Hillcrest Travel Guide
Pacific Grove
Visit Hillcrest
Popular places to visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.
Lovers Point
Enjoy a day of sun and surf at this beautiful beach, which is one of the few places on the U.S. west coast where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
Experience a piece of American maritime history with a tour of one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast.
Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
Enjoy a trip to Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary and popular activities such as golfing in Pacific Grove. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve
You can take time to visit Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve during your travels to Pacific Grove.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Step into a field guide to the Californian Central Coast, packed with local birdlife, marine life and Native American culture.
Things to do
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Top hotels in Hillcrest
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Except for the incredibly slow service at breakfast the rest of the stay was pleasant. The car garage was quite a hike from the room and even though we packed light it was still annoying with several trips. No luggage carts that we saw to make it easier."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Check in was terrible, not given good directions to room after long day of driving. One robe missing, replaced by housekeeping. TV did not work, engineer got it working after replacing the "cable". Bed does not have top sheet, reportedly hotel policy. Very much not hygienic!!! We chose to place it ..."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"We had a spacious room on top floor with balcony overlooking pool. Room was quiet. Had refrigerator. Good blackout curtains and responsive heating /cooling. Comfortable bed. Convenient to highway and 5 min drive into Carmel."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
"Very clean. The staff were very friendly and helpful."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"No breakfast, older hotel but great location"
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
"Great location"
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Hillcrest
Town Center
If you're spending some time in Town Center, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Jameson's Classic Motorcycle Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Retreat
If you're spending some time in Retreat, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey Bay are top sights worth seeing.
Beach Tract
While there might not be top attractions in Beach Tract, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
Grove Acres
Grove Acres might not have many top sights, but Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Asilomar Dunes
If you're spending some time in Asilomar Dunes, Monterey Bay and Point Pinos Lighthouse are top sights worth seeing.
