Pacific Grove Day Trip

I love vacationing in Monterey County, and often stay in Carmel by The Sea. This time I planned for a Pacific Grove day trip, and it was wonderful!

The coastal community of Pacific Grove is north of Carmel by The Sea and south of the city of Monterey. I was staying at Hofsas House in Carmel by The Sea and picked up a picnic lunch at the 5th Avenue Deli before I headed out for the day.

If you want to take the scenic route, you can cut through Pebble Beach and take 17 Mile Drive north to Pacific Grove. I’ve enjoyed that drive many times, but this time I wanted to maximize my time in Pacific Grove. So I headed north on Highway One and then west to my destination.

Photo Gallery

Lovers’ Point Marine Preserve

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Farmers’ Market

Point Pinos Lighthouse

 

 

Art Installations at Lovers’ Point

Tide Pools

John Denver Memorial

John Denver Crash Site

Kayak and SUP Rentals

 

The Beach House Restaurant

Dinner at The Beach House

Carmel by The Sea 5th Avenue Deli

Lovers’ Point

 

Day Trip to Pacific Grove

First, I headed to the coast, and found a scenic spot to enjoy my picnic lunch. Then, I visited the butterfly sanctuary where I saw thousands and thousands of monarchs. It was breathtaking to see so many in one place.

After that, I toured Point Pinos lighthouse, which has been continuously in operation since 1855! The views from the lighthouse are gorgeous, and I headed back to the coast for more views. I drove along Asilomar State Beach, saw the John Denver crash site memorial and went to the park and beach at Lovers’ Point. There are plenty of places to stop all along the coast, so I stopped frequently at many of the scenic viewpoints.

I shopped at the farmers’ market and listened to live music. Then, finished off the day with an amazing sunset and a delicious dinner at The Beachhouse at Lovers’ Point.

All in all, it was a great day, and I enjoyed every minute of my time in Pacific Grove.

Pacific Grove
Monterey County, Calfiornia

🧳 More from Valerie Was Here

Monterey County Hotels and Lodging 🛏️

• Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort
• Residence Inn Salinas Monterey
• Glen Oaks Big Sur
• The Hotel Carmel in Carmel by the Sea

Salinas 🥬

• The Steinbeck Center

Monterey 🌊

• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Dali17 at The Museum of Monterey
• Fisherman’s Wharf

Pacific Grove 🦋

• Day Trip from Carmel by the Sea
• Point Pinos Light House
• Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
• 17 Mile Drive

Carmel Valley & Carmel by the Sea 🍷

• The Cheese Shop
• Carmel Beach
• Carmel River Beach

Big Sur 🌲

• Garrapata State Park Beach

Where will you go next?