Pacific Grove Monterey Bay California

Where do converted canneries, killer whales, John Steinbeck and sea otters converge? Why in Pacific Grove on Monterey Bay in California of course.

 

Kelli and I had to see what all the hub bub was about. Californians told us that Monterey is one of the prettiest regions in a jaw-dropping state.

 

Cali has officially become my favorite country in the world. The state has everything you’d want in a country from natural beauty, to stunning wildlife to mild climates. Factor in about the highest level of infrastructure – California has the world’s fourth largest economy – and all that money makes it easy to drive or hike across vast swaths of the place. Both road and trail networks are as world class as it gets.

 

 

Pacific Grove is a sleepy town sandwiched between lovely Monterey and posh Pebble Beach. The fascinating mix of cute homes dripping with personality makes for a delightful experience. Landscaping game? Tight. Everyone cares for their property. Green space dots the town. Pedestrians have zero issues cruising from the Bay to the business district all the way to the borders of town.

 

Monterey Bay is dubbed the “Serengeti of the Sea”. Coastal upwelling pushes cold, nutrient-dense water to the surface, providing sustenance for a dizzying array of wildlife. Killer whales, great white sharks, sea lions, seals, sea otters, blue whales, gray whales, humpback whales and dolphins are a few species spotted in the bay. Most are migrants but the sea lions, seals and sea otters are permanent residents. We see each frolicking about in the surf on a daily basis.

 

Monterey is famed for Cannery Row. At one time, this city was the Sardine Capital of the World. Times have changed in this region but squid has made Monterey the Calamari Capital of the World. Famed author John Steinbeck detailed this vibrant area in the novel Cannery Row. Old warehouses have been converted into shops, stores and even the world famous Monterey Aquarium, dubbed perhaps the #1 aquarium in the world.  A sophisticated system pumps seawater into the aquarium for exhibits, including the eye-popping Kelp Forest, which is a whopping 3 stories high.

 

 

We hike along Asimolar State Park daily to enjoy mouth-watering views of the Pacific Ocean. Easy paths hug the coastline. Golf courses hug those easy paths.

 

Pebble Beach sits south of Pacific Grove. The iconic Pebble Beach Golf Course is one of the prettiest on earth with mesmerizing views of both the ocean and towering mountains in the distance. Big Sur is roughly an hour drive south of Monterey Bay.

 

OK; I need to address the elephant in the room. I admit the hyperbole sounds silly, like the 3 trillion “Best Restaurant” signs one sees traipsing all around Southeast Asia. Mentioning “the best in the world” multiple times for such a small geographic region sounds like hogwash. But this is one of the few places that has been or is judged as being the best in the world for its sardine harvesting, squid harvesting, abundant wildlife and renowned golf course. I use hyperbole if most of the world appears to agree on it.

 

 

What Does a Normal Day in Pacific Grove Look Like for Me?

 

For me, doing morning cardio with Kelli along the ocean begins the day. We hike for 90 minutes to Asilomar and back.

 

After meditating for an hour I blog for 3-4 hours in the afternoon.

 

Toss in an evening cardio session in the Del Monte Forest of Pebble Beach.

 

We rarely go out to eat, being fasting fanatics. But Pacific Grove offers travelers a bevy of restaurants and coffee shops. Locals flock to Bookworks; check it out on Lighthouse Avenue. Pop over to Lover’s Point after enjoying some Joe and a read to watch locals play volleyball, take a dip or to exercise along the 18 mile long Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for sea otters, seals and sea lions as you follow the impeccably tended to path.

 

Day Trips from Pacific Grove

 

Being on the south end of Monterey Bay makes Pacific Grove a solid jump off point for day trips based on your specific interests.

 

• Big Sur – one of the most scenic road trips on earth  (sorry but not sorry; it is)
• Silicon Valley – Facebook headquarters, Google headquarters, Apple headquarters
• Santa Cruz Mountains – famed for its towering Redwoods
• Gilroy – The Garlic Capital of the World
• Castroville – The Artichoke Capital of the World

 

Conclusion

 

I promise that the Monterey Tourist Board did not put me up to this. When I come across a gem as a digital nomad, I share it.

 

Pacific Grove and the Monterey Region in general boasts immense natural beauty and a peaceful vibe in a highly convenient location.

 

Check it out to see what the buzz is about.