Pacific Grove’s Sites and Stories: A Monterey Peninsula Drive

Set off on one of the most beautiful drives in the world, where I’ll share captivating stories about how the quaint town of Pacific Grove grew into a thriving city nicknamed Chautauqua by the Sea. Pacific Grove is often overlooked in favor of its neighbors but, on this driving tour, I’ll tell you how it came to be known as the Cultural Center of the West, with thousands of people swarming to the town via the Southern Pacific Railroad every week to experience the Methodist Church's Chautauqua. The Chautauqua Movement's range of music, drama, lectures and activities geared towards adult education and entertainment would forever change the face of Pacific Grove. I’ll show you where famous orators like William Jennings Bryan delivered speeches to gathering crowds, and U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt called Chautauqua “the most American thing in America”. On this driving tour, you’ll cruise along Ocean View Boulevard and Sunset Drive, soaking up stunning views, before heading into Downtown. Along the way, you’ll hear Monterey Peninsula’s rich history starting with Native Americans, Chinese families, Italian fishermen, Spanish settlers and, finally, American families in the early 1900s. I’ll also show you the city’s stunning architecture and some of its over 700 historically listed buildings. On this Monterey Peninsula drive, you’ll have an opportunity to: • Learn about Monarch Butterfly Grove, home to thousands of butterflies during certain times of the year • Stop at Sea Lion Lookout, Kissing Rock View Point, Pacific Grove Rocky View, and Perkins Park Vista Point • Find out about the city’s beautiful and historic inns, including Seven Gables, Green Gables, and Gosby House • Hear stories about notable figures like Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck and world-famous marine biologist Ed Ricketts, who both have connections to the city • Find out about Asilomar’s 110-year-old campground and lodge which is a stone’s throw from the Asilomar State Beach and Trail • See the John Denver Memorial, Lovers Point Mural and Berwick Park’s whale sculpture • Take in Point Pinos Lighthouse from 1855 which makes it the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast • Discover the golf course that very closely resembles one in St. Andrews, Scotland • Visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History • Imagine what it was like to visit the many Chautauqua halls and dance clubs that once sprung up here After years of living in Carmel and Monterey, and visiting Pacific Grove many times, I’m thrilled (and honored) to share this city’s great story with you. I hope that you’re equally as blown away by it as I was when I first began researching it. The experience aims to transport you back to that joyous and exciting time when Chautauqua characterized the growing city. Thank you for re-living it with me. We will continue to post expanded stories about Pacific Grove, as well as Carmel and Monterey at MyMontereyPeninsula.com. You are invited to visit us at any time.

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