Hillcrest Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.
Lovers Point
Enjoy a day of sun and surf at this beautiful beach, which is one of the few places on the U.S. west coast where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
Experience a piece of American maritime history with a tour of one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast.
Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
Enjoy a trip to Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary and popular activities such as golfing in Pacific Grove. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve
You can take time to visit Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve during your travels to Pacific Grove.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Step into a field guide to the Californian Central Coast, packed with local birdlife, marine life and Native American culture.
Activities
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Our pick of the best Hillcrest Hotel Deals
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Great location and beautiful property
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The staff are phenomenal. Friendly, attentive and focused on comfortfor each guest.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Check-in was easy Staff were professional polite and kind. Very clean running around ms and grounds Spa and Gym facilities excellent and restaurant served good food and cocktails
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
The Monterey Hotel
It was good, staff was chill and helpful. Would go again👍
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Carmel Bay View Inn
I liked rhe room, however, there were no USB charging plugs for electronic devices. An easy solution would be to exchange lamps for ones that include USB outlets. Next time I go to Carmel I will request a room on the 5th floor.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
Staff were very friendly, breakfast very good
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Hillcrest
Town Center
If you're spending some time in Town Center, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Jameson's Classic Motorcycle Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Sunset
Sunset might not have many top sights, but Monterey Bay Aquarium and Asilomar State Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Seaview
While Seaview may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Presidio of Monterey.
Country Club Gate
While Country Club Gate isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Presidio of Monterey are some notable places to visit nearby.
Retreat
If you're spending some time in Retreat, Monterey Bay and Monterey Bay Aquarium are top sights worth seeing.
Del Monte
Del Monte might not have many top sights, but Monterey Bay Aquarium and Presidio of Monterey are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
