Things to do in Pacific Grove
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Top 10 attractions in Pacific Grove
17 Mile Dr
17 Mile Dr is a coastal scenic road that runs through the private coastal community of Pebble Beach, named for its total length of approx. 17 miles. On one side of the road are the rolling pine forests and Monterey cypress of the Del Monte Forest, and on the other is the rocky coastline of the Pacific Ocean, with over 10 viewpoints along the way. The iconic view of this scenic route is The Lone Cypress, a Monterey cypress that has grown alone on a granite rock for approx. two and a half centuries. It has long been considered the symbol of Pebble Beach and is a highly popular photo spot along the entire route. Bird Rock is home to flocks of seabirds, sea lions, and harbor seals all year round. The rocks are stained white by years of bird droppings, making it a lively place. In the Seal Rock area, you can often see seals lazily basking in the sun. Spanish Bay features an open beach, a rarity along the route, where visitors stack smooth pebbles into small towers. At sunset, a bagpiper plays by the sea, a tradition that has continued for decades. China Rock holds the history of Chinese fishermen who sought shelter and settled there, while Ghost Tree has become a unique photography subject with its twisted, bleached trunk. There are many attractions along the way. The scenic route also passes through several championship-level golf courses, including the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Links.Del Monte Forest · 3 km from Pacific Grove
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium is built on the site of a former sardine cannery on the shores of Monterey Bay and has focused on the marine ecology of this bay since it opened. What makes it special is that the water for the exhibit tanks is pumped directly from the bay, bringing many fish, shellfish, and seaweed into the aquarium along with the seawater. The creatures in the exhibits live in the actual seawater of the bay, so what you see is not just a generic collection of marine animals, but the ecological landscape of the bay itself outside the window. Several permanent exhibits in the aquarium each have their signature highlights: in the three-story Kelp Forest, giant kelp grows at a rate visible to the naked eye, and schools of fish weave through the swaying kelp; the Open Sea exhibit holds over a million gallons of water, where green sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, schools of Pacific sardines, and round, stout ocean sunfish cruise through the large blue tank;Monterey BayHabitats exhibit recreates different environments such as sandy sea floors, shale reefs, and wharf pilings, where sevengill sharks, rays, and giant sea bass appear, while the nearby touch pools, surge channels, and walk-through aviary are especially suitable for family-friendly experiences. The Sea Otter exhibit is home to southern sea otters that were rescued and could not be released back into the wild; they also take on the task of caring for stranded pups, and the feeding and training demonstration sessions are very popular, with viewing windows on the first floor where you can see them rolling flexibly underwater. The deep-sea exhibit relies on the adjacent Monterey Canyon to bring rarely seen deep-sea creatures into the aquarium, with giant isopods, Japanese spider crabs, and iridescent comb jellies as residents; jellyfish husbandry is also a traditional strength of this aquarium. The seaside deck faces the bay, offering opportunities to encounter wild sea otters and seals.Monterey · 1.3 km from Pacific Grove
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a coastal resort area covered in pine and cypress forests, famous for its rocky coastline and golf courses. The coast here consists mostly of granite headlands, with waves crashing against the reefs year-round. The white waves, black reefs, and dark green cypress trees create a highly recognizable coastal scene. The iconic way to explore this area is by self-drive or cycling along 17 Mile Dr, a loop that connects multiple viewpoints: The Lone Cypress stands alone on a rock and is over 200 years old, serving as the symbol of Pebble Beach; the Bird Rock area is home to sea lions, harbor seals, and various seabirds all year round; sea otters can often be seen floating on their backs among the kelp in the nearshore waters; and wild deer herds are occasionally spotted on the lawns in the evening. Golf is another hallmark of this area. Pebble Beach Golf Links is built right against the sea cliffs, with several holes facing the Pacific Ocean directly, and it has hosted the U.S. Open many times.Pebble Beach · 6.3 km from Pacific Grove
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Old Fisherman's Wharf is a historic tourist destination located in Monterey, California. It has been a center of marine activities since its construction in 1845. Today, the wharf attracts visitors with its rich dining options and marine experiences. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood in many restaurants, especially local specialties such as clam chowder and lobster dishes. In addition to food, Old Fisherman's Wharf offers a variety of marine activities. Whale watching tours are one of the highlights here, and visitors have the opportunity to see marine life such as whales, dolphins and sea lions. For fishing enthusiasts, the wharf offers boat rental services, allowing you to enjoy the fun of sea fishing. There are also many shops on the wharf that sell souvenirs and handicrafts, which is a good place to buy unique gifts. Strolling along the wharf, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Monterey Bay and it is an ideal place to take pictures. Visitors are advised to check the official website for event information and opening hours.Monterey · 2.6 km from Pacific Grove
CA-1
CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.Monterey County · 20.3 km from Pacific Grove
Discovery Whale Watch
Discovery Whale Watch offers whale watching. Daily tours are led by marine biologists or naturalists who provide educational information about whales, dolphins, and various marine wildlife.Monterey · 2.6 km from Pacific Grove
Lone Cypress
Lone Cypress is an iconic landmark on the Monterey Peninsula in California, located at attraction 12 on the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. This Monterey cypress is rooted on a granite cliff along the Pacific coast. It is approx. 250 years old and has withstood storms, salt spray, and sea erosion, becoming a symbol of the resilient spirit of the West Coast of the United States. It grows in one of only 2 remaining natural Monterey cypress forests in the world. Its location offers an expansive view of the blue waves and reefs of Carmel Bay(Carmel Bay). To protect this ancient tree, the rock base has been reinforced with masonry since the 1940s, the trunk has been secured with steel cables, and railings have been installed around it to restrict visitor access. Its unique growing environment and human protection measures demonstrate the symbiosis between natural wonders and human civilization.Pebble Beach · 6.9 km from Pacific Grove
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located south of the coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and is a headland extending into the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Highway 1. This expansive coastal area offers stunning scenery where the water meets the sky, with both pebble-strewn beaches and small coves of soft white sand, making it a perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic.Monterey County · 11.4 km from Pacific Grove
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Course is one of the most famous golf courses in the world. Opened in 1919, this Jack Neville and Douglas Grant-designed course is known for its rugged coastline, sweeping views, cliffside fairways and sloping greens. The Pebble Beach Golf Course is also the venue for many well-known tournaments. Famous golfer Jack Nicklaus once said that if he were asked to choose a course as his farewell venue, he would choose this place.Pebble Beach · 6.1 km from Pacific Grove
Lovers Point Park
The park is located in the United States. With its serene environment and beautiful scenery, it is a great place for locals to relax and unwind.Pacific Grove · 937m from downtown
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Free things to do in Pacific Grove
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach · 6.3 km from Pacific GroveOld Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey · 2.6 km from Pacific GroveCA-1
Monterey County · 20.3 km from Pacific GroveLone Cypress
Pebble Beach · 6.9 km from Pacific Grove
Carmel Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea · 7.6 km from Pacific Grove
Monterey Bay
Monterey County · 20.5 km from Pacific Grove
What travelers say about Pacific Grove
AppleJuly 17, 2025
5.0
The 17-mile toll road is highly recommended. It costs about $12 and includes Bird Rock, a stunning private residence, a golf course, and a sapphire blue coastline. Every time you visit a photo spot, you will be amazed.
17 Mile Dr
_TI***vdMarch 9, 2024
5.0
First purchase on here and the ticket sounded almost too good to be true. Took my chance on them, and they worked without issue. Got scanned into the aquarium and had a blast with the kiddo. Took a family of 5 for the price of 2 people. Very good deal. Will buy from again.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
DEAR张小球April 23, 2020
5.0
This is a famous scenic spot located 17 kilometers from Highway 1. There are many places to play around. The beach is very beautiful. Many people play in the water and sunbathe here. Although the sun is a little strong, the scenery is very good.
Pebble Beach
zhulei831230June 29, 2020
3.0
This place makes people feel relaxed and happy, mainly because there are relatively few people, and the entire pier is filled with all kinds of small boats, which makes people feel comfortable and relaxed. If you are interested, you can charter a boat to go out to sea.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OMay 1, 2026
5.0
Driving along California's Highway 1, my hands were aching from gripping the wheel for so long. The coastal section was winding and twisting, with waves crashing white against the cliffs below. I stopped by the roadside to watch the seals; those lazy guys just rolled on their backs, not moving an inch. The Big Sur Bridge was quite photogenic, but I was too busy watching the road to cross it. We kept stopping and starting, turning into every viewpoint we saw to enjoy the breeze. Just as the gas tank was almost empty, we arrived in town; a burger and a Coke were the perfect comfort food.
CA-1
亮亮February 7, 2020
4.0
There is a huge visual difference between the excitement of chasing whales in the sea and the sea lions living comfortably on the shore. Their laziness makes you feel as if time is about to stop and does not make you feel excited.
Discovery Whale Watch
雪3飞whoFebruary 17, 2020
5.0
Recommended index:
Just go to see a lonely cypress tree, which is said to be more than 200 years old, and is considered the symbol of 17 Mile Bay. The lonely cypress tree quietly watches the tides, the clouds, and the people coming and going... Stay here for 30 minutes to take pictures and feel that life is enough.
Lone Cypress
quqkyJune 29, 2020
3.0
It's a very comfortable place. You can walk along the simple path built on the edge of the cliff. You can take a walk and feel the sea breeze. You can see some marine animals. They jump on the rocks to bask in the sun. It feels very natural here.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
魔女锦鲤September 9, 2019
4.0
Pebble Beach Golf Links, first built in 1919, was rated as the best golf course in the United States by the American magazine Golf Digest and is also known as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The course has hosted many of the world's most famous golf events, including the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and five U.S. Open Championships. In addition to enjoying golf games, the scenery here is also very beautiful, with blue sky, blue sea, and green grass. It is a great place for leisure and vacation.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
吴青芸August 25, 2019
4.0
Lover's Point Park is located on the 17-Mile Drive, which is known as the world's most beautiful 17-mile coastline and is a private property. In 1880, the Del Monte Hotel opened, providing travelers with horse-drawn carriages on a scenic gravel road around the Monterey Peninsula and leading to the Del Monte Forest. This is the origin of the "17-Mile Drive".
Lovers Point Park
