Pacific Grove CaliforniaA quiet, Victorian seaside village, Pacific Grove is a wonderful place to stay on the Monterey Peninsula. Its seaside path goes all the way from the Monterey Bay Aquarium , past Lovers Point Beach, around the northermost tip of the peninsula on to Asilomar State Beach. Benches, small sandy areas and numerous tide pools beckon. You might even see an otter or two. Nearby
Asilomar Conference Center
is right across from the beach, through the sand dunes and deep in the grove of cypress, oak and monterey pine trees.
The village itself has one main street running through it, which extends from Monterey. Restaurants, shops and a post office give the place a very relaxed and non touristy feel. Lots of pine trees compined with fresh ocean air make it a place you can enjoy breathing deeply. This town started out as a Methodist retreat back in 1875. Most of the architecture is Queen Anne Victorian or Craftsman Bungalow style.
Monarch ButterfliesEach October through early March, thousands of monarch butterflies gather in the Monarch Sanctuary where you can view them all over the pine and eucalyptus trees. You can find the Sanctuary at Lighthouse Ave. and Ridge Road.
Point Pinos LighthouseThe Point Pinos Lighthouse is found out near the north point of the peninsula and is the oldest west coast lighthouse still in service.
The Museum Of Natural HistoryAt 165 Forest Avenue at Central Avenue, this museum features exhibits about the local flora, fauna and indigenous peoples. There is an interactive children's section and a small aquarium as well. It's open Tuesday through Sunday, 10-5. For more info, see
www.pgmuseum.org.
Pacific Grove Art CenterThis art center features local artists in four big galleries. It's located at 568 Lighthouse Avenue. Pacific Grove Marine Garden ParkThis city park is actually out in the water, stretching all along the 8 miles of coast, where sea life is abundant. Take A WalkThis truly is a unique place of natural beauty, set like it is between the Monterey Bay and a forest. It's amazingly low key. Walk through town, walk through the neighborhoods, and walk along the coastal path, you'll soon feel rejuvenated. Where To StayThere are many lovely, historic Pacific Grove bed and breakfast inns to stay in, many close to the water. Several are in turn of the century mansions. Additonally, there are
motels
and also
hotels
to choose from, generally less expensive than in Carmel.
What's your favorite thing to do in Pacific Grove?This could be a certain motel, or restaurant, or activity...anything! Back to the Monterey Getaway home page.
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