One of the many advantages of living on the Peninsula, from San Francisco to the Silicon Valley, is proximity to other beautiful areas, one of which is the Monterey Peninsula.
Pacific Grove, California, is the not-quite-so-well known town there, with less name recognition than Carmel or Monterey. It is, however, our favorite destination.
Located at the tip of the Peninsula, the natural beauty is stunning, and walking and biking paths let one enjoy it all, from the somewhat sheltered bay side, around the tip at Lover's Point, along the ocean coast to Asilomar State Beach. Sea otters frolic; sea lions and seals sun themselves on rocks; waves send spray high into the air.
Tiny houses rub shoulders with grand Victorian homes; Monterey cypress and huge eucalyptus trees provide resting spots for birds and Monarch butterflies; traffic slows along the downtown Lighthouse Avenue.
Old Saint Angela's Inn makes a great headquarters for an overnight, offering fabulous breakfasts and a sumptuous afternoon happy hour in their always beautifully decorated, comfortable house.
Just before Christmas we spent two happy days here, with only a minimum amount of time spent on work (yes, as we were driving there I received word that my client's purchase offer was accepted; free wi-fi at Old Saint Angela's meant I could get documents sent out as necessary and keep the sale moving forward.)
Nice walks, time to read curled up by the fire, a fabulous bike ride along the coast to the golf courses of Pebble Beach, Cypress Hill, and Spanish Bay, fine dining at Passion Fish, a bit of stress-free Christmas shopping in small local shops, and plenty of sleep. And to top it off, a Chanticleer concert in the Carmel Mission on my birthday.
Close enough to San Francisco and the Silicon Valley for a day trip, an overnight makes a great option too.
When your spirit needs calming, when a respite from hectic days is needed, remember Pacific Grove.
--- Come for a visit; Stay for a lifetime!
Lottie Kendall, Realtor®
Today | Sotheby's International Realty
San Carlos, California, 94070
CA BRE#01215160; 650-465-4547
Lottie Kendall What a pleasant journey you took me on with this blog post. It appears to found a 'slice of Heaven'. Thanks!
Hi Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI, CDPE - 2 days for my hubby and I to enjoy many of our favorite things - bliss!
Pacific Grove looks wonderful Lottie Kendall what a great place to call "home". I'll have to check it out on my next trip to Northern CA.
Since you like Pacifica, Nancy Laswick you'll love Pacific Grove. The entire Monterey Peninsula is full of wonderful explorations.
Lottie, We lived in Pacific Grove and then Monterey in the early 70's. The first thing we do when we return for a visit is to take a deep breath, inhale the scent of the sea and relax. Thank you for the reminder!
Terrific localism post...so important to showcase our areas!
Hi Lottie.... this couple of days away looks like the great escape that did the trick of relaxation and enjoyment plus a little work..... good for you, Lottie....
Lottie Kendall ~ the Monterrey Peninsula is simply heaven. I have been there many times and I always feel so lucky to visit... Great photos and awesome post!
Pacific Grove is a beautiful place to vist or live. Have a great New Year.
Lottie, I'm smiling reading about your pre-Christmas and Birthday adventure to Pacific Grove. You work hard and play hard. So nice that you get to share such great adventures with your hubby.
Lottie - Pacific Grove is a wonderful place to spend time away from home! You did a wonderful job in showing everyone why it should be on their travel list with your great photos!
Good evening Lottie .. I have never been to CA but Pacific Grove looks and sounds perfect. Thank you for sharing and I am glad you enjoyed a beautiful Christmas.
Lottie - that really is a beautiful area. I have been there several times. I am glad you had a chance to relax and still do business.
Good morning Lottie. Looks like an amazing area, the photos you shared are great.
Marge Draper - we're so lucky to have places like PG close to us. We lived in New Monterey when I was 1 & 2; we've been enjoying it ever since
Li Read - your Salt Springs Island reminds me of Pacific Grove. I love reading your posts.
Hi Barbara Todaro - we rarely disengage completely for more than a few hours at a time, right? Enjoy your football today!!
Hello Jon Kolsky - I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. Pacific Grove is fabulous.
Hi Tim Lorenz - it's not too far from your area for a weekend trip.
Kathleen Daniels - work hard, play hard -- that's what works for me
Laura Allen, Lake Tahoe - Truckee Real Estate for Sale www.TahoeLauraLuxuryHomes.com - Pacific Grove should definately be on one's list of places to visit -- as should your area.
Judith Parker - well, when you put California on your list of places to visit, be sure to add the Monterey Peninsula to your San Francisco stay!
Hi Grant Schneider - we can pretty much to business anywhere, which makes get aways like these much easier to orchestrate. Wishing you the best.
Joe Petrowsky - next time you're visiting in San Francisco, take a day (or two) and get to know the Monterey Peninsula - I think you'll like it.
Lottie ... Pacific Grove is also one of our favorite spots to visit and stay at the Monterey Peninsula - and has such a variety of beautiful homes. Thanks for your great article.
Hi Harrison K. Long - perhaps it's time you have another visit to Pacific Grove! I suspect the coolness of the area would feel good when temps soar in Irvine.
That looks like the ideal Pacific California getaway Lottie Kendall . That has to go on my bucket list...
Thanks for telling us about Pacific Grove and Old Saint Angela's Inn. You know how to make us want to visit the area!
Paul Henderson - you (and your camera) would love visiting Pacific Grove.
Roy Kelley - I hope you and Dolores put northern California on your list of places to visit.