers Point
PLACES TO EAT
IN Pacific Grove
Dining in Pacific Grove strikes a balance between cozy charm and culinary prowess. Passionfish leads the way as an award-winning pioneer of the sustainable seafood movement, while cozy cafés, home-style Italian, and Mediterranean classics like Fandango round out the scene. And wine lovers rejoice: you'll find award-winning vintages and superb lists aplenty.
Julia's Vegetarian Restaurant
Aliotti's Victorian Corner Restaurant
Wild Fish Restaurant
Michael's Grill & Taqueria Pacific Grove
Pick Your Path
Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:
Pacific Grove: Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip? Start with these common questions.
October through February, when thousands cluster in the Monarch Sanctuary.
At the Point Pinos Lighthouse, still shining since 1855.
Yes. The compact downtown and Coastal Recreation Trail make it easy to explore on foot.
Yes. It’s a favorite for picnics, tidepooling, kayaking and gentle swimming.
Pacific Grove Golf Links offers oceanfront fairways at approachable rates.
Pacific Grove Directory
Plan your visit with complete listings of lodging, dining, and attractions, from butterfly groves to oceanfront golf.
Colette’s Ice Cream
George Washington Park
Mermaid House at Lovers Point Inn
Asilomar Conference Grounds
Need some inspo?
Looking for travel inspiration? Our blog is packed with insider tips, destination guides and local stories to help you make the most of your Monterey adventure.
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