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 Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Top hotels in Hillcrest
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Great hotel , and staff was a great help
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Outstanding place to stay!
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
The Monterey Hotel
The room was clean and staff was helpful. The room itself was nice, but definitely got warm at night. Unfortunately the fan itself made a lot of noise at night. We tried opening the window at night, but it was quite noisy. Overall, the hotel was in a very nice and convenient location.
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
Great location. Super clean. Nice staff. Great breakfast menu and GF options. Loved the vibe!
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Carmel Bay View Inn
Most comfortable bed I’ve had a hotel. Great location. Clean. Easy parking. What else do you need?
Reviewed on 8 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 and Monterey Bay Aquarium 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.
