Lovers Point Park, a small community park in Pacific Grove, California, is popular with both locals and tourists. The views of Monterey Bay are spectacular from the large lawn area, where weddings are often held, and the sandy beach, which is usually full with sunbathers and swimmers on sunny days. The park has benches, tables, a snack bar and bathrooms. Coastal trails go by the park, and visitors can rent bicycles, surreys and kayaks nearby. Families, couples and individuals would enjoy this park, as would birdwatchers, surfers, scuba divers, kayakers, walkers, joggers, bicyclists, birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Parking and public transportation at Lovers Point Park
Free street parking is available. You may have to park a few blocks away, especially on weekends and in the summer. The Monterey Salinas Transit has a bus route from Monterey that stops near Lovers Point. It also provides a free trolley service to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is about a mile from the park.
Best and worst time to go to Lovers Point Park
The best times to visit are early mornings and late afternoons when there are fewer people. The worse times are on weekends, as well as on weekdays when students are on vacation.
Admission to Lovers Point Park
The park is open 365 days a year and admission is free. When parking is unavailable next to the park, drop off passengers who have limited mobility first, then find parking.
Must see/do at Lovers Point Park
Have a picnic at the park; be sure to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to spread out on the lawn. Tables are available, but on a first-come, first-serve basis. Walk the perimeter of the park to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Monterey Bay. On a clear day, you can see across the bay.
Experience the Feast of Lanterns Festival, an annual week-long event during the summer that Pacific Grove has held since 1905. The festival holds a Pageant Day, usually on a Saturday, at Lovers Point Park, which includes food booths, live entertainment, children's activities, fireworks and more.
Other places to visit near Lovers Point Park
The Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row displays over 600 species of marine life, such as octopus, penguins, jellyfish, sea otters, sharks, tuna, stingrays and sardines. In addition to visiting exhibits and participating in various programs and activities, visitors can watch the staff feed the animals throughout the day.
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has exhibits of the geology, wildlife, birds and culture of Monterey County and the California Central Coast. Among its permanent exhibits are the birds of Monterey County, Monarch butterfly, native plant garden and Pacific Grove's Chinese Fishing Village. This museum is a few blocks from the park.
The Pt. Pinos Lighthouse, a few miles away, is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Owned by the City of Pacific Grove, visitors can tour the lighthouse in afternoons, from Thursday to Tuesday.
Insider tip for visitors to Lovers Point Park
A lot of squirrels call the park their home, some of which boldly beg for food. The squirrels are cute, but they are wildlife and ought not to be fed.
Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes a blog about Hollister and nearby areas.