First impressions are important.
I do not think they have to be definite. When you met a person, you can keep converse to develop a relationship. When you visit a new place, you can give it different tries until it grows on you.
But sometimes, a unique chance is all you get. My first visit to a restaurant is crucial. If I do not enjoy that first dish, the probabilities of returning are minimal.
Oh, I can tell you my first impression of the Monterey Bay was great.
After driving straight from Los Angeles (about 6 hours), after your right leg becomes numb and your neck is all twisted, well, you are anxious to get that first glimpse of your destination.
I have been to the southern part of the Peninsula before (Carmel, 17-Mile Drive). This time, I intended to visit the northern area and stop by several towns along the bay.
I knew I was close to where I wanted to go when I deviated in Salinas to Route 68. About 20 miles later, I connect to CA-1 and ended up in front of the Monterey Wharf. I kept driving east towards Pacific Grove, a small city located at the Peninsula’s northern tip.
Table of Contents
Pacific Grove Lovers Point
For awe-inspiring ocean views, Ocean View Boulevard is the way to go. Once I got to this route, I proceeded to park and get out of the car.
Ahh, and that is when I got to see the Monterey Bay for the first time. Sapphire colored water, strong waves crashing close to the pavement. Cypress trees bent in magical shapes by the wind. Craggy stones jutting out of the ocean. This view was all I needed to relax after the drive. This first impression was charged with tons of positive emotions.
Along this boulevard, there is a park called Lovers Point. It consists of a rocky promontory extending into the ocean. The area closer to the road has amenities such as a café, picnic tables, and benches to admire the view.
There is a cove colored with different blue hues. People use it to sunbathe, swim or launch kayaks. I am from the Caribbean and, let me tell you, the color of the water took me back to my childhood.
Some people walk towards the rocks and climb them. The views from the top give you an interesting perspective of the entire place.
Everybody seems to be enjoying the balmy weather and the sound of waves breaking against the rugged coast.
I even think this little fella (pictured below) was having a good time. He was standing still even though the waves were crashing near him. Also, we got very close to him and he stayed. He was concentrated on the grass/flowers he was eating. We were able to see the wind moving his fur.
The Carpet of Flowers
Now, one of Pacific Grove’s claims to fame is known as the carpet of flowers. This refers to the pink and yellow flowers blooming close to the ocean. It is said this type of plants (lantana, yellow aster, Pride of Madera, and Mexican Sage) attract Monarch Butterflies.
Whatever the reason, seeing tons of flowers covering the jagged shores of the area is quite a spectacle. It is not just me who thinks so. I bumped into people visiting from Germany, Italy, and Australia.
Judging by the number of flowers, I think the blooming peak season was ending when I visited. To see the area in all of its glory, visit in April and May. Anyway, it was a memorable sight. I wish I could have stayed longer!
Walk along Ocean Boulevard toward Perkins Park to see the panorama from different angles.
Since I mentioned the Monarch Butterfly, let me point out that they winter in here. These Monarchs migrate 2000 miles to reach Pacific Grove after their summer in Canada (they migrate to other parts of the States and Mexico too).
The black-and-orange butterflies spend much of the fall and winter in the local Monterey Pine trees, roughly from Halloween until Valentine’s Day. There is a sanctuary in town that can be visited under the guidance of the local Natural History Museum.
North / South of Pacific Grove Lovers Point
After Lovers Point, keep driving along Ocean Boulevard to keep exploring the coast. There are formations with names such as kissing rock and heart-shaped rock. Plus, there are different parks and memorials to stop along the way.
North of Lovers Point, you are going to find the Pacific Grove portion of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail. From Lovers Point to the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a one-mile walk (or bike ride). The trail extends for 18 miles so you can opt to continue as far as desired.
You can rent bikes or kayaks in Lovers Point. Check Adventure by the Sea.
More of Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is a cute and romantic city. It is small but with a nice selection of things to do. I encourage you to add it to your visit to the Monterey Peninsula. Make sure to read my full guide on the city.
How to Reach Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is located in Monterey County, 320 miles from Los Angeles and 120 miles from San Francisco. The closest major airport is located in San Jose (75 miles). The closest Amtrak train station is located in Monterey. If you arrive by plane or train, it is advisable to rent a car.
The Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce is located at 584 Central Avenue. Pacific Grove, like many places in California, is a year-round destination due to the benign weather. Do not hesitate to visit even in the “colder” months.
More of Monterey and Santa Cruz
Have you seen a carpet of flowers extending close to the ocean? What about Pacific Grove Lovers Point?
If you enjoyed this article, remember to share!
Pin “Pacific Grove Lovers Point” for later?
peregrinationgourmande says
OMG it’s beautiful! It reminds be some part of Bretagne, France (Brittany). And California is on my list for next summer! So I might getting there… Don’t know yet the exact road trip but… xx cathy
Ruth says
You have to tell me what places in Brittany look like these. I love to visit places covered with flowers. This has been my second successful find (the other one was the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in Northern Los Angeles County).
image-in-ing says
WOW!
That’s truly amazing! I would love to see this in person – the contrasting colors must be breathtaking.
Thank you for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/05/tally-ho.html
Ruth says
Yes, it is an amazing place. The coastal scene is gorgeous. The flowers are like the cherry on top.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Wow, that is gorgeous, I have never heard of anything quite like it. Pinning this straight away!
Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust
Ruth says
Thanks Malinda. Glad to know you enjoyed the photos.
Valeria @ Rome, New York, London, World says
Wow your pictures are stunning! I wish I’d visited when I was living in the US, looks like a peaceful place 🙂
Adventures of a Novice Mum says
Wow; what a sight. I can see why you felt positive being there; I feel positive viewing the pictures. I can imagine the freshness and calmness inspired by walking through such a breathtaking environment. My, the bright walk by the waters … i’ve never been on such a colourful beach side. Thanks for sharing. #PhotoFriday
Kirralee @ Escape With Kids says
What a spectacular part of the world! And those flowers! So beautiful.
Katie @worldwidevegetarian.com says
This place is completely spectacular! I think I could come here and never lever. I have been planning a west coast road trip in my head for awhile and this place just got added to the list of must sees! Thank you for sharing.
Katie
Ruth says
Hello Katie,
I think this is a must visit for any West Coast road trip. Even if you do not make it here, make sure to visit Big Sur and the beaches of the Monterey Peninsula. I am sure you are going to enjoy the beauty of the area.
Jolanta aka Casual Traveler says
No, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a carpet of flowers extending into the ocean! All that pink looks pretty amazing. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos from this gorgeous place! I’ll have to go there some day!
Jen says
Ruth! These photos are GORGEOUS! I love Monterey Bay, although it has been a really long time since I was last there. I never knew about the carpet of flowers, although I know that California does a lot to attract the monarchs.
Again – GORGEOUS photos. Thank you for joining us again this week for photo friday!
Ruth says
My first visit to the area was last year. We went back again last weekend. I do not know why I waited so long to visit. I keep discovering amazing places.
Zita says
What great pics! Looks like such a beautiful place. I’m heading off to the USA for the first time in 8 days and I am so excited!!!
Ruth says
Zita,
What parts of the states are you visiting? Have a wonderful time!
Stephanie says
Oh my goodness, these photos are absolutely beautiful!
Ruth says
Thanks Stephanie. Have you visited a place with so many flowers?
Elaine J. Masters says
So tickled to see your gorgeous pictures of the natural treasures of Monterrey in the sunshine! I’ve been several times and it’s been beautifully chilly and foggy. A totally different experience.
Ruth says
Elaine,
When I arrived to the area is was a little bit overcasted. I didn’t think the pictures where going to come out right. I was king of relieved when I saw them. Last year, I visited the area and we were blessed with gorgeous weather too.
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo says
Everything about this place looks so lovely, the colour of the water is as amazing as the blanket of flowers. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Anda says
I love Monterey Peninsula! I’ve been there so many times over the past 26 years and still, every time I go I am in awe with the beauty of this place. Thanks for joining #TheWeeklyPostcard blog link-up.
Ruth says
Yes, I continue to be amazed by the beauty of this place every time I go. I can see myself living in the area.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
It’s been ages since I’ve been in this area, and I had forgotten how beautiful it is. The rugged rocks next to that blue, blue water is so striking. That you add a carpet of flowers over it just pushes the scene up to spectacular.
Ruth says
It is definitely a beautiful place. I do not think it gets all the attention it deserves. The times I have visited, I haven’t seen a lot of people around. well, maybe it is better like that.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates says
Hi Ruth,
Wow, who wouldn’t fall in love at first sight at this stunning place? I’ve been to Monterey so many years ago and sadly, I didn’t make it at this point. Lover’s Point is simply spectacular and the carpets of flowers so close to the sea is simply unique and certainly beautiful. Thanks for taking us in this lovely road trip of yours.
Ruth says
I am noticing a lot of the commenters in this post have been to the area. Stay tuned because I have more stories coming up.
Vlad says
Such gorgeous pictures, they look like they’ve been taken straight from a calendar. And that squirrel is too adorable 😀
Ruth says
Vlad,
Thanks for the compliment. I couldn’t leave the squirrel out of the post. I feel like he was part of the experience.
Jill says
Great photos! And that carpet of flowers – wow! I was there many years ago and now am in the process of planning to go again next spring. Monterey has one of my favorite inns I’ve ever stayed in – Spindrift Inn so I am hoping to stay again. Thanks for sharing!
Ruth says
Jill,
I have heard about that inn. I am going to check it out next time I visit the area.
Adventures of a Novice Mum says
I bet I left a comment here yesterday or so from #PhotoFriday or so. Just popping by again from my commentluv. O well. I remember writing about how beauitful your pictures were especially the colourful pink walk by the water. And how it understandable made you feel positive because it’s feels positive viewing them. 🙂
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
It’s gorgeous there! I can see why they call it Lovers Point – so romantic. I love all of the flowers and that cute little critter! 🙂 Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
Andrea says
I’ve never been to this part of California. I love the pink flowers. Gorgeous!
Ruth says
I love pink flowers too. When I see wildflowers, I am used to see yellow or orange flowers (not pink).
Adelina says
Very pretty! Love all the shades of blue in the water. I would have loved to dip my toes in. Was the water cold?
Ruth says
Yes, the water is cold. However, that doesn’t deter people from going in. There are a lot of surfers in the area too.
SJ says
Where are my sunnies? Those colours are just brilliant!!!
Ruth says
Ha, ha! Thanks for stopping by.
Sharon Ericksen says
These are truly amazing pictures…as a resident of PG we love our “purple carpet” and never get tired of walking along the shore and letting it touch us!! And, we love that people discover us and fall in love with our little town. If you ever come back to visit between October and March be sure to visit our Monarch Sanctuary, where the gathering Monarchs hang like bunches of grapes from the Monterey Pine and Eucalyptus trees…truly awesome!! Thanks for sharing your visit and come back and see us again!!!
Ruth says
I really enjoyed Pacific Grove! I can’t wait to visit when the butterflies are around. Thanks for stopping by!
Life Images by Jill says
If the coastal scenes weren’t enough the carpet of flowers is wonderful. I would be in raptures with my camera.
Happy travels & thankyou for stopping by my blog this week. It was great to meet you.
Milena Yordanova says
This place is truly beautiful and romantic! It’s ideal for a walk with your loved one. 🙂