Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove, known affectionately as “America’s Last Hometown,” is a charming seaside community on the Monterey Peninsula. With its Victorian homes, walkable streets, and breathtaking coastline, the town offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Famous for its annual monarch butterfly migration and the dramatic shoreline of Lover’s Point Park and Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove blends small-town warmth with coastal beauty. For those searching for Pacific Grove homes for sale, options include historic cottages, beachside bungalows, and updated homes near the ocean.

Living in Pacific Grove feels like stepping into a storybook. The town is quieter than its neighbors, making it ideal for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a slower pace. Residents stroll along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, gather at local cafes, and shop in the quaint downtown filled with boutiques and restaurants. With its preserved Victorian architecture and oceanfront parks, the town is often considered the most charming—and the most approachable—community on the Monterey Peninsula.

Pacific Grove Real Estate Overview

Pacific Grove real estate is popular with buyers looking for coastal charm and character-rich homes in a safe, tight-knit community.

• Median home price: Around $1.5–1.7 million, with premiums for ocean-view and historic properties.

• Architecture: A mix of colorful Victorian homes, mid-century cottages, and contemporary remodels.

• Cost of living: High, though often slightly lower than Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach.

Where To Eat In Pacific Grove

If I were mapping out my ideal food day in Pacific Grove, I’d start with brunch at Red House Café or Bookworks, grab lunch with a view at Beach House, and save dinner for Passionfish, Wild Fish, or Mezzaluna. And if I’m in the mood for comfort food? Fandango or Il Vecchio always deliver.

• Mezzaluna Restaurant – A longtime local favorite for authentic Italian. The menu has house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and rustic dishes that always hit the spot. They also have the best wine program in town, with minimal markups designed for a retail experience so stock up! More info →

• Passionfish – If you only try one restaurant in PG, make it this one. It’s all about sustainable seafood, and every dish feels like it was made with care. The wine list is fantastic too, but the best part is that it never feels pretentious—just really, really good food in a relaxed setting. More info →

• Red House Café – This place is pure PG charm. It’s inside a little red Victorian house, and the brunch here is unbeatable. The omelets are hearty, the coffee is strong, and the cozy vibe makes it the kind of place you’ll want to linger. The dog friendly patio makes it a great spot to bring dogs. More info →

• Beach House at Lover’s Point – Dinner here is all about the view. Sitting right on the water, you can watch the waves roll in while you dig into seafood or steaks. If you can, time it for sunset—it’s one of those “this is why I live here” moments. If you are local, they have an exclusive locals menu that offers big discounts to local patrons. More info →

• Wild Fish – This place feels like a secret, even though it’s well-loved. The menu changes constantly depending on what’s fresh and local, but it’s always spot-on. It’s small, cozy, and perfect for a quiet dinner when you want something a little more intimate. More info →

• Fandango – A PG classic. Walking in feels like stepping into a different era—in the best way. Cozy dining rooms, old-world charm, and hearty French and Mediterranean dishes. It’s the kind of place you go when you’re craving comfort food with a touch of elegance. More info →

• Il Vecchio – Warm, inviting, and deliciously Italian. The handmade pastas taste like they’ve been perfected over generations, and the vibe makes you feel like you’re part of the family. More info →

• BookWorks Café – My go-to for coffee or a light bite. It’s cozy, unfussy, and very much a locals’ hangout. Whether you grab a sandwich for lunch or just want a quiet place to read after grabbing a book from the attached book store, it just feels like home. More info →

• The Grill at Point Pinos – Set right by the lighthouse and golf course, this one is low-key but such a solid choice. The food is hearty, the portions are generous, and you get that classic PG mix of dunes, ocean, and history in the backdrop. More info →

What To Do In Pacific Grove

A perfect day in Pacific Grove for me would start with a walk along the rec trail, coffee at BookWorks, and a morning exploring Lover’s Point. In the afternoon, I’d wander through the PG Art Center, then end the day with dinner at Mezzaluna. It’s simple, beautiful, and full of charm—just like Pacific Grove itself.

• Walk the Coastal Recreation Trail – If you do nothing else in PG, do this. Start near Lover’s Point and just walk or bike along the trail—you’ll see otters floating on their backs, sea lions barking on the rocks, and views that make you stop in your tracks. It’s my go-to reset when I need to slow down and just breathe in the ocean air. More info →

• Hang out at Lover’s Point Park – This is really the heart of PG. Families picnic, kids splash in the little cove, and kayakers launch right from the beach. It’s one of those places that feels like a big neighborhood hangout—you’ll always run into someone you know. More info →

• See the Monarch Butterflies – From October through February, you have to visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Thousands of butterflies gather in the eucalyptus trees, and when the sun hits just right, they all start fluttering. It’s magical—no matter how many times you’ve seen it. More info →

• Wander the Victorian streets – I love just walking the neighborhoods here. The colorful Victorian homes make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook, especially in spring when the gardens explode with flowers. It’s the kind of charm that never gets old. More info →

• Explore Asilomar State Beach – Wide, sandy, and usually less crowded than other beaches, Asilomar is where I go for a quiet walk or to poke around tidepools at low tide. Bring a jacket—the wind can sneak up on you—but the views are worth it. More info →

• Play Pacific Grove Golf Links – Locals call it the “poor man’s Pebble Beach,” but honestly, the views on the back nine rival any course in the world. It’s not fancy, but that’s what makes it so special—you’re literally golfing along the ocean for a fraction of the price. When I finally learn to golf, this will be my first stop. More info →

• Grab coffee at BookWorks Café – This is my little ritual spot. The coffee’s great, the pastries are solid, and the vibe is cozy and unfussy. I’ll often start my day here before heading down to the rec trail—it just feels very “PG.” More info →

• Stroll Lighthouse Avenue – Downtown Pacific Grove has this small-town charm you don’t find many places anymore. Boutiques, little restaurants, and friendly shop owners who remember your name. Don’t skip the used bookstore, it’s the kind of place you can lose an hour in without even noticing. More info →

• Visit Point Pinos Lighthouse – It’s the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, and it still feels like a secret. It’s not touristy—it’s quiet, historic, and gives you that sense of connection to PG’s roots. The docents are extremely knowledgable and great story tellers. The history will shock you! More info →

Getting Around Pacific Grove

• Walkability: Pacific Grove is one of the most walkable communities on the Peninsula, with a compact downtown and easy access to the waterfront.

• Traffic: Generally light, though tourist season can bring more congestion near Lover’s Point and Asilomar.

• Transit: Served by Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST), with easy connections to Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach.

Schools in Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove is served by the Pacific Grove Unified School District (PGUSD), known for strong community support. Pacific Grove Unified School District historically has some of the top-ranked schools on the Monterey Peninsula.

• Pacific Grove High School – small, community-centered school with strong academics and athletics.

• Pacific Grove Middle School – serving grades 6–8.

• Forest Grove and Robert Down Elementary Schools – well-regarded elementary options.

For private schooling, nearby options include Stevenson School (Pebble Beach) and Santa Catalina School (Monterey).

Ready to Experience Pacific Grove?

Pacific Grove offers an ideal balance of coastal charm, community spirit, and access to the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. With excellent schools, walkable neighborhoods, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s one of the most desirable places to live in California. For those seeking Pacific Grove real estate, this community provides both character-rich historic homes and modern updates, all framed by stunning ocean views and a welcoming small-town lifestyle.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Pacific Grove or just planning a visit, I’d love to help you get to know this charming seaside town. As a local realtor, I can guide you through the market and help you find the perfect home. And if you’re simply exploring, think of me as your personal concierge—I can connect you with the best short-term rentals and insider tips so you experience Pacific Grove like a true local.