Pacific Grove was founded in 1875 as a west coast retreat where people could come to relax and meditate. In the late 19th century and into the early 20th century, the city became an artists haven. Painters and poets from across the country as well as from Europe flocked to Pacific Grove. Author John Steinbeck even lived in Pacific Grove for a few years. You can still visit his home today.
When should you visit Pacific Grove, CA?
One of the most popular times to visit Pacific Grove is during the summer. The weather in the area doesn't get too hot during July and August, thanks to the constant cool breeze off of the Pacific Ocean. The golf courses are open, the beaches are busy, and the boardwalks are packed with vendors. This is also when hotel prices are at their peak. If you plan to visit during the summer months, be sure to book your hotel well in advance to get the best deal.
If you want to enjoy summer weather without the crowds, come to Pacific Grove during the spring or fall. It's not as busy, but it is still very warm. You can enjoy average temperatures of about 70 degrees during the day, but it can get cooler in the evenings, so be sure to pack a sweater. Hotel prices are cheaper during the spring and you'll likely be able to get a great discount between March and May and September and November.
The winter is a nice quiet time to visit, but it is also the wettest season of the year. If you want to come to the area to simply get away from the bustling city living and to relax in a historic bed and breakfast, winter is the perfect time to visit Pacific Grove. Hotels rates are at their lowest during this period, and you can get yourself a great bargain on a boutique hotel or oceanfront inn.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Pacific Grove, CA:
Pacific Grove by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Pacific Grove, CA. You can use these charts to determine the most cost effective time period to book a room in Pacific Grove for your upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels in Pacific Grove, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: $264.04
There are seemingly endless luxury hotel options in Pacific Grove. Whether you want to be located near the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Course or wake up to the sounds of the ocean each morning, you'll find the perfect luxury hotel in Pacific Grove. Martine Inn is a beautiful historic hotel right on the coast. You can look out of your hotel room window and watch a colony of seals or walk along the coast to the wharf. The inn is furnished with antiques dating back to 1800. Be sure to take a tour of the MG garage if you're into older cars. The original owner of the mansion was a collector of MGs.
The Inn at Spanish Bay is right next to Pebble Beach Golf Course, making it the perfect place to spend an indulgent vacation in Pacific Grove. It starts when the hotel picks you up at the airport and whisks you to your room overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge area, an outdoor terrace where you can bring your drinks, an outdoor pool, a sauna, and in-room Jacuzzis. Enjoy breakfast on your private balcony each morning and then head out for a round of golf when you're ready.
What are the affordable hotel options in Pacific Grove, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: $189.75
While Pacific Grove is often known for luxury, there are plenty of affordable luxury options available in the area. Lover's Point Inn is a great option. It's a lovely, modern hotel with large rooms and great views of the surrounding area. It's located right in downtown Pacific Grove, so you're close to all of the best restaurants and shops. All rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a refrigerator and microwave, and a flat-screen television. Your stay also includes a complimentary continental breakfast.
Deer Haven Inn is another excellent affordable hotel option in Pacific Grove. It's a small inn with only 26 guest rooms, so you can expect plenty of personalized service during your stay. All of the rooms have fireplaces, flat-screen televisions, and free Wi-Fi. Your stay also includes a complimentary breakfast of freshly baked breads and muffins and unlimited coffee.
If you want a good budget hotel that is close to the beach, book a few nights at the Sunset Inn. It's only a few minutes away from Point Pinos Lighthouse and Pacific Grove Golf Links. All rooms have either a balcony or patio where you can sit out with a cup of coffee and look out over the ocean. There is also a casino on-site and a terrace where you can enjoy the sunshine all year long.
2 Star Average Prices: $126.58
What hotels offer the best discounts in Pacific Grove, CA?
If you're a AAA member, be sure to book yourself into the Rosedale Inn to receive up to 10 percent off of the regular room rate. Just be sure to bring your AAA or CAA membership card with you when you check in. Every room has a fireplace, an LCD flat-screen television, and a kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator. Your stay also includes a complimentary continental breakfast.
If you're headed to the area with a group, be sure to check out the group discount available at the Holiday Inn Express at Monterey Bay. The hotel is located in the neighboring town of Seaside, about 3 miles from Pacific Grove. Depending on what time of year you want to visit the city and how many rooms you'll require, the hotel can offer up to 40 percent off of the individual room rate.
What hotels can you get the best value in Pacific Grove, CA?
There are a plethora of hotels in Pacific Grove that offer excellent value for money. The Centrella Inn located right on Central Avenue in Pacific Grove is one of them. The hotel is a National Historic Landmark and offers guests that perfect Victorian experience without the huge price-tag. Rent bicycles from the front desk to explore the area or simply relax in the hotel's gardens. Make sure to wake up in time to enjoy the full breakfast that is included with your stay.
Lighthouse Lodge and Cottages is also a great value hotel in Pacific Grove. It's within walking distance of the beach and right next to Pacific Grove Golf Links. There is also an outdoor pool, a garden, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary continental breakfast served each morning.
What are the things to do in Pacific Grove, CA?
There is so much to do around Monterey Bay, you'll want to extend your stay. If you're a golfer, there's no doubt you've come to the area to see Pebble Beach Golf Course. It is consistently rated the number one golf course in the country and is open to the public. If you stay at one of the hotels at the Pebble Beach Resort, you can reserve a tee time up to 18 months in advance. If you do not stay at the resort, you need to call 24 hours before you want to play. If you can't get a tee time, head to one of the other nearby golf courses like the Pacific Grove Golf Links, which has great views and a much lower price tag per round.
If you've come to Pacific Grove for the beaches, get yourself over to Asilomar State Beach. It's the last strip of sand before you reach Pebble Beach. The sand is soft and the waves are gentle, making it a popular spot for families. If the weather isn't perfect for sunbathing, take a walk along the cliffside path which will lead you back into downtown Pacific Grove.
The Point Pinos Lighthouse is worth a visit while you're in the area. It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the west coast and has been guiding boats around the peninsula since 1855. Take the tour to learn more about the history of Pacific Grove as well as the history of the lighthouse. Just be aware it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan your trip accordingly.
If you visit Pacific Grove between October and February, don't miss the wintering-over of the Monarch Butterflies. Bring a pair of binoculars and head to the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary to see these fragile creatures in action. It's mesmerizing for both children and adults. Just be sure not to touch them, as it is against the low and could end up costing you up to $1,000.
There are so many reasons to visit this wonderful seaside city. Whether you're looking for a luxury getaway with your spouse, a golf weekend with your friends, or simply a relaxing place to unwind like many people did back in 1875 when the town was first founded, you're bound to find plenty to love about Pacific Grove. There are hotels for every budget all located only minutes from beaches, museums, restaurants, and golf courses.
FAQs about hotels in Pacific Grove
How much does a cheap hotel in Pacific Grove cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Pacific Grove can be as cheap as $126.58 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Pacific Grove cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Pacific Grove has been $189.75 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a luxury hotel in Pacific Grove cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Pacific Grove has been $264.04 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city of Pacific Grove
Below are reviews of the city of Pacific Grove, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Love Pacific Grove!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love Pacific Grove!
Pamela T., from 21-Mar-2024
"The OCEAN!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The ocean!
Ronald S., from 21-Mar-2024
"Pacific Grove First Friday Art Walk"
Score
4.0 / 5
I liked Pacific Grove First Friday Art Walk. Good art and interesting shops. Excellent restaurants like Wild Fish. Ocean View Road is beautiful.
Shirley F., from 08-Mar-2024
"Loved the Area!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Loved the area!
Robert M., from 28-Jan-2024
"Close to the Ocean"
Score
4.0 / 5
The closeness to the ocean!
Charles C., from 28-Jan-2024
"Breathtaking!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The location is breathtaking.
Michelle T., from 15-Jan-2024
"The rooms were clean, staff friendly and helpful."
Score
5.0 / 5
The rooms were clean, staff friendly and helpful.Quite and peaceful. Meet many friendly people.
Cedell C., from 29-Nov-2023
"The Ocean!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The ocean!
Sharon S., from 23-Oct-2023
"Excellent Restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
Several excellent restaurants.
Richard S., from 18-Oct-2023
"Beautiful views, good food, lots to do!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful views, good food, lots to do!
Marianna M., from 06-Oct-2023
"Great eateries, walkable, beautifully maintained."
Score
4.0 / 5
Great eateries, walkable, beautifully maintained.
Robin L., from 09-Sep-2023
"Quaint streets, the beach, garden paths."
Score
4.0 / 5
The quaint streets, well kept gardens along the pathways, pet friendly, walking and biking paths, beach accessibility, eatery variety, grocery stores, short drive for major shopping area.
Elizabeth K., from 22-Apr-2023
"Beautiful & Peaceful"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful and peaceful.
Orpa D., from 25-Mar-2023
"Beautiful Area"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful and peaceful area.
Orpa D., from 28-Feb-2023
"Loved the Seashore & Monarch Butterfly Reserve."
Score
5.0 / 5
Love the walk along the seashore, Monarch Butterfly Reserve and the great food.
Anna S., from 23-Nov-2022
"Wonderful restaurants, fun boutiques, coastal trail."
Score
4.0 / 5
Pacific Grove has everything for decompressing--charming homes, wonderful restaurants and fun boutiques, book stores and thrift stores. Best of all, the coastal trail goes right along the bay in the Pacific Grove area.
Barbara K., from 24-Oct-2022
"Beautiful area, clean, lots of eateries."
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful area, clean, lots of eateries.
Frank R., from 12-Sep-2022
"The View Was Priceless!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Everything was within walking or a very short distance drive. The morning view was priceless.
Rita R., from 05-Aug-2022
"BEACHES!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I love being close to the ocean and beaches, especially Asilomar!
Angela L., from 25-Jun-2022
"Spectacular Coastline!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The coastline is spectacular.
Laura L., from 08-Jun-2022
"Safe, clean, friendly."
Score
5.0 / 5
Safe, clean, friendly.
Joanne J., from 23-Apr-2022
"Very Quaint Seaside Town!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very quaint, small seaside town. Very comfortable there.
Rick G., from 17-Nov-2021
The average traveler rating of the city of Pacific Grove, CA shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 22 reviews