Aquamarine water and dramatic vistas are what Lovers Point is all about. This stretch of the Monterey coastline reflects a unique vibrancy in hue that differs from the sandy green of the coastal waters just a few miles north in Santa Cruz County.
The walking path at Lovers Point is unparalleled. A varietal discovery unveils itself around each curve, from walls of massive cacti to ornate floral covered cliffs lined with its signature Cypress trees.
Lovers Point Park spans over 4 acres of beach community overlooking spacious ocean views of breaking waves and red rock formations. Seaweed and marine life are nestled in the tide pools along the shoreline.
Show up early and enjoy the best spot on the west coast for sunrise with its east facing views.
Nicknamed “Butterfly Town”, Pacific Grove is known as a butterfly sanctuary. The local Monterey Pines and Eucalyptus trees are a breeding habitat for the Monarch butterflies during fall and winter.
Pacific Grove is known for its Victorian homes. Lined along the coast, many have turned into restaurants and hotels reflecting the rich history of the past.
Things to Do Near Lovers Point
Though sandy beaches are limited in size and number, there is plenty to do for the nature lover or sports enthusiast in Pacific Grove.
Lovers Point Park
Bring a lunch or pick one up at the local snack bar and relax on the lawn or picnic tables overlooking the bluff. Watch sea otters frolicking in the surf or lounging on the looming rock formations.
Bike Rentals
Bike rentals at the beach, both two and four wheeled, are available for a leisurely cruise.
Water and Land Sports: kayaking, surfing, and volleyball are just some of the activities available.
Diving
A favorite for scuba divers, the ocean reefs and kelp forests are abundant at depths of 15 to 50 feet along the coast. This area is for advanced experience levels. The rocky shore and high tides make access challenging at times, so take care.
Events
Celebrate Pacific Grove’s rich cultural traditiion once a year with the Feast of Lanterns. Enjoy a boat parade, festivities and fireworks over the bay.
Natural History Museum
Visit one of America’s first natural history museums to study the local culture and indigenous wildlife of the central coast.
Farmers’ Market
Visit the Farmers’ Market for fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts grown locally. Mondays from 3:00 to 7:00pm at Central and Grand Avenue, Pacific Grove.
Lovers Point History
First inhabited by the Ohlone Indians and subsequently the Chinese in the 1850’s, the interior area of Pacific Grove was used primarily as a cattle pasture. In the 1870’s the Methodist settlers moved in to the area and 10 years later the land was bought by the Southern Pacific Railroad. This spurred the expansion of the existing Monterey and Salinas Valley Railroad originally ending at Fisherman’s Wharf. With the new opportunities of transporation, the area blossomed, including the creation of the Hotel Del Monte and the 17 Mile Drive.
Pacific Grove was a center for artists of all kinds around the turn of the century. Its immoderate natural beauty lent itself to En plein air painting of the time as well as today.
Robert Lewis Stevenson was enchanted with area, writing of its dreamlike quality. John Steinbeck lived in Pacific Grove in his father’s home at 147 11th Street. His grandmother had a home at 222 Central Avenue where a statue of the author resided in the front yard for years.