Pacific Grove California "Americas Last Hometown"

Visiting Pacific Grove ca. is like stepping back in time.

Some have described it as a place where people are more gentle and even kinder...where the pace is slow enough to really enjoy each other and the occassional foggy weather and good food.

Sometimes referred to as "Americas Last Hometown" or "Butterfly Town," Pacific Grove California is a different experience. The tiny town is right on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula and is well know for it's victorian architecture and the annual migration of the Monarch butterflies beginning in October.

But there are hidden treasures here that I have experienced, that set it apart from most of the rest of this central coast location. It is near the beginning of the famous Seventeen Mile Drive, close to ocean front promenades, and to unique bed and breakfast inns.

You could even book accommodations at Asilomar in a California State Park that sits on 107 acres of prime beach front land where you can enjoy vintage, rustic cottages built in the Arts and Crafts architectual style. 

I have stayed here several times and enjoyed the rambling trails, laid back attitude and peacefulness of this great treasure of the California park system.

Stay in a Victorian Style Bed and Breakfast 

There are a few other destinations along the northern shores of California that have retained a true Victorian influence in it's architecture, but Pacific Grove is trying it's best.

Victorian style lodging is especially appealing along the waters edge. A few stand out and these are among the best that are always rated favorably by guests.

Bed and Breakfast Along the Waters Edge

The first that comes to mind is Seven Gables Bed and Breakfast. Located right across the street from wonderful views of the Monterey Bay and background mountains, this choice for accommodations is easy to spot and I remember driving by it several times as I have traveled this ppart of the coast.

 Painted in yellow and white clapboard style and built in1886, you can't miss it as you drive along Ocean View Blvd. There are 25 rooms, all with water views and private bathrooms. Fireplaces, goose down pillows and comforters and high quality linens are the norm.

A full breakfast, wine and cheese and home made cookies and milk in the evening are included in your stay. This is a family operated bed and breakfast so expect the service to be all that you would expect.

There is even an evening turn down service. Now who does that anymore? 

From $229.00 per night

555 Ocean View Blvd    Corner of Ocean View and Fountain Ave.

If you really want to be near the water, the Green Gables Inn is another terriffic choice.

Rated by Conde Nast Travel Magazine as one of the top small hotels in the United States you will enjoy an outstanding breakfast with fresh baked muffins and french toast, wine and hors d'oeuvres in the afternoon and a choice of 11 rooms that range in price from $155.00

301 Ocean View Blvd. 

Charming Bed and Breakfast in Town

The Gosby House Inn is another favorite.There are 22 rooms each decorated with iron beds, vintage wallpaper and fireplaces. Breakfast is included so you can dine with other guests and share traveling stories ...or you can have your breakfast brought to your room.

From $120.00 per night643 Lighthouse Av.

Hotels, Inns and Timeshares

If you like the comfort of your own home away from home and shy away from hotel rooms you might like the stay at the Pacific Grove Plaza. This location and good value is what makes this a popular request.

These are like condos andeach condo has it's own decorative flavor. Rooms are large and seem more like a small apartment that a hotel room. There is underground parking and no parking fees.

620 Lighthouse Ave.

The Sea Breeze Inn and Cottages always pull an enthusiatic crowd because of their closeness to the beach and quaint accommodations. Be sure to stay in one of the stand alone cottages on the office side for the most privacy.

1100 Lighthouse Av.

Outstanding Pacific Grove Restaurants

There are only a few restaurants in Pacific Grove that draw travelers away from the well known Carmel and Monterey big names in dining, But these are places worth a drive even if your not visiting Cannery Row or the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

For breakfast or lunch don't miss First Awakenings in the Tin Cannery just a few blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you like pancakes the size of hubcaps and potatoes that make your mouth water this is your place!

It's not fancy but it is good food and th eprices are reasonable and that will make you want to come back again and again. So why not come for an early breakfast, take a walk along the ocean walking paths and then after your worn out have lunch here again. Get a table in the patio if the weather is good.

It's worth it!

 For more of the best Pacific Grove's restaurants this link will get you there faster!

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