Is Pacific Grove worth a visit?
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Is Pacific Grove worth a visit? What's it like? I sense you wondering these things, so let me fill you in!
Pacific Grove (called “PG” by the locals) is a small (pop.15,000) seaside town between Monterey and Carmel, California. There are beautiful beaches & ocean views, lots of those colorful pretty flowers you only see near the beach, Victorian Houses, cute shops and restaurants!
Fast PG facts:
- 267 sunny days a year
- Ocean views in every direction
- Population around 15,000
- Temperatures hover in the 40s to 70s
- Unbothered deer who frankly don't care about you
Here’s everything I saw, ate, loved, and (almost) got chased by in PG.
What to See
Lovers Point Beach
This is the beach to catch sunrise. It's northeast-facing, with postcard-perfect views and water that makes good ice therapy for your ankles. Beautiful and brisk, just how we like it.
Lovers Point made me realize why small California towns belong on my list of best beach getaways.
Berwick Park – Breaching Whales Sculpture
This grassy park is near Lovers Point Beach. A fun feature there is this whale sculpture. It was made from two dying cypress trees. Apparently it's “controversial” because whales do not actually have those colors. Whatever!! It's art and it's fun to imitate in a picture!
Rip Van Winkle Open Space
If you're tired of looking at the boring ol' majesty of the Pacific Ocean, you could check out this park! I went here because dogs can go off leash and I thought I'd give my dog a fun outing! Cool Pacific Grove type trees and sandy paths with the roar of the ocean in the distance! My dog gave it two paws up!
Asilomar State Beach
White sand, crashing waves, tide pools, and the occasional rogue deer. Bring sturdy shoes and a camera, because it’s a stunner. The beach is wild and free, just like the local wildlife showing you their backsides.
The Butterfly House
This private residence at 309 9th St has a really nice background story. There was a couple who lived there and the wife was losing her sight. She could still see bright colors so her husband started buying her colorful butterfly decor, which she loved. He put them on the outside of their house so she could easily identify her home while out on walks. There is a “Wall of Hope” on the side of the house representing donations to Blind & Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County.
Where to Shop in Pacific Grove
The Quill
Right on Lighthouse Avenue, this shop has stationery, quirky cards, gifts, books, soaps, and small surprises. I dare you to leave without picking up at least one thing you absolutely do not need.
Variety – Home, Garden and Gifts
Beautifully decorated with fun and funky finds. A dream if you love decorating your space or need a last-minute present for a friend you forgot to shop for.
If you love poking around indie shops, you’ll also enjoy the quirky vibe in Los Gatos.
Where to Eat
Red House Cafe
This is one of the top rated restaurants in Pacific Grove (per Yelp and Trip Advisor), so I took one for the team and checked it out! It is a charming place with indoor and outdoor seating. It is a former residence, built in 1895, so there are several different dining rooms inside including one with a fireplace.
I got a spinach salad and crab cakes. Both excellent and big enough to bring 1/2 home for tomorrows lunch. They also feature signature homemade cookies here, Oatmeal, Apricot & Pecan. I tried one and it was good, sticky on the bottom, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way for another one. Keep in mind, I know nothing about food, and would prefer all cookies contain chocolate.
Aliotti's Victorian Corner Restaurant
Good solid food for any meal. Think pancakes, sandwiches, and pasta with a side of old-fashioned hospitality. A safe and tasty bet no matter the hour.
Patisserie Bechler
A French bakery with croissants, pastries, and buttery goodness. Even late in the day, the ham and cheese croissant was delicious, and the pecan snail hit the spot. I can only imagine what it’s like first thing in the morning. (I’ll never know. I don’t do mornings.)
Where to Stay
Seven Gables Inn
This one is a splurge, but oh, what a splurge. All the rooms have ocean views and the whole place oozes charm and romantic foggy seaside vibes. Save it for a special occasion or a treat-yo'self kind of trip.
The Olympia Lodge
This was a recommendation from two lovely women I met at Red House Café. It’s a budget option that’s clean and quiet, with a motel layout and outdoor corridors. If you’re just looking for a place to sleep between strolls and shops, it works just fine.
3 Bedroom VRBO Minutes from the Beach & Downtown
What I learned, so you don't have to
Weather: Like San Francisco, Pacific Grove is a place where the weather can catch you by surprise. Be sure to dress in layers, and have a warm jacket. That said, one of my favorite jackets is one I had to buy here at a tourist shop because I was unprepared. $15 a few years ago and I still wear it all the time!
Scary deer: The deer are very unafraid of people, but don't get too close to them, they will defend their babies. (yes, any moron should know this, but wasn't thinking about it and narrowly escaped a deer ferociously massacring me and my dog).
Final Thoughts
Pacific Grove is full of charm, personality, and moments that sneak up on you. Whether you’re watching the sun rise over Lovers Point, browsing cute shops, or having a meaningful stare-down with a deer, you’ll leave feeling a little lighter.
Have a favorite PG place I missed? Let me know. I’m always up for another visit.
You have not experienced the new PG if you have not gone to Hops and Fog Brewing Co. A tiny brewpub with some of the best pizza in the US (seriously). It is located on lighthouse Avenue next to the Lighthouse Cinema and is a great local hangout that is incredibly welcoming with a great vibe.
Noted! Thanks for the tip, I will be sure to check it out next time I’m there and add it to the blog post. 🙂
Sue – thanks for the cool tips. I’ve only been to PG a couple of times and somehow missed the Butterfly house. I’ll have to check that out. Do you know if there are any leash-free beaches so the dogs can roam free?
Yes! Asilomar State Beach! I’ve heard from my top secret inside sources that signs say “Dogs allowed on leash”, but there is a section of the beach where people do let their dogs off leash. Also, if you get arrested I know nothing!