Pacific Grove
Day Trips
Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Pacific Grove's hidden gems and unique experiences!
Begin with a gentle stroll along the quiet shoreline as the sun lifts over the horizon. The cool breeze carries the scent of salt and pine as you pause to listen to surf and seabirds.
Explore the town's charming shops and local markets, tasting fresh seafood and seasonal fare. Visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to glimpse local habitats and learn from engaging exhibits.
As the day softens, take a sunset walk along the Lovers Point pier with the harbor lights winking below. End with tea or pastry at a cozy cafe while the ocean glows in the distance.
Rise to the sound of waves and a light coastal breeze as you make your way to Asilomar Beach. Bend into a mindful walk along the sandy shore, scanning the tide pools for tiny sea life.
Pack a picnic and enjoy a late lunch on the grassy bluff overlooking the sea, then explore the adjacent trails. Take a quiet stroll through the pines of the Asilomar grounds and breathe in the fresh forest scent.
Return to town for dinner at a seafood bistro, listening to the waves as the sky softens. Cap the night with a stroll along a lantern-lit path and maybe a visit to a small gallery.
Head to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary for a peaceful morning walk among the tall eucalyptus trees. Notice the quiet hush of the forest as tiny wings flutter by and the air feels gently alive.
Continue along the scenic coastal path toward Lovers Point and pause for a snack by the sea. Explore the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links area and enjoy the winding paths along the coast.
Watch the light shift over the water from a bluff overlooking the bay. Find a cozy restaurant offering local fare and finish with a stroll under a starlit sky.
Climb up to Point Pinos Lighthouse for a guided glimpse of the history and sweeping sea views. The salty air and quiet courtyard invite a moment of reflection before the day unfolds.
Head into Monterey for a museum visit or a walk along the waterfront. Sample a local deli lunch and stroll back along the coast with the ocean in view.
Return to Pacific Grove for a sunset perch along the shoreline and a gentle breeze. Choose a seaside bistro for fresh catches and a warm, sunset-themed ambiance.
Begin with a scenic drive along the coast, savoring rugged cliffs and ocean spray. Pause at a lookout to sip coffee and watch waves roll in over the horizon.
Wander the Monterey Bay coastal trail and discover small coves and sea birds. Take a late afternoon break at a cafe and soak in the relaxed pace of the harbor town.
Dine on fresh seafood as the sun lowers and the harbor lights begin to sparkle. Stroll along the pier with a sense of calm and a gentle night breeze.
Set out for a kayaking adventure along the wave-carved coastline. Paddle softly past sea caves and mute strands of kelp as the morning light brightens.
Return to town and explore boutique galleries and cozy bookshops. Stop for a light lunch and savor a view of the water from a sunny terrace.
Find a small venue for live music or a quiet wine bar to unwind. Let the night settle with the sound of distant waves pairing with soft conversation.
Stretch and swing a club at the Pacific Grove Golf Links, savoring the ocean breeze. The course's green tones and distant seals create a peaceful backdrop for a focused round.
Walk the nearby waterfront promenade and snack on a locally baked treat. Browse galleries and studios tucked along the scenic streets for a dash of color.
Find a sunset perch along Lovers Point and share a picnic as the light fades. Dine at a seafood restaurant and listen to the harbor quiet settle around you.
Drive south along the coast to Carmel-by-the-Sea for a morning stroll through village lanes. Peek into art galleries and pause at the mission garden for a moment of quiet.
Return via the scenic coast and wander the Carmel beach, collecting shell fragments and stories. Have a leisurely lunch on a sunny terrace and watch horseback riders pass along the sand.
Head back to Pacific Grove for a relaxed, candlelit dinner with ocean views. End the night with a slow walk under soft lights and a memory of sea-salted air.
Begin with a playful morning at Dennis the Menace Park, letting kids explore the whimsical playground. Stretch your legs with a nearby stroll along the shore to feel the cool spray.
Explore Cannery Row in Monterey, sampling seafood and admiring harbor views. Visit boutique shops and pick up local specialties to bring home.
Moonlight strolls along the waterfront pair with the aroma of roasted coffee. Close the night with a dessert stop and a quiet walk along the harbor lights.
Take a final shoreline walk to absorb the last coastal light of the trip. Collect a few keepsakes from the town’s shops and savor a lingering sense of calm.
Enjoy a farewell lunch at a favored spot with sea views and friendly faces. Revisit a favorite overlook for one last panorama of the sparkling water.
Pack memories and linger over a last cup of tea as the evening settles over the bay. Say goodbye to Pacific Grove with gratitude for quiet mornings and generous horizons.