Things To Do: Pacific Grove

Events

Feast of Lanterns: An annual weeklong festival originating over 100 years ago as the ceremonial end to the Chautauqua assembly.

Annual Wildflower Show: The largest wildflower show on the Northern and Western hemispheres.

Annual Butterfly Parade and Bazaar: An annual tradition over 75 years old that celebrates elementary school students welcoming monarch butterflies back to Pacific Grove for the winter.

Pacific Grove Good Old Days Celebration: The city’s largest annual celebration, including over 100 arts and craft booths, a carnival, a parade, a fashion show, and a pie eating contest.

The Little Car Show: An annual automobile show of small cars for the auto enthusiast.

Annual Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally: A car show allowing drivers to showcase their sports and classic cars in downtown Pacific Grove.

Historical Attractions

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History: Opened in 1883, this museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), a designation earned by less than 5% of American museums.

Point Pinos Lighthouse: Built in 1855, this is the oldest active operating lighthouse on the west coast.

Downtown Architecture and History Walking Tour: Walking tour of many of the city’s historic homes and commercial buildings.

Asilomar Conference Grounds: Historic conference hotel set on a 107-acre site overlooking the ocean.

Ketcham’s Barn: Built as a barn in 1891 by H.C. Ketcham, it was subsequently used as a garage and cabinet shop, and is now a museum.

Chautauqua Hall: Built in 1881 by the Pacific Grove Retreat Association, this was the site for concerts and entertainment before being restored and declared a State Historical Landmark over 100 years later.

Art Attractions

The Pacific Grove Performing Arts Center: Built in 1923 as an extension of Pacific Grove High School, it was restored in 2003 and continues to host premier performances.

The BookWorks Coffee Shop and Bookstore: Popular for live folk music, it is the region’s last independently owned and operated bookstore.

PG Art Center: Established in 1969, the center strives to “Educate, Appreciate, Exhibit, Encourage, and Inspire” through art.

Hauk Fine Arts: Art gallery specializing in early and contemporary art of the Monterey Peninsula.

Hambrook’s Auction House: Founded in 1990 by Phillip Hambrook, this is the largest auction facility on the Central Coast.

Natural Attractions

Monarch Grove Sanctuary: Cared for by volunteers, this sanctuary is dedicated to welcoming and protecting monarch butterflies into “Butterfly Town, U.S.A.”

Asilomar State Beach: A one-mile strip of beach that is popular with surfers and dog-lovers.

Lovers Point Park: A beach park comprised of 4.4 acres popular for fishing, swimming, water sports, and surfing. Named after “Lovers of Jesus Point,” where Methodist resort settlers set up their summer tents.

Pacific Grove Golf Links: Adjacent to the famed 17 Mile Drive, this golf course offers stunning views.

George Washington Park: Pacific Grove’s largest city park including picnic areas, restrooms, a play structure, and a baseball field.