Area guide
Pacific Grove sits at the northern tip of the Monterey Peninsula, between Monterey Bay and the open Pacific. Scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, biking and walking the shoreline trail all start close to the inn.
The Pacific Grove shoreline
A short walk north
Tide pools, rocky coves and the paved recreation trail along Ocean View Boulevard, with sea otters and harbor seals often in view.
Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row
About 1.6 miles, 5 minutes by car
The aquarium's kelp forest, jellies and sea otters, and the restaurants and shops of Cannery Row next door.
Whale watching from Fisherman's Wharf
About 2.6 miles, 10 minutes by car
Boats leave Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf year-round. Gray whales pass in winter and humpbacks feed in the bay from spring to fall. See our whale watching packages.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
About 1 mile
The oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, at the tip of the peninsula.
Downtown Pacific Grove and Lovers Point
About 1 mile
Cafes, galleries and shops on Lighthouse Avenue, and a small beach and park on the bay at Lovers Point.
Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary
About half a mile
Monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus and pines through the winter, usually from late October to February.
17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach
About 1.5 miles to the Pacific Grove gate
The coastal road past Spanish Bay, the Lone Cypress and the golf links. There is a per-car entrance fee. The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is held here each August.
Golf
Pacific Grove Golf Links about 1 mile
The town's own seaside course, and the famous courses of Pebble Beach a short drive along 17-Mile Drive.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
About 5 miles, 15 minutes by car
The village of cottages, galleries and courtyards above Carmel Beach.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
About 10 miles, 25 minutes by car
Cypress groves, coves and coastal trails just south of Carmel. Arrive early; parking inside fills quickly.
Big Sur and Highway 1
Bixby Creek Bridge about 45 minutes by car
The coast road south of Carmel, with cliffs, bridges and turnouts above the ocean. Check road conditions before you go.
Carmel Valley
About 30 minutes by car
Sunny wine-tasting rooms, restaurants and walking trails inland from Carmel.
National Steinbeck Center
About 15 miles, 30 minutes by car, in Salinas
A museum of John Steinbeck's life and work, in the town where he was born.
Distances and times from the inn are approximate.
Where to eat
Breakfast is on us. For lunch and dinner, Pacific Grove has plenty of good places, and the front desk is happy to recommend more. Hours change with the season, so check before you go.
Passionfish
Sustainable seafood and a long, fairly priced wine list, on Lighthouse Avenue.
Fandango
Mediterranean and French country cooking in a cottage on 17th Street.
Beach House
American food and sunset views over the bay, above the beach at Lovers Point.
Red House Cafe
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in a small red house just off Lighthouse Avenue.
Toasties Cafe
A busy, friendly breakfast and lunch spot on Lighthouse Avenue.
The Fishwife
Seafood with Caribbean touches, on Sunset Drive near Asilomar.
In-room massage
With enough notice, the front desk can book an in-room spa or massage treatment for you through a local partner. Call (831) 372-5960 to arrange it.
More things to do from the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce
Book direct and save up to 10%
Booking here or by phone saves up to 10% off our regular rates, and Choice Privileges members can earn points on qualifying stays. If you find a lower rate for the same stay on another website, call us and we will match it.