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
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Top hotels in Hillcrest
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Comfortable beds, overall pleasant stay"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Bed was old and sunk in the middle. Staff was fine. Valet was prompt."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"There’s $30 per day parking fee and a $10 per day facilities fee for what is really just a glorified motel. Don’t do that. If I wanted to be ripped off by hidden fees, I’d have chosen an AirBnb…"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
"Great all around"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"No parking . Staff doesn’t know info about bed mattresses. No fridge in rooms. Bed mattresses are horrible. Have to give a 24hr notice for room to be clean. Everything is outdated .no comp breakfast available. No a/c available. Water in shower is low pressure.carpets in room super dirty. Was charged ..."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Carmel Bay View Inn
"Carmel is amazing. The room was nice and location was perfect. The only challenges were the noise level and parking: the walls were very thin (could hear a lot of banging from housekeeping and the neighbors); and parking was difficult as the limited spots would fill up fast."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 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 Cannery Row 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 Cannery Row.
Country Club Gate
While Country Club Gate isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row 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 Cannery Row are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
