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
"Rooms could use a lot of updating... almost thought we were sharing our room with the two adjacent rooms as we could hear EVERYTHING clearly as if they were in the room with us.... TP roll is way off to the left side of the toilet, so it's literally a stretch to tear off the tissue... sink hose was ..."
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"The hotel as always is amazing. Very close proximity to Cannery Row and Fishermans wharf."
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"Ok"
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"Super nice rooms. Staff was great. 5 minutes from all the best spots in Carmel near their downtown and the basilica mission. Really great."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
"bad room smell"
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
"Pleasant stay option with spacious rooms"
Reviewed on 23 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.
