Surrounded by coastline, Pacific Grove offers relaxation to
visitors and locals
By Christine Cuthbert, Staff Writer
Whether it’s the bright orange flutter of migrating monarchs during the winter or the florescent-purple shades of blooming ice plant during the spring and summer, the atmosphere of the coastal town of Pacific Grove never has a dull moment, and its beautiful beach-side is just 45 minutes from the South Valley.
If the South Valley’s chilly winters or hot summers leave you wanting an escape, take a day trip to Pacific Grove, located on the Monterey Peninsula. The city of roughly 15,300 residents enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year, although the fog rolling in can chill the air in the early mornings and at night.
“It was pouring rain when we left Los Banos this morning, and when we got here, the sun was shining,” said Lisa Green, who recently visited Pacific Grove with her two children. “It was like we were in a completely different part of the world.”
Families looking for fun and couples in search of romance can find plenty to do in Pacific Grove, which the city’s visitors bureau bills as “America’s last home town.”
The city, established in the late 1890s, is only 3 miles in circumference, making it easy to get around by foot. Or, the numerous trails surrounding the city’s beaches and streets are ideal for biking, and there are several bike shops in nearby Monterey where visitors can rent bikes for the day.
When riding along the coast, stop by one of the hundreds of tide pools located throughout the rock-lined beaches to get an up-close look at the sea life.
San Leandro resident Mandy Bryant and her daughter, Kylie, spent most of their afternoon in Pacific Grove looking at sea urchins and mussels.
“They’re squishy,” the 5-year-old said.
Once they were done climbing the rocks, Bryant said the two were planning to comb the beach for sand dollars until her husband, Michael, returned from a kayaking adventure. Marine life is a well-known attraction of the Monterey Bay.
“It’s beautiful out there, all the kelp and the otters,” Bryant said. “It’s amazing to get that up-close to these animals.”
Those who enjoy seeing the animals but aren’t ready to hop into a kayak can sign up for one of the area’s whale-watching or fishing boat trips.
Another leisure activity in Pacific Grove is to bundle up on one of the city benches that are located throughout the bike trail that parallels Ocean View Drive and watch the surfers and waves. The recent rainstorms have caused the ocean swells to rise up to 20 feet, creating a beautiful scene when the waves crash against the coast.
After a day of fresh air, day visitors of Pacific Grove can warm themselves up by stepping into one of the city’s coffeehouses or pubs. One local favorite is Shnarley’s Bronx Pizzeria, 650 Lighthouse Ave., which offers authentic New York-style pizza pies as well as a variety of locally produced wines.
Sara Martin, a Pacific Grove resident for more than a decade, recommends Shnarley’s for “one-of-a-kind pizza” and good wines for decent prices.
“They’re always having specials, and it’s such a relaxing atmosphere,” she said.
The food, beauty and small-town feel of the beach-side city has attracted tourists from around the world for years, said longtime Pacific Grove resident Nadine Annard.
“If you haven’t been here before and you live close, it’s more than worth the drive,” she said. “We have people come from all over just to see the butterflies and the coast. It’s just beautiful.”
