Welcome to Pacific Grove
Often called “America’s Last Hometown,” Pacific Grove is a warm little corner of the Monterey Peninsula. This tranquil haven nestled against the Pacific has a spirit all its own. It provides an idyllic small-town living perfectly blended with coastal California beauty.
Pacific Grove is full of historic charm, with its wonderfully restored Victorian-era homes and a quaint downtown district. These renovated homes have been turned into fine restaurants and shops that make up the rich shopping and dining scene. Pacific Grove is abundant in natural wonders as well. The local chamber of commerce has named the community Butterfly Town USA for the thousands of monarch butterflies that make their home here each winter.
Geological wonders like the Kissing Rock and beachside spots like Lovers Point Park punctuate the natural beauty of Pacific Grove. With jaw-dropping views and a quaint, small-town atmosphere, Pacific Grove is a quiet haven of the Central Coast that is a picturesque paradise.
What to Love
- Warm, welcoming small-town atmosphere
- Stunning coastal cliffside views
- Charming, historic downtown area
- Beautiful parks and beaches
- Resposeful, calm vibes
Local Lifestyle
With 18 miles of gorgeous California coastline that runs from Castroville to Pacific Grove, there are great spots to walk, ride, or run along the Pacific and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this community. Coastal hiking trails wind from Lovers Point Park and down the Asilomar Coast for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy unobstructed views of the rocky coast.
Pacific Grove has a quaint downtown district dotted with fine dining restaurants and upscale small shops. This is a great place for an afternoon stroll to enjoy the warm California sunshine and charming small-town atmosphere. Recreation opportunities here are plentiful, ranging from hikes along the coast to world-class golfing.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Located in a gorgeously restored cottage home, Fandango is a family-owned eatery serving upscale Mediterranean fare in an elegantly warm dining space. This vibrant restaurant features innovative takes on favorites like ossobuco and paella.
Red House Cafe is a cozy spot with a streetside patio for great views of Pacific Grove’s charming downtown area. This New American restaurant features dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a European flair.
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar serves classic, elegant Italian fare with fresh pasta, mozzarella, and gelato prepared daily. This Pacific Grove eatery has a dog-friendly, heated patio and a retail pasta shop onsite. Serving traditional Greek and Middle Eastern dishes, Petra Restaurant is a family-run local favorite. The menu here has classic fare like dolmades, tabbouleh, and Turkish coffee.
Martia’s Boutique is nestled in the heart of the Pacific Grove downtown district. This upscale shop is made up of two side-by-side stores selling fine women’s clothing and gifts.
Things to Do
Pacific Grove has a great small-town vibe with lots of community events and festivals. In the spring, the Gold Old Days Festival and Parade is a chance for this small town to show off its huge spirit. This highly anticipated community tradition includes food and craft vendors, children’s activities, a carnival, a car show, and live performances.
The Together with Love Run/Walk is an annual charity race held in Pacific Grove that runs from Lovers Point Park and along the Asilomar Coast. Each winter, authors flock to the area for the Monterey Writers Retreat Conference. This is a chance for writers to draw inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Central Coast and meet with industry professionals to perfect their craft.
The Pacific Grove Historical Society works tirelessly to preserve and protect the gorgeous historic buildings throughout the community. Many of these 18th-century homes have been turned into charming bed-and-breakfast establishments and upscale restaurants. Point Pinos Lighthouse is a Victorian-era structure still in use today. This is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast and a treasured Pacific Grove landmark.
Golf enthusiasts love the Pacific Grove Golf Links, a challenging public course with sweeping coastal views. With rocky cliffs and crashing waves in the background, the greens here are truly majestic. The Grill at Point Pinos overlooks the course, perfect for a romantic meal or to meet up after a round. The menu here features New American fare, craft beer, and fine wine.
