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Pacific Grove, California

Pacific Grove, California is a must-see destination. With its scenic views and top attractions, it's no wonder why it's one of the most visited places in the area. From hiking and biking trails to beachside strolls, there's something for everyone. Must-visit attractions include Lovers Point Park, Point Pinos Lighthouse, and Asilomar State Beach. For some outdoor adventures, explore the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Elkhorn Slough Reserve, and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventure, Pacific Grove offers some of the best trails and activities in the area.

Top Spots in and near Pacific Grove

  • Pacific Grove, California

    Relax at Lover's Point Beach

    4.8
    Getting there: Drive to the bottom of Ocean View Boulevard in Pacific Grove, California. You will reach a small parking lot. Unfortunately, the parking here is limited. On the bright side, this means the crowds never get too big! The ocean has open swells for surfers, diverse marine-life for snor...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Explore Lovers Point

    5.0
    LOVERS POINT PARK AND BEACH:According to local legend, this park was originally called "Lovers of Jesus Point," back in the era when Pacific Grove was a Methodist retreat camp. Since the late 1800s, the beach at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove has been a popular spot for boating and swimming, and o...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Paddle Lover's Point

    Lover's Point is great place to SUP or kayak. There are tons of jellyfish in the water (so be careful). This beach is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are rocks surround a small sandy beach and a place to rent kayaks and sups on the beach. There is a small parking lot as well a...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary

    1 mi
    Thousands of monarchs can be found here October through February. It's a small park with a path through the center. Park near the Monarch Grove hotel at the sign that says "Caution: Butterflies present", and cross the street to walk down the short path (pink houses will be on your right) and to t...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Spanish Bay Trail

    5.0
    2.8 mi / 78 ft gain
    Spanish Bay Trail is an out and back trail that takes you past scenic views located near Monterey, California.
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Play Volleyball at Asilomar Conference Grounds

    Asilomar translates to “refuge by the sea,” a phrase that accurately depicts the Asilomar Conference Grounds. The area started as a YWCA women’s empowerment camp in 1913 and has since transitioned into a well-preserved state beach. It is located in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.  If you find y...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Catch Sunset on Asilomar State Beach

    Asilomar, or “refuge by the sea” definitely lives up to its name. The beach is expansive and less-populated than other nearby destinations. With large sandbars and rocky outcroppings, it is a great place to enjoy sunset.  This beach is also known for its premium surf, so expect a show from the lo...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Bike at Asilomar State Beach

    At Asilomar State Beach, adventure is accessible in many forms. I had the opportunity to rent a bike from Adventures by the Sea. Rentals start at $25, and while you are not permitted to ride along the boardwalk that leads you to the beach, you may walk your bike through the exquisite sand dunes A...
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  • Pacific Grove, California

    Exploring Asilomar's Ancient Sand Dunes

    4.0
    Asilomar State Beach covers 107 acres of land. It is home to a delicate ecosystem that has been sustained through the years after it was almost destroyed. The intricate dunes at Asilomar are what have survived after the over-grazing back in the early 1900's that damaged about 480 acres of dunes. ...
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  • Monterey, California

    Scuba Dive Breakwater Cove

    Located near Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach is home to Breakwater Cove.  This is a great place for beginner scuba divers to practice their diving, get open water certified, and do their first ocean dives.   San Carlos Beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and also features a reef, anemones...
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  • Monterey, California

    Sail on Monterey Bay

    Few places along the California coast are perfectly suited for a day of sailing. While San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Catalina Island offer sailing adventures, none of them offer wide open Pacific waters without dangerous commercial traffic to navigate. The...
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  • Del Monte Forest, California

    Relax at Spanish Bay

    Spanish Bay is a beach with a view point at the southern tip.  You can see waves crashing into rocks and the many different shades of blue.  This is a great spot for anyone exploring 17 Mile Drive, as it is scenic and perfect for picnics.  There is a golf course nearby that offers some of the mos...
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  • Sand City, California

    Bikepack Highway 1: Monterey to San Luis Obispo

    130 mi / 9000 ft gain
    Please be aware that this is NOT a route for beginning cyclist. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be aware of the risks and dangers you might be facing....
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  • Del Monte Forest, California

    17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride

    5.0
    7.75 mi / 312 ft gain
    17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
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  • Del Monte Forest, California

    Explore Highway 1 from Carmel to Big Sur

    4.6
    Being from the Central Coast, every time I visit the area I like to do the same trip - Simply because it is amazing. The trip starts along 17 mile drive located in Carmel. From the road, you see the Central Coast icon, the Lone Cypress. Being one of the most photographed trees in North America, i...
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  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

    Catch a Sunset at Carmel Beach

    4.7
    It’s a dream of mine to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  You might recognize Carmel because Clint Eastwood was the mayor from 1986 to 1988.  An idiosyncrasy you may not know about Carmel is the fact that there are no street addresses on any house in Carmel.  Everyone gets their mail at the post office...
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Camping and Lodging in Pacific Grove

Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds
Pacific Grove, California

Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds

From $176 / night

Moss Landing KOA Express
Moss Landing, California

Moss Landing KOA Express

Salinas / Monterey KOA
Prunedale, California

Salinas / Monterey KOA

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
La Selva Beach, California

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur, California

Big Sur Lodge

From $199 / night

Guides, Insights and Stories from Pacific Grove

Your Coastal Refuge in the Monterey Bay: Asilomar Hotel

Your Coastal Refuge in the Monterey Bay: Asilomar Hotel

The Outbound Collective

5 Must-Do Adventures near Asilomar, California

5 Must-Do Adventures near Asilomar, California

Karissa Frye

A Perfect Coastal Escape for the Holidays

A Perfect Coastal Escape for the Holidays

Sara Sheehy

5 Pieces of Gear You Need for a Weekend Adventure in Monterey, California

5 Pieces of Gear You Need for a Weekend Adventure in Monterey, California

Mitch Pittman

72 Hours of Food, Fun, and Outdoor Adventure in Monterey County

72 Hours of Food, Fun, and Outdoor Adventure in Monterey County

Mitch Pittman

Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

Sara Sheehy