Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove

Featuring panoramic views stretching from Monterey to Pebble Beach, Lovers Point will bewitch you. Located in Pacific Grove, on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula, it is merely the icing on the cake. Pacific Grove is called “Butterfly Town, USA” because monarch butterflies return here year after year. It is also known as “America’s Last Hometown” because of the strong community spirit binding together this quaint Victorian town.  It is home to the Asilomar Conference Center, Point Pinos Lighthouse, and also hosts the annual  Feast of Lanterns.  Additionally, it has been the setting for several films, most recently the “Big Little Lies” HBO series.

Lovers Point is a dalliance between land, sea, and sky that never fails to charm.  Its natural beauty has been an inspiration for decades.  In the 1890s, the area was an artist’s haven.  At that time, a movement seeking to create art in outdoor settings in natural light and weather conditions, called en plein air, was the rage.  The movement, which started in France, soon swept through Europe and expanded to the United States beginning in California.  Today, you may still see plein air artists set up with their easels and paints. 

Lovers Point is a place to experience not only beauty but also adventure.  The park consists of 4.4 acres.  Sand volleyball, rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, biking, scuba diving,  paddle boarding, snorkeling and strolling along the ever-popular waterfront coastal trail are just some of the fun things to do here.  The coastal trail stretches for 18 miles, from Castroville in the north to the far tip of Asilomar Beach in the south.  It follows the path of the now defunct Southern Pacific Railroad.

Located above a sand volleyball court is one of the last remaining swan boats from Lover’s Point.  The swan boats of Pacific Grove were originally introduced in the 1890s to enable visitors to explore the area by sea.  The swan boat fleet was owned and operated by Nathanial “Dad” Sprague for more than 50 years.  The boats were then operated by a variety of owners until the mid-1970s.

The beach at Lovers Point faces west and has a concrete wall and breakwater, making it one of the few safe swimming places in the area and popular for families and children.  Be advised, however, that the water here is very chilly year round.

Lovers Point State Marine Reserve, created in 2007, lies directly offshore Lovers Point Park.  It is one of four marine protected areas on the Monterey Penisula.  It includes a variety of wondrous flora and fauna including kelp forests, sea otters, harbor seals, pelicans, cormorants and more.

Helpful Tips:

• Numerous benches, BBQ grills and picnic tables are available.
• Fishing is prohibited in the Lovers Point State Marine Reserve.
• Bikes, kayaks, surreys, paddleboards, scuba diving gear, surfboards, and other rentals are available at Lovers Point by  Adventures By The Sea.
• Nearby restaurants include The Beach House and The Grill at Lovers Point.
• Public restrooms are available.

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