Smithsonian Magazine recently recognized Pacific Grove, California, as one of the best small towns to visit in the U.S. in 2025.
From its renowned monarch butterfly overwintering sanctuary to the West Coast’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse, this coastal gem near Monterey offers plenty to explore.
Pacific Grove is the only town in California to make the magazine’s list. However, another West Coast destination—Tieton, Washington—also earned a spot, celebrated for its vibrant Día de los Muertos festivities and scenic orchards.
Curious why Pacific Grove stood out? Keep reading to learn more about what makes it so special.
Butterfly Town, U.S.A.
Most Californians are familiar with the monarch butterfly migration, where thousands of monarchs travel from their breeding grounds west of the Rockies to the California coast in search of warmer winter conditions. From October through February, butterflies cluster at overwintering sites in Pacific Grove, Pismo Beach, and Santa Cruz. Pacific Grove’s Monarch Grove Sanctuary is one of the largest publicly accessible such sites in the state.
The ADA-accessible sanctuary offers visitors a close-up view of monarchs as they cluster in eucalyptus, pine, and cypress trees. On-site docents provide insights and answer questions, helping to educate the public about this uniquely Californian natural phenomenon.
Unfortunately, the monarch population has seen steep declines due to habitat loss. While estimates in 2021 and 2022 suggested 200,000 to 335,000 monarchs were present in California, that number plummeted to just around 9,100 in 2023–2024. Conservation efforts are underway to support species recovery.
Coastal activities in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove’s location on the California coast offers stunning ocean views and a variety of outdoor activities. To make the most of the town’s natural beauty, here are a few must-see spots and experiences.
- Asilomar State Beach – This one-mile stretch of coastline features tide pools, rugged coves, and scenic walking paths, perfect for a peaceful seaside escape.
- Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail – Spanning 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove, this paved trail is ideal for walking, biking, jogging, and spotting local wildlife.
- Lovers Point Park – A beautifully landscaped, 4.4-acre park with a sandy beach that draws kayakers, surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike.
- Point Pinos – A birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 350 bird species and the site of the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.
- Springtime “Magic Carpet” Blooms – In the spring, Pacific Grove’s coastal bluffs are blanketed in vivid purple blooms from Drosanthemum floribundum (ice plant). Though non-native, these succulent mats transform the landscape into a dazzling floral display.
Visiting Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is a charming and compact town that’s easy to explore on foot or by bike. If you’re hoping to see the monarchs, plan for a visit between late October and February, but if you’re more interested in coastal recreation, spring and fall are ideal times to visit.
Don’t forget to make the most of Pacific Grove’s location near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and 17-Mile Drive—perfect for a long weekend.
It takes about 5 hours to drive from Los Angeles to Pacific Grove via I-5 and US-101.