Pacific Grove is one of the most charming little towns on the California coast — quiet, historic, filled with pastel Victorian homes, tide pools, oceanfront walking paths, and that classic Monterey Bay bright blue water. It’s the perfect destination if you’re looking for something slower and more peaceful than downtown Monterey, but still close to all the major sights on the peninsula.
Whether you’re here for a weekend, a cozy B&B stay, or just a day trip, Pacific Grove has plenty to explore: scenic beaches, coastal trails, tide pools, cute coffee shops, and historic architecture everywhere you walk! This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Quick Deets: What To KNow Before Exploring Pacific Grove
- Where Is Pacific Grove?
- The Northern edge of the Monterey Peninsula, between Monterey, Pebble Beach & Carmel. It’s about 2 hours from San Francisco, and 1-1.5 hours from San Jose.
- Best Time to Visit?
- Come March – October for sunny coastal days; June – September for the warmest weather; and November – February for monarch butterfly season.
- What’s The Weather Like?
- The weather is quite mild year-round – mostly foggy mornings, sunny afternoons in the 60s – 70s °F, and breezy, crisp evenings. The winters stay around the 50s – 60s °F.
- Who Should Visit?
- Pacific Grove is great for slow travelers, couples, photographers, coastal walkers, tide-pool lovers, and anyone wanting a peaceful base near Monterey & Carmel.
- What to Pack?
- Layers for changing weather, light jacket or windbreaker, comfy sneakers, shoes with grip for tide pooling, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- How Long Should I Stay?
- It’s perfect for a 1-2 night escape.
How to Get to Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove sits along the northern edge of the Monterey Peninsula and is extremely easy to get to. Most visitors fly into the Bay Area, either to San Jose (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO), and then drive the 1.5–2.5 hours down the coast. If you want the easiest airport, closest to Pacific Grove, the Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is just 15 minutes away, and there’s actually several major airlines that fly in daily.
Having a car makes everything easier, especially if you plan on exploring Carmel, Big Sur, or the full coastline. Parking in Pacific Grove is generally very easy — most areas around Lovers Point, downtown, and Asilomar offer free street parking.
How to Get Around
Pacific Grove is one of the most walkable towns on the peninsula. It’s quite easy to find parking in town, and from there, it’s a short walk to the beach, the Victorian neighborhoods, restaurants, cafés, and the entire Lovers Point trail. You’ll need a car to get to 17-Mile Drive, Carmel, Asilomar, and any Big Sur outings you add on. But, if you plan to only stay in Pacific Grove, you don’t necessarily need a car, just helps in getting there!
While in town, you can always rely on Uber & Lyfts, though it is a small city, so be prepared for longer waits in the early morning or late at night.
When to Visit Pacific Grove
Spring through fall is the best time to visit if you’re looking for that sunny weather, bright blue water, and great tide pooling. Summer brings the warmest temperatures, but it’s likely some of the classic Monterey fog will be out in the mornings.
Come during winter for a more peaceful, quiet time. It’s incredibly beautiful if you time it with the monarch butterfly season — from November to February, thousands cluster in the eucalyptus trees at the sanctuary.
No matter the season, the coastline is always dramatic and walkable, and the weather is quite mild all year long.
Where to Eat & Drink in Pacific Grove
Coffee & Breakfast
- Captain + Stoker Coffee Roasters
- A Pacific Grove staple and the perfect way to start your day. Great lattes, house-made syrups, fun seasonal drinks, and a bright, airy aesthetic. One of the best roasts in the area.
- Pavel’s Bakery (Only Open Saturdays!)
- If you’re here on a Saturday, this is non-negotiable. The pastries are incredible — croissants, danishes, morning buns. The line starts to form early, but even if you arrive and it’s long, it does move quickly. Grab a box and walk down to Lovers Point. But be aware, it’s cash only!
- BookWorks
- A little bookstore + café hybrid that feels very Pacific Grove. Great for an easy, slow morning if you want to sit inside with a latte and people-watch.
Lunch & Casual Bites
- Red House Café, $$
- A Pacific Grove classic — cozy, charming, and always good. Sandwiches, salads, soups, and daily specials. Great for a midday stop if you’re walking around downtown.
- Poppy Hall, $$
- If you’re looking for something nice but not too formal, Poppy Hall is a great in-between. It has a modern, seasonal menu with fun dishes and fresh flavors.
- Wild Fish, $$$
- Want something that feels a bit more nice? Check out Wild Fish for a seafood-forward menu and a smaller dining room with a cozy, warm feel. They’re also open for dinner, and if you make it there on a weekend, you might just be treated with some live jazz!
Dinner Spots
- Sardine Factory (Monterey), $$$$
- A Monterey institution that is absolutely beautiful, and worth the price tag. Think white-tablecloth seafood, classic dishes, and a very Old-California atmosphere. Great for celebrating a special occasion.
- Cella (Pacific Grove), $$$
- Beautiful interior and seasonal small plates with a creative twist. Great cocktails and a cozy vibe — one of the newer spots making a name for itself.
- Montrio (Monterey), $$$
- Upscale American with excellent cocktails. Good for a nicer night out without feeling overly formal.
- Medici, $
- A casual pizza stop in Monterey — not fancy, but good if you want something quick and easy.
Best Things to Do in Pacific Grove
There really is no shortage of beautiful, easy-to-explore spots in Pacific Grove, and most of them are tucked within a few peaceful blocks of each other. It’s small size makes it incredibly fun to wander around and explore!
Here’s some of my personal favorite things to do while you’re in town!
Lovers Point Park & the Coastal Trail
Lovers Point is the place where I immediately fell in love with Pacific Grove! The cove is beautiful, the water is brighter here than almost anywhere else on the peninsula, and the Coastal Trail that runs from this point has incredible views at every single turn. You can walk for as long or as little as you’d like, following the shoreline past rocky outcrops and small sandy beaches. It’s really one of the prettiest coastal walks in all of California.
During low tide, this entire stretch comes alive with tide pools full of starfish, anemones, small crabs, and all kinds of coastal life. You can also typically find sea otters often float around in the kelp beds just offshore. And, keep an eye out for some of the fattest squirrels you might ever see – they’re quite cute but not very shy!
Explore the Historic Victorian Neighborhoods
Just a couple blocks inland, Pacific Grove becomes a charming maze of Victorian homes, each one more colorful and character-filled than the next. The architecture is beautiful, and wandering these streets feels like stepping back into another era. Many homes have plaques that tell the story of the original owners, and gardens spill over with coastal flowers. It’s a peaceful, slow-paced way to experience the history of the town.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
At the tip of Pacific Grove sits Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. It’s a small and charming spot with sweeping coastal views, and it pairs perfectly with a walk along the coastline nearby. This area tends to be quieter, which makes it a lovely stop in the late morning or afternoon.
Asilomar State Beach
Asilomar has a completely different feel from Lovers Point — wider, more open, more rugged. The dunes are massive, with long boardwalks weaving through them and a coastline that feels natural and untouched. It’s perfect for a breezy afternoon walk or sunset watching, especially on days when the waves are dramatic and the sky softens into pastel hues.
17-Mile Drive
If you have a car, 17-Mile Drive is an easy and iconic addition to your day. The loop takes you past Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress, and several beautiful stretches of coastline. You can take your time exploring, hopping out to see some main attractions, which will all be pointed out on the pamphlet handed to you at the entrance gate.
It’s a classic drive for a reason — the views constantly shift between dramatic cliffs, quiet coves, and wide-open ocean panoramas. You can do the entire loop in 1–2 hours depending on how many pulloffs you stop at.
Monarch Grove Sanctuary
If you’re visiting between November and February, the Monarch Grove Sanctuary is an incredible seasonal experience. Thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus trees, turning the branches into warm orange swirls when the sun hits just right. It’s a quiet, beautiful spot that doesn’t take long to visit but leaves a big impression.
Nearby Add-Ons: Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur
One of the best parts of staying in Pacific Grove is how central it is. It’s a great hub to explore several other highlights in the area, including Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the iconic Big Sur coastline.
- Monterey
- Just five minutes away, Monterey is home to the famous aquarium, Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and calm bay views perfect for kayaking or waterfront walks. It’s an easy add-on if you want a bit more dining, sightseeing, or ocean activities.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- With storybook cottages, boutique shops, wine-tasting rooms, and one of the prettiest beaches on the Central Coast, Carmel is a perfect complement to PG. Spend an afternoon wandering the village, then head to the beach for a golden-hour sunset.
- Big Sur
- About 40 minutes south, Big Sur delivers dramatic cliffs, forested trails, and iconic viewpoints like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls. Whether you’re stopping for photos or making a longer scenic drive, it’s one of California’s most unforgettable stretches of coastline.
Read More: Updated 2025 Big Sur Itinerary: How to Visit with the Highway 1 Closure
Where to Stay in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is full of charming inns and historic stays, many of them tucked into quiet Victorian neighborhoods just steps from the ocean. Because it’s a small area, there’s not a million places to stay, but the quality of hotels is really top tier.
There’s so many beautiful Victorian classic bed & breakfasts, and even several newly renovated options that keep the classic charm, reaching each budget level.
Cost Guide:
- $$$$: Luxury hotel stays $500+/night
- $$$: High-end stays $300–$500/night
- $$: Mid-range hotels $150–$300/night
- $: Budget stays under $150/night
Seven Gables Inn on Monterey Bay, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel, $$$$
A luxury clifftop Victorian overlooking the water with some of the best ocean views in Pacific Grove. Rooms are elegant and romantic, many with direct bay-facing windows perfect for sunrise.
- Approx. $550/night
- Book a room HERE
Martine Inn, $$$
A historic oceanfront B&B with old-world charm, antique furnishings, and panoramic bay views. Breakfast is included, and the property has a warm, classic, romantic feel.
- Approx. $300/night
- Book a room HERE
Gosby House Inn, A Four Sisters Inn, $$
A beautiful, recently restored Victorian inn right in the heart of Pacific Grove, known for its polished interiors, charming rooms, and cozy B&B atmosphere. Ideal for a romantic or relaxed weekend.
- Approx. $250/night
- Book a room HERE
Lovers Point Inn, $
Just steps from the ocean and right across from Lovers Point Beach, this is one of the best-located budget-friendly hotels in Pacific Grove. Rooms are simple but clean, and the location is unbeatable for sunrise walks and Coastal Trail access.
- Approx. $125/night
- Book a room HERE
How Many Days Do You Need in Pacific Grove?
Pacific Grove is small, but that’s part of what makes it such an easy and relaxing place to explore. You can see the main highlights — Lovers Point, the Coastal Trail, the Victorian neighborhoods, and even 17-Mile Drive — in a single full day, which makes it a great quick getaway or add-on to a Monterey or Carmel trip.
If you have 1 night, you’ll get a great taste of the coastline and enough time for a long walk, a nice dinner, and a slow morning coffee run.
With 2 nights, you can settle into the rhythm of the town a bit more: wander downtown, spend extra time tide pooling, explore Asilomar at sunset, and still have time to pop over to Monterey or Carmel without rushing.
Anything longer becomes more of a “home base” trip, where you use Pacific Grove as a peaceful starting point for exploring the rest of the peninsula — Big Sur, wine tasting in Carmel Valley, or long scenic drives. But for the most part, one to two nights is the sweet spot!
Why Pacific Grove Is Worth the Trip
Pacific Grove really surprised me — not because it’s flashy or fast-paced, but because it’s the complete opposite. It’s quiet, scenic, and incredibly easy to fall in love with. It has this peaceful, everyday-beautiful quality that you don’t always find on the California coast. You’re close to Monterey, minutes from Carmel, and within reach of Big Sur, but the town still feels like its own little world — a small, cozy, oceanfront town that keeps welcoming you back!
If you’re looking for somewhere relaxed, walkable, and filled with those soft, simple coastal moments, Pacific Grove is absolutely worth the trip!
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