Hillcrest Travel Guide
Pacific Grove
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.

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.

Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve
You can take time to visit Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve during your travels to Pacific Grove.
Things to do

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Top hotels in Hillcrest

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Terrific location if you have a limited amount of time in Monterey. Our room was spacious but had a few issues. Shower stall leaking water through the glass door gap/hinges. Bedside outlet and reading light not working."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"They should have morning coffee service for guests."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026

The Monterey Hotel
"Room was older but clean! Great location for the Big Sur Race as bus pick up was just a walk out our door and expo walking distance. Great food all around the hotel and they had a great coffee bar in the mornings and Water containers outside of rooms which was great ! Windows opened up and we had ..."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Carmel Mission Inn
"Spacious and classy."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
"Nothing special."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
"Can't wait to return! Nice quite location. Fireplace in the room. Amazing food. Couldn't ask for anything better!"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around 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.

Sunset
Sunset might not have many top sights, but Monterey Bay Aquarium and Asilomar State Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Seaview
While Seaview may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Presidio of Monterey.

Country Club Gate
While Country Club Gate isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Presidio of Monterey are some notable places to visit nearby.

Retreat
If you're spending some time in Retreat, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Del Monte
Del Monte might not have many top sights, but Monterey Bay Aquarium and Presidio of Monterey are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
