Enjoy the best of both worlds: sun and art. These are the best art galleries in and near Pacific Grove and they’re sure to whet your artistic appetite.
The Yellow Mustard Seed
This gallery stocked with one-of-a-kind home décor and jewelry is just a short walk from the lodge. For locals and for visitors, this is a perfect little gem of a store!
Note: Open Thursdays-Saturday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Artisana Gallery
As the name suggests, this shop is full of artisanal treasures you’ll cherish for years to come. Just down the street, this shop has everything from quirky holiday décor to stunning statement pieces.
Open: Monday-Saturday 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM & Sundays 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Pacific Grove Art Center
A local favorite for a reason, visitors can’t miss this cultural gem. With open mic nights, changing exhibits and a gorgeous permanent collection, any visit to Pacific Grove wouldn’t be complete without a stop by the PG Art Center.
Open: Wednesday-Saturday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM and on Sundays 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Masiah & Friends Fine Art Gallery
Featuring art from local artists, it’s hard to decide which is better: the service or the goods! No one leaves this gallery without a smile after chatting to the sweet and knowledgeable staff (or without a unique little something)!
Open: Call the store for more info: (831) 200-5299
Green Chalk Contemporary
Curated with love & decades of gallery experience, the contemporary collection really sets this intimate gallery apart. Consider this your chance to discover new artists, known and local.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Whatever your taste, you’re sure to scratch your art itch at one of these stellar galleries right here in Pacific Grove. And if you have any questions, we’re happy to help!
Thanks for reading and see you soon!
XX,
The Olympia Lodge Team
If your next visit to Pacific Grove doesn’t include a relaxing wine tasting…why not? Here are just a few of the best options near and dear to our hearts.
Pierce Ranch Vineyards
Between Cannery Row and Lighthouse Avenue, this family-owned winery focuses on Spanish and Portuguese varieties. Think Albariño and Verdelho among others.
Distance: 8 min by car, ~15 by bike!
Calera Wine
A little further away, this Monterey area gem is known for its Pinot Noir and Rosé.
Distance: ~1 hr drive
Comanche Cellars Wine Room
With regular events, like Paint & Sip and the Vertical Wine Series tastings every first Monday of the month, Comanche Cellars Wine Room is a must-visit. If the diverse wines on offer weren’t enough, their charcuterie and cheese boards are sure to win you over.
Distance: ~15 min drive
Puma Road at Portola Plaza
With diverse offerings and two tasting rooms, this family-run winery has something for every taste.
Distance: ~11 min drive
Stave Wine Cellar
Casual luxury and ample choices await. With over 50 wines and eight craft beers by the glass to choose from, you can’t go wrong.
Distance: 6 min drive, 12 min bike ride
Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar
Also on our list for best eats in Pacific Grove, this local favorite boasts a carefully-curated wine list sure to please any wino.
Distance: 4 min drive, 8 min bike ride
This list just scratches the surface, Monterey is brimming with scrumptious eats and delicious pours. As always, we hope this helps you personalize your visit to this little pocket of paradise!
All the best,
The Olympia Lodge Team
10 years after Pebble Beach opened, Bobby Jones starred at the 1929 U.S. Amateur. Ever since, Pebble Beach has been THE place to compete in golf.
Since 1947, the preeminent AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has been contested before thousands of spectators and even more television viewers. The games will take place on three of the Monterey Peninsula’s premier golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course. Proceeds benefit Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito County nonprofit organizations.
One of the most exciting events on the PGA TOUR, this internationally recognized event allows golf pros to face off with Hollywood celebrities, renowned musicians, and captains of industry—all aiming to take home $7 million in prizes. Local station KION reports that celebrities to play in the Pro-Am 2022 include 49ers legend, Steve Young, will also compete, along with Larry Fitzgerald of Arizona Cardinals fame and actors Don Cheadle and Chris O’Donnell. Others taking the green at Pebble Beach include Kira K. Dixon, Thomas Keller, Huey Lewis, and Alfonso Ribeiro.
We’re excited to share, also, that Pebble Beach will host the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2027 U.S. Open Championship.
This year, all guests at The Olympia Lodge may ride our free shuttle to and from the event.
In town for a weekend? Here’s your 48-Hour Guide to Pacific Grove – whatever your taste, we’ve got you covered! So get ready, get set, and turn vacation mode ON!
Arrival: Check-in at the Olympia Lodge, leave your bags and head out for a bite to eat!
Depending on what you’re craving, you can choose from:
Each boasts a selection of divine wines, so enjoy yourself, but don’t go overboard because tomorrow morning you’re teeing off!
Day One:
Before your day starts, get going with a complimentary on-the-go breakfast from Olympia Lodge. Ask at check-in for details.
Then it’s time to tee off at one of Pacific Grove’s fine golf courses!
Recharge with a delicious lunch at one of these fine establishments:
Then take a walk around charming Pacific Grove. Start window shopping through the quaint streets and make your way down to the beach for a seaside stroll on Asilomar Beach.
Freshen up back at the Olympia Lodge and get ready for dinner!
Then finish the night off with a show at the Golden State Theatre! Acts like The Temptations, Sara Evans and Demetri Martin are just a few to frequent this cultural hotspot!
Day Two:
Brunch at one of these top spots. (Check out this Pacific Grove Brunch Guide for help!)
Visit the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse (open from 1-3PM on Sundays).
Recharge your batteries at the Butterfly Sanctuary (open 8AM-5PM)– on your own or with a guide.
And that’s it! Round out your trip, getting your things from the Olympia Lodge and scheduling your next visit!
XX,
The OL Fam
December, January, February? Winter in Pacific Grove is the perfect time to venture out and enjoy everything this pocket of the coast has to offer – without the crowds. With moderate temperatures, you can rest assured that your escape will be everything you need to recharge.
In need of some trip-planning inspiration? Here are a few can’t-miss activities to pencil in while you’re here.
Ride Along Monterey’s Recreation Trail
Make the ride as long as you like, but be sure to see Lover’s Point as you take in the breathtaking views along the coastline.
Go Whale Watching
If you’ve got the time, plan a whale watching tour (we’d love to point you in the right direction!). In case you want to know which whales are moving when, check out this guide.
Hit the Links
Don’t forget your clubs! Pacific Grove and the surrounding area is a golfers’ paradise. Not sure where to go? Here’s a complete guide to golfing in Pacific Grove and the greater Monterey Bay area.
Drive the 17-Mile Drive
Take in more scenic views on this unbelievably beautiful drive along the coast. Don’t miss the Lone Cypress, a 250-year-old tree perched atop a rocky bluff.
Brunch Like a Foodie
Treat yourself to the best Pacific Grove has to offer: a diverse range of dining options for all tastes. And what’s more luxurious and screams “vacation” more than settling in for a scrumptious brunch?
As always, if you need a hand with your stay, we’re more than happy to help.
All the best,
The Olympia Lodge Team
A visitor’s guide to visiting Pacific Grove’s Butterfly Sanctuary. Plan your visit to make the most of this enchanting natural wonder.
FAQs
Where is the best place to see them?
The Monarch Sanctuary in Pacific Grove is one of the largest overwintering sites in the country.
*Overwintering is when monarch butterflies migrate to one place to spend the winter before moving on the spring.
Address: 250 Ridge Road
Parking on Ridge Road is free.
The sanctuary is about one block from the parking area and is ADA accessible.
NOTE: The monarchs might look like dead leaves on the trees and might be easy to miss. So please do not stray off of the paths or touch the trees or shrubbery.
How much is admission?
Admission to the sanctuary is free, but donations to support education programs and docent programs are greatly appreciated.
There are currently no guided tours, but feel free to use this audio self-tour to take you through the park.
When is the best time to visit?
The monarchs start to cluster in November and are at their peak towards the end of November and early December.
Mating season is around Valentine’s Day and then they head off towards the end of February, early March.
Because monarchs can’t fly in temperatures below 55 F, it’s recommended that you visit during the warmest hours of the day, between 12 and 3 PM– this way you can see both clusters (boughs of monarchs in the trees) and some flying around.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! And don’t forget, the Olympia Lodge is your home away from home while you’re in town.
