Page 51 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

JASON BRADLEY; PACIFIC GROVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; PACIFIC GROVE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. OPPOSITE: KIRKWOOD COLLECTION; DOWNTOWN PACIFIC GROVE
POINT PINOS LIGHTHOUSE, right; Pacific Grove’s
“Magic Carpet” boasts pink and purple blooms
along the coastline each spring, center; Pacific
Grove Museum of Natural History, bottom;
Located on the scenic cliffs of Monterey Bay,
Seven Gables Inn is a historic, Victorian estate
with breathtaking ocean views from every room,
opposite top; Downtown Pacific Grove’s Victorian
Corner, opposite bottom.
offering close-up views of marine life. In
mid-spring, a “Magic Carpet” of blooming
pink and purple ice plant flowers covers the
coastline.
Small Town, Big Appetites
Eclectic boutiques sit alongside cozy cafés,
art galleries, bookshops, and family-owned
restaurants. Though compact, Pacific
Grove’s downtown delivers big flavors.
Patisserie Bechler tempts visitors with fresh
pastries, while Passionfish is renowned for
sustainable seafood. Peppers Mexicali Café
serves spicy Mexican cuisine, and Fan-
dango offers Mediterranean flavors. The
Red House Café is known for comfort food
in a charming setting, while the Beach
House Restaurant at Lovers Point provides
a local menu with an epic sunset.
Golfer’s Delight
The Monterey Peninsula is a golfer’s para-
dise. Just five miles south of Pacific Grove
is one of the most famous and exclusive
golf courses in the world. Even if you
somehow manage to score a round at
Pebble Beach Golf Links, the hefty price tag
can leave you gasping. Pacific Grove is also
home to one of golf’s best-kept secrets.
Dubbed “The Poor Man’s Pebble Beach,”
Pacific Grove Golf Links offers an affordable
yet scenic coastal golfing experience. This
community-focused course delivers great
value for those chasing a quintessential
ocean-view golf round in California. Like
Pebble Beach, PG Golf Links often receives
morning fog that burns away into after-
noon sunshine, and like its famous
neighbor, expect stellar views of the Pacific
Ocean as you tee up the perfect shot.
Nature’s Front-Row Seat
In Pacific Grove, nature is the star. The
rugged coastline meets the Pacific, with
waves rolling against windswept shores.
Asilomar State Beach is a haven for surfers,
kayakers, and nature lovers, featuring a
scenic boardwalk through 25 acres of pro-
tected coastal dunes. Wildlife is
abundant—harbor seals, sea otters, and
even migrating whales are common sights.
Lovers Point Park is a favorite for pic-
nics, swimming, and walking, featuring
trails and a unique concrete pier. Facing
east, it’s one of the rare spots on the West
Coast where you catch a sunrise over the
ocean. Nearby, the historic Point Pinos
Lighthouse remains the oldest continu-
ously operating lighthouse on the West
Coast. A small memorial honors legendary
musician John Denver, who tragically lost
his life near this coastline.
Often overlooked, Pacific Grove’s charm,
scenic wonders, and coastal lifestyle make
it a hidden gem in California. Time slows
down, the sun shines a little brighter, and
visitors are invited to relax, breathe deeply,
and savor every moment.
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