Vacation rentals in Pacific Grove

Set on the coastline of Central California, Pacific Grove is a residential city in Monterey County. The area boasts a mix of small-town charm with big-city offerings and an all-around easy-going atmosphere. With its historic downtown, rugged Pacific beaches, and abundance of attractions, Pacific Grove is an excellent destination for families, couples, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a laid-back California getaway.

Choose from a variety of idyllic rentals in Pacific Grove and bring your dream California getaway to life. Oversized rentals are available for families, and come with several bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Opt for a rental tucked away in nature, with a large garden surrounded by trees, and fall asleep to the sounds of insects chirping at night. The vast majority of rentals in this area are designed in a typical modern-California style of architecture, with tasteful decor and modern furnishings. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

Pacific Grove is served by Monterey Airport, which is just 5 miles away. The closest major airport is San Francisco Airport, which is 55 minutes away by train. Car rental companies are available at both airports. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are also available.

There’s no need to rent a car during your stay in Pacific Grove! The city is deemed one of the most walkable in the entire country, with an abundance of walking paths and attractions within a walkable distance to each other. Renting bikes is also a great way to get around and can be rented at a variety of bike shops throughout the city.

Pacific Grove is a wonderful destination for families of all ages. Grab a filling breakfast at Red House Café in downtown Pacific Grove to fuel up for a long day of fun activities. The menu offers a variety of classic favorites made from local and seasonal ingredients. Families with children won’t want to miss out on a visit to the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium. Here children and adults alike can experience close encounters with a variety of marine life, including sea otters, penguins, sharks, sea turtles, fish, and more!

Pacific Grove is well-known for its abundance of historic architecture. There are over 1,000 historic buildings in the downtown area, where you can find a range of architectural styles, including Victorian, Gothic, and more. Take a self-guided walking tour through the small, walkable downtown area to see the stunning historic homes. While you’re downtown, browse through the charming boutiques and antique shops that line the streets. You’ll find several fun and eclectic shops, art galleries, and specialty stores.

Enjoy one of the most spectacular walking trails on the California Central Coastline at Asilomar Beach. The natural, rocky coastline boasts a flat, paved walking path lined with wildflowers, coastal flora, and panoramic views of the Pacific. It’s about a mile long each way and can be accessed from a few different points, including from Sunset Drive or Ocean View Boulevard. A perfect place for a peaceful walk with the sound of crashing waves.

Point Pinos Lighthouse is a stunning, historic lighthouse surrounded by green grassy fields and an abundance of native plant species. The picturesque lighthouse makes a fantastic photo subject, particularly during sunrise and sunset. You can also tour the inside of the lighthouse.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is a must-do for anyone in Pacific Grove. The building was founded in the late 1880s and is home to a vast collection of exhibits showcasing the flora and fauna of the local region. Kids and adults will find plenty to discover and learn about here. There’s a bird collection, a Monarch Gallery, a native plants garden, and a gift shop.

This small, beautiful butterfly preserve houses tens of thousands of butterflies during migration season. Butterflies migrate as a whole to this sanctuary during the winter months, escaping the colder temperatures in the north. It’s best to visit the center between late October and February, which is when you’ll find plenty of butterflies fluttering around the space. Be sure to bring your binoculars so that you have a better chance of seeing as many butterflies as possible!

This activity is only an option during a short window of time in the spring, but it remains as one of the most famous sights in all of Central California. A stunning, vibrant bloom, called the Magenta Ice plant, bursts into life all along the coastline at Oceanview Boulevard. The breathtaking vibrant pink ‘carpet’ stretches for miles along the coast, attracting droves of visitors to come see the natural wonder for themselves. Early morning is the best time to visit, since crowds are smaller and the lighting is better for photos.