Who doesn’t love a charming small town in Northern California? Pedestrian-friendly, close-knit, and exuding their own unique vibe, they draw you in. No matter where you are in the country, there are some that are “so ____” (you fill in the blank). That’s what you’ll find in the coastal California town of Pacific Grove. Come along as we explore a little slice of what it has to offer residents and visitors alike. This is one of the best small towns in Northern California.

Located on the northern coast of California just a stone’s throw north of Monterey, Pacific Grove is the quintessential coastal California town.
Cush Young/Google Maps
Exuding a classic Main Street feel with an upscale vibe, it is one of the most charming spots in The Golden State. Prior to its official incorporation as a city in 1889, Pacific Grove was intended to be a summer camp (in tents, no less) as part of a Methodist Christian seaside resort. Today, this town of just over 15,000 denizens draws folks from all over the country to experience its charming, pedestrian-friendly, "Main Street USA" ambiance.
Visitors and residents alike love the small-town feel that hearkens back to an earlier time and place.
Kirk K/Flickr
A central community meeting place is Jewell Park. Encompassing a block, the park is brimming with verdant trees, a gently meandering landscape, an inviting lawn area, and a gazebo. Outdoor cultural performances, weddings, and other special events often take place here.
First put into service in 1855, the Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the west coast.
Paul B/Google Maps
Given the topography of the rocky California coastline here, a lighthouse was definitely necessary to warn boats and ships before they came too close. Sebastian Vizcaino, a Spanish explorer who came here on an exploratory mission in 1602, is said to have named the area Punta de Los Pinos (Point of the Pines) as a reference to the thick pine trees found in the region. The name stuck and was used for the lighthouse.

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One of the most popular beaches here is Asilomar State Beach.
Joyce cory/Flickr
Extending just one mile and encompassing several rocky coves, the beach is accessible by a walking trail. The views are absolutely spectacular, particularly at sunrise and sunset. You can also traverse the Asilomar Natural Dune Preserve via a quarter-mile-long boardwalk to gain a greater sense of the ecological diversity here.
Pacific Grove is heaven on earth for foodies.
Aliotti's Victorian Corner Restaurant Facebook Page
From quaint mom ‘n pop-owned bistros to upscale A-list restaurants of every stripe—Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Greek, French...the list goes on—and everything in between, Pacific Grove is sure to satisfy. Because the town is located along the coast, you’ll also find plenty of fish and seafood places where the focus is on sustainability and freshness.
Pacific Grove also features a wide array of inviting accommodation options.
Gosby House Inn - A Four Sisters Inn Facebook Page
Whether you prefer a quaint bed and breakfast inn, a family-friendly budget hotel, an intimate cottage property, or luxury lodging, you will find it here.

Take a virtual walk on the lovely coast at Pacific Grove:

Amazing golf, exciting shopping, lively events, and historic structures are also part of the many things to do in Pacific Grove. Whether you come for a day or a long weekend, Pacific Grove will pull you into its quintessential coastal California town vibe and leave you wanting more!

Have you been to Pacific Grove, one of the best small towns in Northern California? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there.

While you’re in a small-town kind of mood, be sure to also visit beautiful Carmel-By-The-Sea. Why not start planning your road trip to Pacific Grove right now?

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More to Explore

Best Places to Visit in Northern California

William Suphan | July 28, 2023

What are the most charming small towns in Northern California?

The most charming small towns in Northern California include:

  • Nevada City. This is a small town surrounded by gorgeous green trees and has stayed the same size since 1900.
  • Camino. This area looks a bit like Tuscany and grows apples, pumpkins, Christmas trees, and grapes for wine.
  • Little River. Located on the coast and next to Little River, this town of under 500 people is a slow-paced, lovely place.
  • Grass Valley. This was a Gold Rush town and most of the miners were Cornish. Their culture is still prevalent here.

 

Discover more about the most charming small towns in Northern California. 

What are the best bucket-list places in Northern California?

The best bucket-list places in Northern California include:

  • Lava Beds National Monument. These are ancient lava tubes that are so big that they’ve formed caves you can walk into.
  • Russian River. This is a gorgeous river surrounded by lush trees in Mendocino County with light turquoise waters.
  • Point Reyes National Seashore. This is a picturesque coastline in Marin County with preserved wildlands.
  • Burney Falls. This collection of waterfalls is as beautiful as it gets and has been called the 8th wonder of the world.

 

Learn more about the best bucket-list places in Northern California. 

What are the best historical landmarks in Northern California?

The best historical landmarks in Northern California include:

  • Old Customhouse. Located in Monterey, this is an Adobe building that was built in 1827 and is where California was proclaimed as a state.
  • John Muir House. This is the house where conservationist John Muir lives from 1890 to 1915. He started the Sierra Club and National Park System to preserve natural places.
  • Mare Island Naval Shipyard. This was the first west coast naval facility in World War II and housed nuclear submarines.
  • San Francisco Presidio and National Cemetery. This military cemetery is the site of a former base that was once used by Spain, Mexico, and America.

 

Find out more about the best historical landmarks in Northern California.

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Pacific Grove, CA, USA