The Monterey Peninsula brings together some of California's most picturesque oceanside beauty with the charm of our famous trio of towns by the sea, Pacific Grove, Monterey, and Carmel. Here are just a few of the activities available for your enjoyment.

Auto racing. Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca.

Beach. Asilomar State Beach is about a 3-minute walk through the state park, across the street from Pacific Gardens Inn. Lovers Point is a protected cove located about a mile north.

Biking. Adventures by the Sea has rental bikes. Located across the street at the Asilomar State Park.

Dining. Some of our favorites: Fishwife (Seafood) is within walking distance. Downtown are: Peppers (Mexi-Cali), Fandango (French Basque), Passionfish (Seafood), 17th Street Grill (American burger, pet friendly), International Cuisine.

Events. A few of the events held on the Monterey Peninsula are: The Triathlon at Pacific Grove, Big Sur International Marathon and Half Marathon, Feast of Lanterns, AT&T Golf Tournament, Concours d 'Elegance, Monterey Bay Blues Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey Beer Festival.

Golf. The best deal around is Pacific Grove Golf Links, located 1/2 mile from the Inn. Our Inn is very close to 17-Mile Drive®, which meanders through the Del Monte Forest and along the coastline towards Carmel and some of the world's finest golf courses, including Pebble Beach®, Spyglass Hill®, Poppy Hills and Spanish Bay®. We would be happy to assist you with making golfing arrangements at these courses or the many others that abound in our area. For more golf information go to Monterey Peninsula Golf.

Hiking/running. To the beach via Asilomar State Park is about a 3-minute walk. You can also walk/run out along the boardwalk and trails along the 17 Mile Drive® in Pebble Beach.

Parks. Pacific Grove has numerous parks and open space, including George Washington Park, with jungle gym, and swings, only four blocks from the Pacific Gardens Inn; and Caledonia Park, located downtown, with jungle gym, swings, basketball, and picnic tables.

Shopping. For terrific shopping, be sure to visit nearby American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores.

Tennis. The Morris Dill Tennis Courts are available daily from 9am to Dusk. A fully-stocked Pro Shop is maintained and racquet stringing is also available. Call 831- 648-5729 for up-to-date tennis information.

Monarch Butterflies. Pacific Grove is proud to be the home of the Butterfly Trees, home to thousands of monarch butterflies that migrate from as far away as two thousand miles to spend the winter here.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Monterey Bay Aquarium takes you to the stunning hidden world of the bay. The aquarium has more than a hundred galleries and exhibits that recreate the rich habitats of the bay.