Things to do in Pacific Grove

Activities, attractions and tours

A red brick building with a white porch, a brick chimney, and an American flag.
A coastal road with a wooden fence, clear blue water, rocky shoreline, and houses in the background.
A rocky coastline with a residential area in the background.
A street lined with colorful Victorian-style buildings, including a clothing store and a pizzeria.
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Things to do

Monterey: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

RM229
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

RM286
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey

Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey

RM265
per adult
Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

RM388
per adult
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay
Cannery Row

Monterey Self-Guided Walking Tour Cannery Row to Old Monterey

RM41
per adult
Monterey Self-Guided Walking Tour Cannery Row to Old Monterey
Monterey CA 17 Mile Self Guided GPS App Driving Tour

Monterey CA 17 Mile Self Guided GPS App Driving Tour

RM49
per traveller
Monterey CA 17 Mile Self Guided GPS App Driving Tour
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

RM94
per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea

Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea

RM196
per adult
Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea
Cannery Row Cross Overs

Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey

RM37
per adult
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
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Top places to visit

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases more than 35,000 animals and plants across 550 species. You’ll discover all kinds of local wildlife here, including fish of all sizes, invertebrates, mammals and plants.
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An aquarium with large windows, a diver, and a crowd of visitors.

2. Asilomar State Beach

Asilomar State Beach is a narrow one-mile (1.6-kilometer) strip of petite beaches, tidal pools and flora-rich sand dunes on the Monterey Peninsula. Follow the Asilomar Coast Trail, which runs along the dog-friendly beach. Explore the pools at low tide, and look for seals and sea lions sunning on the rocks.
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A sign at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

3. Lovers Point

It is easy to see why visitors and local residents alike have flocked to Lovers Point Park and Beach for over a century. With myriad things to see and do, this is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of mid-coast California.
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A coastal scene with a sandy beach, a stone wall, and a large house with a balcony overlooking the sea.

4. Point Pinos Lighthouse

Point Pinos Lighthouse, built in 1854, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous use on the West Coast of the U.S. The site is at the edge of beautiful Monterey Bay, surrounded by a picturesque and sometimes dramatic shoreline and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places.
Learn more
A white lighthouse with a green door and windows, a small white building with a green door, and an American flag.

5. Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History offers insight into the local animal and plant life, geology and human history of Pacific Grove and the surrounding areas. The museum’s roots date back to a group of ecologically- and historically-minded locals in 1879. Today, it’s grown into a dynamic center that inspires wonder, discovery and stewardship.
Learn more
A building with the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History sign.

What to do in Pacific Grove

Stay near popular Pacific Grove attractions

An aquarium with large windows, a diver, and a crowd of visitors.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

9.2/10 (5,928 reviews)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases over 35,000 sea creatures in its innovative conservation-focused exhibits. Watch playful sea otters, marvel at the towering Kelp Forest, or spot wild whales from the ocean-view decks.
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Where to stay in Pacific Grove

Find the best Pacific Grove areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A coastal path with purple flowers, rocky shoreline, and houses in the background.
Photo by Jeff White
Open Photo by Jeff White

Town Center

If you're spending some time in Town Center, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Jameson's Classic Motorcycle Museum are top sights worth seeing.

A sign for Lovers Point Park with a view of the ocean and rocky coastline.

Beach Tract

While there might not be top attractions in Beach Tract, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary.

An aquarium with large windows and a diver performing.
Photo by Isabel Rojas
Open Photo by Isabel Rojas

Retreat

If you're spending some time in Retreat, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey Bay are top sights worth seeing.

A cluster of monarch butterflies on a plant.
Photo by Xiaoyuan Cui
Open Photo by Xiaoyuan Cui

Grove Acres

Grove Acres might not have many top sights, but Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Two people walking along a sandy beach with a sign indicating ASBOLMAR STATE BEACH.

Asilomar Dunes

If you're spending some time in Asilomar Dunes, Monterey Bay and Point Pinos Lighthouse are top sights worth seeing.

A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, dense green foliage, and the ocean.

Pebble Beach

A sandy beach with footprints, a wooden fence, and a clear blue sky.

Monterey

Frequently asked questions

Is Pacific Grove worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Pacific Grove is visit Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tick this leading attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's nature and views.
How do I spend a day in Pacific Grove?
Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are two great places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Pacific Grove while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Pacific Grove?
Don't leave without checking out Monterey Bay Aquarium, rated the top tourist attraction in Pacific Grove.
Is three days enough to stay in Pacific Grove?
Three days in Pacific Grove is more than enough to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and Carmel Beach are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Monterey.
Is Pacific Grove a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Pacific Grove, such as Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 3 kilometres from central Pacific Grove is Downtown Monterey and Monterey Vista is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Pacific Grove with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all ages, have a look at these great ideas for what to do in Pacific Grove with kids.

What to do in Pacific Grove for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Pacific Grove for adults including Folktale Winery and Vineyards and Ventana Vineyards Tasting Room.
Are there free things to do in Pacific Grove?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Pacific Grove is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Cannery Row is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.