8 Best Things To Do In Pacific Grove, California - Updated 2024

1. Lover's Point Beach and Park (from USD 129)

Although this coastal town has a population of only around 16,000 people, there is a multitude of activities for visitors to enjoy. Many of these activities take advantage of the ocean and Pacific Grove’s temperate climate. You can start your day off at Lover’s Point Park and Beach. Lover’s Point is a landscaped community park that is used for picnicking, swimming, fishing, surfing, and water sports. Here you’ll find picturesque sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and the Pacific Ocean right at your fingertips. If land sports are more your interest, there is a beach volleyball court. If you want a break from the beach you can head over to a large grassy area, the children’s pool, a snack bar, or restaurant located in the park.

Every May, the Walk of Remembrance is held on the trail outside Lover’s Point to honor the members of the Chinese Fishing Village at Point Alones.

Lover's Point Park and Beach

Address: 631 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Website: Lover’s Point Beach and Park

2. Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

If you have enough time in the morning, head on over to the Monarch Grove Sanctuary. Here, thousands of migrating monarchs come from mid-October to mid-February. The sanctuary is located right off Lighthouse Avenue. It’s free and open to the public from sunrise to sundown. The females lay their eggs every year, and the circle of life continues for these butterflies in Pacific Grove. The best time to view the monarchs is in the morning when they all gather at this location and are much easier to see.

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Address: 250 Ridge Rd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Website: Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

3. Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Your second day in Pacific Grove is going to be a busy one. There is a museum and aquarium to help you learn about the Monterey Bay area. At the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, learn about the birds, wildlife, plants, geology, and culture that make this area so special. The museum features many permanent exhibits such as “The Birds of Monterey County” “Pacific Grove’s Chinese Fishing Village” and more. They also have a permanent exhibit called Nature Exchange that’s worth checking out.

The museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 4pm. Admission prices range from 5.95 (youth ages 4-18, students, military with an ID) to 8.95 for adults. They are also a Blue Star Museum, so active-duty military personnel and families can visit for free from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Address: 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Website: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am-4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

4. Monterey Bay Aquarium

Learn about life in the water on the Bay. The mission of the aquarium is to inspire conservation of the ocean. So explore the coral reefs, the depths of the ocean, or meet some of the animals that call the aquarium home. Plan to spend some time there to wander through all of the exhibits. There are daily shows and feedings of the animals as well. The aquarium has a cafe and a restaurant, Cindy’s Waterfront, to take a break at. The Monterey Bay Aquarium hours are 9:30am-5:30 pm. Adult admission is 49.95 USD, children ages 3-12 are 29.95 USD, student ages 13-17 or student with an ID are 39.95 USD, seniors 65+ are 39.95 USD, and children under the age of 3 are free.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

Website: Monterey Bay Aquarium

5. Asilomar State Beach

On your next day, if you want more of the beach, head to Asilomar State Beach for fun in the water and walking along the beach and coast trial. Asilomar is a one-mile (1.6 km) narrow strip of beach and rocky coast. Asilomar State Beach is within the boundary of the Asliomar Marine Reserve, so all marine life is protected. There is a ¾ mile (1.2 km) walking trail open to pedestrians and wheelchair accessible. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash. There are not restrooms or picnicking areas at this beach, so be prepared.

Asilomar State Beach

Address: Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Website: California Department of Parks and Recreation

6. Pacific Grove Walking Tour

One of the best ways to learn about the history of the city is to take a walking tour of the city’s most interesting homes and commercial properties. Pacific Grove began as a seaside retreat. From there, hundreds of people came to enjoy the peacefulness of the ocean and beauty of the area’s surroundings. This small retreat began to grow, and the city, Pacific Grove, was born. Over time many different buildings began to be built in different architectural styles.

This is a self-guided tour, where you will visit 22 places all within walking distance of the downtown area. You can pick up your brochure at the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce and begin! Take your time walking as you see Victorian cottages, Mediterranean Architecture, and other points of interest. Each building on the tour has a unique part of Pacific Grove’s history and its own stories to tell.

Pacific Grove Walking Tour

Address: 584 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Website: Pacific Grove Walking Tour

7. Mile Drive

After all of that walking, rest your legs and take a cruise along the 17-Mile Drive, where you can see spectacular views of the Pacific Coast. Originally, the 17-Mile drive was used for horse drawn carriages traveling from the Hotel Del Monte. The 17-Mile Drive may be the oldest, most well maintained toll road in California. The drive passes through the well-known community of Pebble Beach. There is a payment of 10 USD per vehicle to drive along this beautiful stretch of coast. After paying, you will receive a brochure explaining the sites along the way.

17-Mile Drive

Address: Enter at the Pacific Grove Gate: 17 Mile Dr, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Website: 17-Mile Drive

8. Passionfish

At the closing of a wonderful trip, you can unwind with a glass of wine while you wait to be served fresh seafood and California cuisine in the modern, upscale restaurant, Passionfish.

The motto at Passionfish is “Food from the heart.” The owners, Ted and Cindy Walter, are husband and wife who believe that cooking and serving good food is an art form. Fresh, local, and well-cooked food served with a great glass of wine is what they’re passionate about. The menu features seafood and vegetables, as well as decadent desserts. The wine menu includes hard-to-find California wines. The menu prices are 30 USD and under and Passionfish takes reservations.

Passionfish

Address: 701 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Website: Passionfish

Pacific Grove, something for everyone

Whether you’re a beach bum, a nature lover, or a museum explorer, there is something for everyone in Pacific Grove. You can take a getaway trip alone, or with family and friends. There is always something to do in picturesque Pacific Grove.