888-745-6343
What to Pack for Your Trip to the Pacific Coast

What to Pack for Your Trip to the Pacific Coast

Make sure your trip is hiccup free by knowing exactly what to pack for your trip to the Pacific Coast. Whether you’re going for a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, or plopping down for some R&R in one of the charming coastal towns, we’ve got you covered.

While Pacific Grove and the surrounding Monterey Bay area boast a temperate climate year round, be prepared for anything. We recommend bringing:

  • Layers: This way you can adjust to any temperature variations easily!
  • Rain jacket: Can’t hurt, can it?
  • Rain boots: You’ll be ready to explore the beach and all the nearby hiking routes.
  • Sunglasses: Protect your peepers so you can take it all in.
  • Sunscreen: Even if you don’t feel it, the sun is with you.
  • Camera: From whale watching to the butterfly sanctuary, there are plenty of sights you’ll want to remember.
  • Sneakers: Whether you go for a bike ride, jog, walk, or take a surrey along the seaside trail, you’ll want your feet to be comfy.
  • Swimsuit: Did we mention all of the water activities? In case jumping into the ocean weren’t enough, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, and other water sports abound!
  • Reservation: As you can imagine, this is a popular destination, so you’ll want to book in advance. If you have any doubts, the family-owned Olympia Lodge is a sure bet. The staff would be happy to help you book your stay.
  • Open mind: Take recommendations from locals on what to see, where to eat, and what to do, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Whatever your plan, you’re sure to have a great time. And now that you know exactly what to pack for your Pacific Grove trip, all you have to do is get there!

Where to Eat in Monterey

Where to Eat in Monterey

Whether you’re coming for a weekend, a week, or live in Monterey full time, this round-up of the best places to eat in Monterey is sure to introduce you to a new fave. Consider your meals sorted. Now you can worry about what you’re going to pack, or, better yet, what you’re going to do.

Monterey

In the midst of your adventures, plop yourself down and share a meal with your family and friends at one of these popular eateries in the lively Monterey area. 

  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

The first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant and market opened in 1996 on Cannery Row in Monterey, California after the success of the movie “Forrest Gump.”

  • Schooners Monterey

After a day taking in the sites at Cannery Row settle in for dinner with a view at Schooners Monterey. Suspended over the waves of Monterey Bay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners Monterey serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on carefully sourced seafood. Unobstructed views from the heated waterfront terrace provide a welcoming and lively atmosphere for travelers and locals alike. Voted “best drink with a view” in Monterey, Schooners is the quintessential place to take in the sights and sounds of the Bay.

  • Sapporo Sushi & Steakhouse

Regarded as one of the Monterey Area’s finest sushi bars, Sapporo’s menu is innovative and offers delicacies flown in daily from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Sea of Japan. All handpicked to be extraordinarily fresh, and lovingly prepared in a creative and abundant style.

  • Rosine’s Restaurant

Rosine’s Restaurant opened in 1980 and was an instant success and quickly established a reputation with satisfied customers who enjoy their house made soups, hearty meals and sumptuous array of award-winning desserts and signature craft cocktails.

Located in historic downtown Monterey they are a local, third generation family-run restaurant celebrating 43 successful years.

  • Benihana Monterey

Benihana in Monterey, California is where you’ll find a dining experience unlike any other. Watch as your personal chef performs the ancient Japanese art of Teppanyaki, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes, as well as your taste buds. Listen as razor-sharp blades slice and dice through mouth-watering steak and tender chicken. Take in the aroma as savory vegetables, shrimp and lobster sizzle right before you.

  • The World Famous Sardine Factory

Every city has that one can’t-miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes, and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Dry Aged Beef. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hours, and affordable menu are a casual alternative to the other dining rooms.

 

Pacific Grove

Away from the hustle & bustle of Monterey, find peaceful and enchanting Pacific Grove restaurants that are sure to delight! Experience the charm Pacific Grove has to offer and be part of the last hometown on the Monterey Peninsula.

  • Julia’s Vegetarian Restaurant

Offering simply the best vegetarian cuisine on the Monterey Peninsula, Julia’s Vegetarian Restaurant is a popular spot for all locals and visitors alike so visit here to delight your taste buds and experience something new.

  • il vecchio

Voted the best Italian restaurant on the Monterey Peninsula 10 years in a row! Visit il vecchio for your taste of Italy.

  • FISHWIFE

Serving Seafood and Pasta, FISHWIFE is Pacific Grove’s little secret so be sure to visit. Boasting bold flavors at great prices, this restaurant keeps the community coming back for more!

  • Red House Café

The Red House Café and Restaurant opened in 1996 in an old, red, historic Victorian house in the heart of Pacific Grove, Butterfly Town, USA. Located on Lighthouse Avenue near the Post Office, they have been busy ever since opening and hope to continue service for a long time to come.

  • Aliotti’s Victorian Corner Restaurant

Aliotti’s Victorian Corner is a longtime Italian joint in a historic home boasting a Sicilian menu that features housemade cannoli.

  • Beach House Restaurant + Bar @ Lovers Point

You’re invited to experience one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most enchanting dining destinations. Lovers Point Beach has been a destination for over 100 years. Now with the opening of the new Beach House Restaurant, Lovers Point is ready for dinner and cocktails with family and friends.

  • Peppers Mexicali Café

Peppers is a casual, festive place with good food at reasonable prices. The inviting dining room has wooden floors and tables, lots of pepper art, and a perpetual crowd of regulars who come to suck up beers and savor spicy but well-balanced seafood tacos and fajitas or house-made tamales and chili rellenos.

Carmel By The Sea

In nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll not only find one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces, but fine dining as well.

  • La Bicyclette

Cozy, established bistro offering unpretentious French-Italian fare on a weekly-changing menu. The menu changes weekly so no visit is alike. Book ahead to enjoy this Carmel gem.

  • Toro Sushi

Platters of rolls, nigiri, sashimi…you name it, we do it all. Eat in, take out, or get catering. Call us at the restaurant to curate the perfect order for your occasion.

  • Brophy’s Tavern

Relaxed Irish pub in a cozy two-story house featuring comfort food, craft draft beer & local wines.

  • Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro

Situated in the Carmel Plaza in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, our neighborhood brewery & bistro offers beers from our R&D program, an expansive 60+ seat outdoor patio and delicious California coastal cuisine with a worldly influence.

Wherever you decide to go, we’re sure Monterey is going to become a place you come back to (and these restaurants too!). If you’re coming from out of town and looking for a home base, don’t forget the Olympia Lodge. The family-owned lodge is located in the heart of Monterey and the perfect place to start your Pacific coast adventure!

Surprising Facts About Pacific Grove

Surprising Facts About Pacific Grove

Its natural beauty and welcoming charm is apparent to anyone who walks between the California Cypress trees, but these surprising facts about Pacific Grove are somewhat less expected. So with no further ado, dive into these little-known facts!

 

Those historic looking houses are, well, historic.

Built between 1837 and 1901, many of the adorable homes around town are actually remnants of the Victorian Era!

And you might be wondering, why was this period of roughly 60 years? This was the period that Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland ruled. Her influence was so powerful that it extended across the Atlantic all the way to the Pacific Coast.

 

John Steinbeck called it home.

The author of The Grapes of Wrath moved into the home that his father built with his first wife, Carol Brown. The cottage is now a long-term rental that draws budding writers and bookworms from across the globe!

 

Robert Louis Stevenson was a frequent visitor.

The novelist regularly visited the lighthouse-keeper, Allen Luce in 1879. How do we know? He wrote about it!

He described his visit to the then seasonal vacation town, in his book The Old Pacific Capitol: “I have never been in any place so dreamlike.”

 

Big Little Lies was set, and filmed in Pacific Grove.

Fans of the HBO psychological drama will recognize parts of the town from the hit series. Set and filmed in Pacific Grove, the show’s setting is anything if not authentic!

Whether you’re a resident, a regular guest or looking forward to your first visit, these interesting facts are sure to enrich your time in Pacific Grove!

Book your stay at the cozy, family-owned Olympia Lodge. Equipped with everything you need to make your visit along the coast unforgettable.

3 Top Places for Whale Watching in Pacific Grove

3 Top Places for Whale Watching in Pacific Grove

Whenever you’re planning your next visit, these are the top 3 places for whale watching in Pacific Grove.

 

Dog-Friendly Whale Watching

With small groups up to 20 people, this tour is for all, pups included! Open seven days a week, the crew is passionate and eager to share their knowledge with you!

Bill Murray’s a Fan

From sea lions to humpback whales, if you’re looking for a reliable whale watching tour, this Monterey base is a sure bet! (If it’s good enough for Bill Murray…)

 

For Great Pics to Remember

If you want to be in the moment (aka, forget your phone) but still want to remember the moment, this tour is for you! A professional photographer forms part of the crew and takes stunning shots you can purchase at the end of your trip.

 

Whichever tour you embark upon, don’t forget to take some seasick medicine! And take lots of pics (or buy them.)

 

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to help you plan your trip. And for more ideas of what to do in Pacific Grove, check out our blog!

Monterey Jazz Festival: What You Need to Know

Monterey Jazz Festival: What You Need to Know

Bet you didn’t know that the world’s longest-running jazz festival takes place right here in stunning Monterey, California, did you? Here’s everything you need to know.

 

Fast Facts

This year marks the 66th celebration of creativity and expression. So make sure you don’t miss a thing! Here’s the nitty gritty of this annual music festival.

  • What: 3-day jazz festival celebrating some of jazz’ most legendary & upcoming musicians
  • When: September 22-24, 2023
  • Where: Monterey County Fairgrounds

 

Acts to Know
Dee Dee Bridgewater

Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Tony Award-winning stage actress, Dee Dee Bridgewater’s iconic voice has been a fixture of jazz music for decades. Just listen to see what we mean.

Listen here.

Las Cafeteras

Afro-Mexican beats that use lyrical storytelling and rhythm to build bridges and create positive change and energy to all. Their positive energy has accompanied legends such as Juanes, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Talib Kweli and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra on stage.

Listen here.

 

Akira Tana & Otonowa

This quintet brings its unique mix of Japanese and Japanese American roots to jazz interpretations of traditional Japanese folk melodies. This rich reimagining of Japanese stories through an American artform is truly unique.

Listen here.

 

Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo

This small combo features top high school women jazz musicians from across the country. Brimming with talent and directed by award-winning musician, vocalist and composer, Katie Thiroux, they workshop with Teri Lyne Carrington at the Berklee College of Music. This might be your chance to see some of the future’s top talent.
Listen here.

 

To buy tickets and for more information, check out the festival’s official website. And don’t forget to book your stay ahead of time, this year’s festival is sure to fill up!