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Pacific Grove
A Timeless Coastal Treasure
by robin esrock
With Victorian vibes, pristine beaches, and historic downtown, Pacific Grove feels like it snuck in from another era. Visitors are captivated by stunning coastal views, a vibrant town, and a sense of having found the good life. Representing an authentic slice of the Californian coastal lifestyle, Pacific Grove invites you to slow down, follow the butterflies, and take it all in.
Victorian Vibes
Forest Avenue is an architectural time capsule. Preserved Victorian homes line the streets, adorned with intricate trims, turrets, and pastel facades. Resembling scenes from a vintage watercolor, these homes belong to a community that treasures its historical legacy. Dubbed “America’s Last Hometown,” Pacific Grove exudes a quiet charm and rich seafaring history. Many historic clapboard houses have been converted into stores, B&Bs and inns, proudly displaying heritage plaques.
Butterfly Town U.S.A.
From October to February, thousands of delicate, orange-winged monarch butterflies take up residence in Pacific Grove’s Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Drawn by the mild coastal climate, the forest transforms into a fluttering kaleidoscope that is particularly popular with kids and photographers. Outside butterfly season, Sandy the Gray Whale, a life-sized whale statue at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History greets visitors year-round. For something more awesome, tide pools along the shoreline will delight budding marine biologists with starfish and other coastal creatures, 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 Fandango 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 paradise. 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 afternoon 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 protected coastal dunes. Wildlife is abundant—harbor seals, sea otters, and even migrating whales are common sights.
Lovers Point Park is a favorite for picnics, 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 continuously 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.
Scenic, Charming, Historical, Old World
Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce pacificgrove.org
