Pacific Grove Bed and Breakfast

History

Pacific Grove has a long history as an American landmark for arts, literature, meditation, and nature. Long inhabited by Native American peoples, the area that forms present-day Pacific Grove was founded in 1875 by a member of the Pacific Land Improvement Company. The town was intended to be the first retreat for the Chautauqua organization, a group that focused on adult education and was very popular in the late 19th century, especially in East Coast states like New York. The Chautauqua organization set up a Literary and Scientific meeting group, a Sunday school, and a camp.  Towards the end of the century, Pacific Grove also became popular among artists. The “plein air,” or naturalistic, style of painting was in vogue at the time, and painters from all over the world sought out Pacific Grove as an idyllic retreat with rich natural beauty.In the twentieth century, Pacific Grove continued to attract artists as well as writers--most famously, John Steinbeck, the author of classics such as Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck wrote one of his books about Cannery Row, an important coastal street in Pacific Grove.Today, Pacific Grove is known for its unique civic events and traditions. Every July, the town holds the Feast of Lanterns, a festival inspired by Chinese culture and the history of Chautauqua ceremonies in the 19th century. In October, Pacific Grove hosts a Butterfly Parade, celebrating the importance of the monarch butterfly to the town as the species makes its incredible mass migration to winter habitats. Many other festivals and public events are held throughout the year.Pacific Grove is also known for being one of the last “dry” cities in the U.S.; it did not serve alcohol until 1969.

Activities

Visitors to Pacific Grove will find no shortage of indoor and outdoor activities to keep them occupied during their stays at the town. Popular endeavors include:Exploring nature: Pacific Grove is home to some of the most stunning natural views and vistas that you can find in California. Nearby destinations for walking, hiking, and taking gorgeous photographs include the Del Monte Forest, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and Jacks Peak Park.Visiting the beaches. Monterey is famous for its picture-perfect Pebble Beach. Visitors should make sure to include a trip on their itinerary. And they shouldn’t forget about the many miles of additional coastline surrounding Pacific Grove, including Asilomar State Beach and the iconic Point Pinos Lighthouse.Learning California’s history.  Take a trip to Monterey’s history museums to learn more about California culture, or stop at historic sights, like the Point Pinos Lighthouse, for instructive plaques and exhibits that will illuminate your visit. If natural history is more of your thing, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is one of California’s best; and at the Pacific Grove Art Center, you can learn more about the city’s long artistic legacy.Day trips to nearby towns. Quaint and beautiful towns close to Pacific Grove include Monterey, Carmel, and Sand City. Drive or walk through their exciting downtowns for a full California experience!Looking at the architecture. Pacific Grove was a haven for 19th-century artists and Californians, and many of the Victorian-era mansions they constructed are still standing. Consider staying in one yourself--at one of Pacific Grove’s restored VictorianB&Bs--and going for a walk or drive to see all the incredible architecture in the city.Visit filming locations. Major movies like Sandra Dee and TV shows like Big Little Lies have been shot in Pacific Grove. See if you can find the filming locations!

Natural Features

The natural features of Pacific Grove include coastal landscapes and forest environments. Pacific Grove is home to varied types of flora and fauna, such as the “dew-flower,” a pink plant that blooms along the Pacific Grove shoreline. The coasts near Pacific Grove tend to feature rocky crags that the waves crash against. The unique beaches form vast stretches of yellow sand. At the botanical and nature reserves, there are multiple hiking options, which wind through shady, heavily forested and protected environments.One of the most well-known natural features in Pacific Grove is the ascendance, each year, of large numbers of monarch butterflies. These distinctive butterflies migrate en masse every year from the northern Rocky Mountains for a warmer environment during the fall and winter months. They tend to settle in the pine and eucalyptus trees that are scattered throughout the city. Monarch butterflies have formed an important part of Pacific Grove’s local culture and are celebrated in a festival each year. According to a city ordinance, killing a monarch butterfly is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine.

Weather

As a mid-state California city, Pacific Grove enjoys extremely mild, temperate, sunny weather all year round. The most rainfall occurs during the winter months, from November through April. A distinction occurs during the summer, which is warm and dry. In fact, Pacific Grove benefits from a stunning 267 days of sunny weather and just 69 days of precipitation each year, on average. While it may rain on your trip to Pacific Grove, especially during the winter months, you’ll very likely enjoy at least one day of sun, and extreme temperatures are very rare--making for a comfortable trip! Like many coastal California regions, Pacific Grove also experiences frequent fog. It typically appears early in the morning, or late at night, before rolling or burning away with sunlight or wind.

Food and Drink

Pacific Grove features restaurants with a range of cuisines on offer. American restaurants include the Beach House at Lovers Point, which offers casual dining with a view of the ocean. At Fandango Restaurant, you can enjoy California fusion style dishes, with steaks, past, seafood, and paella all on the menu--not to mention private rooms for larger dinner parties, and a full bar and wine list.Max’s Grill, located on Forest Avenue, also serves up classic California cuisines. Fresh-caught seafood is  available for a luxurious night out, along with fine wines. One eco-friendly option is Passionfish, a restaurant on Lighthouse Avenue, which offers sustainable dining and simple but delicious seafood.For casual breakfast or lunch options, make sure to check out Fifi’s Cafe and Bistro on Forest Avenue, a quaint French cafe. Happy Girl Kitchen is a coffee bar located two blocks from the Monterey Aquarium. You can enjoy homemade baked goods, jas, ferments, and honey there.

Things to Do

Looking for more things to do during your visit to Pacific Grove? If you’re planning an itinerary, here are our top recommendations:#1. Visit the beaches. No trip to Pacific Grove is complete without a beach day! Two of the best beaches to check out are Pebble Beach and Asilomar State Beach. Sit on the sand, swim in the water, and bask in the beautiful weather at these sites--and you’ll find out why Pacific Grove and the surrounding communities have been prime destinations for artists and vacationers alike.#2. Take a stroll down Lighthouse Avenue. Lighthouse Avenue is at the heart of Pacific Grove,  showcasing its distinctive shopping, dining, and art gallery options.  Whether you’re hitting the town for dinner or searching for an unforgettable painting to keep, Lighthouse Avenue is a perfect destination.#3. Stop at the butterfly sanctuary. Take time to literally smell the flowers at Pacific Grove’s monarch butterfly sanctuary.  During the winter months, monarchs settle on the city’s trees in such large numbers that tree branches are actually draped with these unique orange-and-black creatures.#4. Spend a morning (or night) in, at your B&B! While you want to fit in as much fun on your vacation as possible, don’t forget to take time to relax, too. Stay in for a full breakfast and cup of coffee to enjoy the sunshine, or spend a night exploring the grounds of one of Pacific Grove’s luxurious bed and breakfasts.

Pacific Grove Bed and Breakfast FAQ

Why Stay at a Bed & Breakfast in Pacific Grove, CA?

A bed and breakfast stay will allow you to enjoy the full Pacific Grove experience--personalized, comfortable, and right in the heart of the city. Pacific Grove bed and breakfasts go the extra mile to ensure that your vacation is cozy and fun. Live your trip like a guest or even a resident, not a passing tourist, by immersing yourself in the homes that bed and breakfasts have to offer. Plus, Pacific Grove bed and breakfasts offer a range of perks--from gorgeous ocean views and full breakfasts, to afternoon options for socializing or relaxation. The friendly, welcoming attitude of your bed and breakfast hosts will make all the difference on your trip.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a Pacific Grove Bed and Breakfast?

You can expect many amenities at any Pacific Grove bed and breakfast. One of the most sought-after is the ocean views--many of the b&b homes, such as the Seven Gables Inn and the Green Gables Inn, provide stunning outlooks onto the ocean! Other available amenities include private guest rooms, free Wi-Fi and linens, commemorative gifts, flexible check-in times, jacuzzi and spa options, and prices that beat vacation rentals. Finally, close proximity to Pacific Grove locations are on offer as well. Bed and breakfasts are located within walking distance of destinations like Lover’s Point Park.

How can I get around Pacific Grove?

The Monterey Regional Airport is a fast, direct way to reach Pacific Grove. Other nearby airports are in San Francisco (74 miles to the north) and San Jose (52 miles to the south).  Car rentals and bike rentals are both available in Pacific Grove. Rental cars and ride-shares are great options to reach destinations like Pebble Beach and the nature reserves.Downtown Pacific Grove is a very walkable area. Pacific Grove bed and breakfasts like the Centrella Inn are situated within walking distance of many key local destinations, including Lover’s Point Beach, the Aquarium, Cannery Row, and downtown dining and shopping options.

What Are the Different Types of B&Bs in Pacific Grove?

Searching for the best bed and breakfast in Pacific Grove? Let’s dive into the different types available.First, you’ll definitely want to consider historic bed and breakfasts. Many of the b&bs in Pacific Grove are located in restored Victorian homes that retain their original glamor and charm. Check out the Pacific Grove Inn, where gourmet breakfasts and afternoon wine receptions complement antique coziness. Fireplaces and private balconies add to the luxury! The Gosby House Inn, a Four Sisters Inn, is a Victorian that was reconstructed and redesigned after extensive research to match the 1888 original to a T.Also consider location. The Centrella Inn, for example, is not just a beautiful building--it’s also located right in the heart of downtown Pacific Grove, making it easy to get to dining and shopping after a long day out.Or search for quiet, secluded, and romantic escapes full of California sunshine and dedicated, personable service. Classics include the Old Monterey Inn and the Pacific Gardens Inn. Also make sure to check out key options like the Martine Inn and the Old St. Angela Inn!Finally, don’t forget the option to enjoy ocean views. The Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove is located on the aptly named Ocean View Boulevard--and every one of its rooms offers stunning views of the beach and water!Why not combine all three features? Pacific GroveB&Bs like the Green Gables Inn provide both ocean views and Victorian rooms.Nearby Monterey bed and breakfastswill also allow you to access the many activities and sites in Pacific Grove with a quick drive.