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Pacific Grove
A Timeless Coastal Treasure
by robin esrock
With Victorian vibes, pristine beaches, and a 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.
John Steinbeck’s Tidepools and Creative Fire
Before Pacific Grove became a coastal darling for roadtrippers, it was John Steinbeck’s creative bunker. In the 1920s and ‘30s, the acclaimed author tucked himself into a modest 11th Street cottage owned by his father. Proof even great writers sometimes rely on family discounts. Here, the crash of waves and the fog’s soft curtain gave him the focus he craved as he wrestled with early drafts and bigger dreams. Pacific Grove also delivered him a life-changing companion: marine biologist Ed Ricketts. Part scientist, part philosopher, Ricketts turned their rambles along the rocky shoreline into masterclasses in curiosity. Tidepools teeming with life became springboards for conversations that helped shape Steinbeck’s worldview, and, eventually, his novels. Walk the same coast today and you can still sense the spark.
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
