Hillcrest Travel Guide
Pacific Grove
Popular places to visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.
Lovers Point
Enjoy a day of sun and surf at this beautiful beach, which is one of the few places on the U.S. west coast where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
Experience a piece of American maritime history with a tour of one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast.
Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
Enjoy a trip to Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary and popular activities such as golfing in Pacific Grove. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Step into a field guide to the Californian Central Coast, packed with local birdlife, marine life and Native American culture.
Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve
You can take time to visit Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve during your travels to Pacific Grove.
Things to do
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr
Top hotels in Hillcrest
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Was very close to the custom house plaza. Had a good amount of stores and food places around it. Very easy to get to and the staff were on top of everything would definitely go back. Room was spacious and clean
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The adjoining room door was next to the bed. Very poor sound proofing. The next room’s conversations at normal tones sounded like they were in our room. They talked until 2:45AM. The hotel clerk did make note of it the next morning when I reported it. Hopefully they will fix the problem.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
The Monterey Hotel
I have to start by saying that hotel rates in Monterey are extremely high, but this hotel was even less expensive than one Motel 6 I looked at. This hotel has a newer building, and the older "historic" building, where we stayed. The elevator to the historic building wasn't working, so they sent us ...
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
Food
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Room was small but bed was comfortable and room was fairly quiet. Location felt safe. Breakfast was not included but there is a restaurant on site. Their empanadas are delicious!! There is a $17/day parking fee that is not included in the price. Did not have a chance to use the pool but it looked ...
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Hillcrest
Town Center
If you're spending some time in Town Center, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Jameson's Classic Motorcycle Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Sunset
Sunset might not have many top sights, but Monterey Bay Aquarium and Asilomar State Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Seaview
While Seaview may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Presidio of Monterey.
Country Club Gate
While Country Club Gate isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Presidio of Monterey are some notable places to visit nearby.
Retreat
If you're spending some time in Retreat, Monterey Bay and Monterey Bay Aquarium are top sights worth seeing.
Del Monte
Del Monte might not have many top sights, but Monterey Bay Aquarium and Presidio of Monterey are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
