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Pacific Grove

· Pacific Grove, CA

Why you should go…

A quiet town at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula known for its Victorian architecture, rocky shoreline drive, and the monarch butterflies that winter in its eucalyptus groves. Lovers Point Park anchors a scenic stretch of coastline popular for tide pooling and sunset watching. The Chamber of Commerce serves as the local visitor information point.

  • #monterey peninsula
  • #monarch butterflies
  • #coastline
  • #victorian
  • #scenic drive

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Pacific Grove, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

    Under $25

    A small natural history museum in Pacific Grove with bird collections, local geology, and native plant gardens.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Monterey Mirror Maze

    Under $25

    Walk-through mirror maze and laser challenge arcade on Monterey's Cannery Row.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Eat & Drink
    Date Night

    Fish Hopper

    $25–$50

    Seafood and steak restaurant on Monterey's historic Cannery Row.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Cannery Row

    Free

    Monterey's historic waterfront row of former sardine canneries turned shops, restaurants and hotels.

    1.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Free

    Official visitor resource for the coastal art town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

    4.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Capitola

    Free

    A pastel-colored Santa Cruz County beach village built around a small wharf and Capitola Village's shops and restaurants.

    24 mi awayMore like this