Enjoy Beautiful Butterflies and Beaches in Pacific Grove
Good For
- Beach
- Family Time
- Nature
- Photo Ops
- Sightseeing
Why Go
Pacific Grove, aka “Butterfly Town, USA,” is a fantastic fall and winter coastal getaway to see gorgeous ocean vistas and monarch butterflies.
Tucked between its more famous neighbors Monterey and Carmel, Pacific Grove has plenty of charm and attractions for a weekend getaway on its own. Residents are proud and protective of the monarch butterflies that overwinter here every year, and the sight of thousands of them in the Monarch Grove Sanctuary can be spectacular. Add a visit to the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and the eccentric Pacific Grove Butterfly House for a complete butterfly-themed trip.
Beyond the butterflies, Pacific Grove has a coastal drive route with beautiful views between Lover’s Point and Asilomar State Beach. Besides those two beaches, other highlights along the way include Kissing Rock and the Point Pinos Lighthouse.
While there’s plenty to see over a weekend in Pacific Grove, you can also use it as a base to visit Carmel and Monterey.
Suggested Itinerary
On Saturday, it’s all about the butterflies as you visit the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, and the Pacific Grove Butterfly House. On Sunday, drive, walk, or bike Ocean View Blvd before you head home. Spend any extra time during the weekend at Lover’s Point and Asilomar State Beach.
Things to Do
- Observe the butterflies at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary during their annual migration.
- Learn about monarchs and more at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
- Take photos of the unique Pacific Grove Butterfly House.
- Drive, walk, or bike Ocean View Blvd and Sunset Dr between Lover’s Point and Asilomar State Beach.
When to Go
Monarch butterflies make a stop in Pacific Grove every year from October through February. April through May is also an excellent time to visit to see coastal wildflowers along Ocean View Boulevard.
Cost
It’s free to visit the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, Asilomar State Beach, Lover’s Point, and Ocean View Blvd. The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History costs $10 per adult.