LOVERS POINT: Located at the end of 17th
Street in Pacific Grove, California, and along the Recreation Trail
just 2 blocks from town. It is a pristinely landscaped community park
that only encompasses about 4.5 acres, to include a large lawn area
where picnicking, fishing, swimming and some surfing is allowed. There
is also a beach volleyball court, a children’s swimming pool surrounded
by sandy beaches, rocky coves, a restaurant and snack bar. Lovers point
has also become a very popular site for weddings and pageant and fireworks
event in Pacific Grove are often held. Because of the incredible scenery,
the view of Monterey Bay, with nicely manicured walking and biking trails,
Lovers Point has also been a very popular place for both artists and
photographers.
SURF, TIDES, CLIMATE, WATER TEMPS: The
nicest weather is generally from later August through November. The
climate in the central coast varies greatly. Pacific Grove is noted
for a higher marine layer coverage resulting in greater patches of intermittent
fog, more likely to occur from June through mid-August. The best time
for a visit to this area of the Central coast is in late summer or fall,
to guarantee more ideal conditions for beach viewing and activities.
BEACH ACTIVITES: For the most part, there
is not a problem with wading, swimming, some minor surfing down the
road at Asilomar State Beach, however parts of the surrounding area,
where there are more rocks, sometimes the surf in storm conditions can
be hazardous. Fishing for salmon and cod is popular, while whale watching
occurs December-March and sailing tour companies can be found just up
the road on Fisherman's Wharf. Leisure walks, or perhaps renting a bike
to enjoy the scenic coast is pretty hard to pass up. The 9 mile recreation
Trail fosters walking, jogging, or sitting on benches enjoying the breathtaking
view along the way.
LOCAL FLAVORS: Pacific Grove, the once
home of the famed writer, John Steinback, is a quaint historic seaside
town in the heart the Monterey Bay. Better known as, “Butterfly
town, U.S.A., the home of the monarch butterflies, each October Pacific
Grove celebrates the butterflies return with an annual parade through
the center of town. The town of approximately 15,000 is friendly, safe
and a great place to picnic, wander through the adorable downtown area
or stroll the beach walk at Recreation Trails. There are an array of
varied shops to enjoy as well as local cafés, bookstores, good
family owned restaurants, which help add to Pacific Grove’s charm.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
The Old Beach House Restaurant at Lover’s Point (Voted
the mot romantic)
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Golf Courses/Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course, Pebble Beach,
Spyglass, Spanish Bay
17 Mile Drive
Asilomar Retreat and Conference Grounds
Cannery Row
Old Fisherman’s Wharf
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
