Pacific Grove

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Seaside Victorian Village

A travel journal to Pacific Grove by Judy Andreson Best of IgoUgo

Adjacent to the more well-known city of Monterey, Pacific Grove is a quaint village of Victorian houses, out-of-the-ordinary shopping opportunities and striking views of the Monterey Bay.

  • 6 reviews

Seaside Victorian Village Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Pacific Grove was originally started as a Methodist retreat, which explains all the tiny Victorian cottages. It is a town suitable for walking with the core of businesses located within two blocks of Lighthouse Avenue. Wonderful restaurants, thrift shops, an antique mall, and specialty shops give Pacific Grove a real hometown feel. The drive along the ocean is breath-taking any time of the year. Spring is especially magical when the purple ice plant blooms.

Quick Tips:

Try to stay in one of the smaller motels or Bed and Breakfast establishments for a true PG experience. Dress in layers. Summer months can bring chilly and foggy weather especially in the early morning and evenings.

Best Way To Get Around:

Park the car and walk, walk, walk! Nothing beats a close up, unhurried look at the Victorian cottages, their tiny gardens bursting with blooms, and the ever-changing Monterey Bay.

Green Gables InnBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

This is probably the most well-known inn on the Monterey Peninsula. The 1888 National Historic Landmark is a multi-gabled Queen Ann mansion and carriage house with eleven guest rooms and incredible waterfront views of the lovely Monterey Bay. The rooms are tastefully appointed with richly colored wallpaper, fabrics and antiques. Wine and hors d'oeuvres are served in the afternoon near a cozy fireplace. Guests will enjoy a full breakfast each morning in the bay-view dining room. Reservations are a must for this popular inn.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on July 26, 2000

Green Gables Inn
104 5th Street Pacific Grove, California 93950
(800) 234-1425

FandangoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Like others before you, you'll adore Fandango. Fresh-cut flowers adorn the table tops, a crackling fire warms the dining room during the chilly winter months. The earthy smell of fruitwood and mesquite will tempt you to order one of the seafood specialties prepared on the wood-burning grill. Their fresh pasta, paella or couscous is also heavenly. There is an excellent wine list with offerings from Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Algeria, Morroco and California vineyards. It is the type of place you'll want to linger over coffee and dessert. Serves lunch and dinner as well as Sunday brunch.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on July 26, 2000

Fandango
223 17th Street Pacific Grove, California 93950
(831) 372-3456

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural HistoryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Recognized nationwide as one of the best musuems for its size, it contains a collection of more than 400 birds. There are many interesting zoological specimens of mammals, reptiles and insects found on the Monterey Peninsula. A multmedia exhibit in three languanges honors the Monarch Butterfly that winters in the town's Butterfly Park. Artifacts from local Native Americans such as the Costanoan, Salinan and Esselen tribes round out the collection.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on July 26, 2000

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
165 Forest Avenue Pacific Grove, California 93950
(831) 648-5716

Church Mouse Thrift ShopBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This tiny shop is the big cheese when it comes to variety. You'll find interesting books, games, children's toys, clothing, shoes, glassware and kitchen items. You'll often find a good selection of table linens and vintage suitcases too.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on July 26, 2000

Church Mouse Thrift Shop
204 17th Street Pacific Grove, California 93950
(831) 375-0838

Lovers Point BeachBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

There are two small sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and a concrete pier structure. The tiny protected cove makes it a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, surfing and scuba diving. Lovers Point is a popular place for family gatherings, picnics, fishing and catching a few rays. The park is open every day during daylight and there is no admission fee. Please note that swimming is not for the faint of heart. Though it looks inviting, the water is very cold!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on July 26, 2000

Lovers Point Beach
Ocean View Boulevard Pacific Grove, California 93950
(831) 648-3130

About the Writer

Judy Andreson
Judy Andreson
Elko, Nevada
  • "Experienced travel writer with more than 200 published articles on travel in the U.S. and Europe."
  • 26 journals
  • 0 photos
  • 122 reviews

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