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
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
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
Top hotels in Hillcrest
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Good food, clean room"
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"Beautiful hotel and very well maintained. The decoration is very nice!"
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Great hotel, really enjoyed our stay. The room was huge and very comfortable. Quick walk to the Aquarium. The onsite restaurant was very good, tables right on the water. They have live music every night in the lounge, with a counter service bar. It was a nice way to end the day. Would definitely ..."
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
"We were able to check in early which was helpful since we had been driving all night. The family entertainment area was a hit! The room was quiet and clean. I was able to get an appointment at the spa which was also very relaxing. The choices of food on property was limited to the coffee cafe and ..."
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"Pro: Good clean rooms. Friendly staff. Cons: Bathtub slippery as hell, need mats or something. No in room refrigerator. Lots of homeless in area."
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
"You get what you paid for. The staff was fantastic! They answered a few questions and were very helpful. The hotel is older and it shows. The laundry area is sufficient, but know you can only do laundry between 9am-9pm and the washers need attention. The ice machine didn't work well. The room was ..."
Reviewed on 24 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.
