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.
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.
Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve
You can take time to visit Asilomar Dunes Nature Preserve during your travels to Pacific Grove.
Activities
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Our pick of the best Hillcrest Hotel Deals
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Portola is great! We stay there whenever we go to Monterey, the hotel is great, the employees couldn't be more helpful, the location is the best in walking distance to so many things which i really love. Don't hesitate on booking this place.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The adjoining room door was next to the bed. Very poor sound proofing. The next room’s conversations at normal tones sounded like they were in our room. They talked until 2:45AM. The hotel clerk did make note of it the next morning when I reported it. Hopefully they will fix the problem.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
The dragging of bags in & out of buildings was terrible, we had to take an elevator & walk through 2 buildings to get to our room & go outside between buildings- some buildings did not connect making it even harder to find the room, would not recommend this for mostly this reason- people move & helpful, ...
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Room was clean and cozy. Staff were friendly and helpful. I liked the location, there was so much within walking distance. Downsides: the old hotel has a weird layout, it’s hard to navigate and although there is an elevator, I still had to drag luggage up some stairs and through narrow corridors. ...
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
Loved the mid century modern decor. Breakfast at the restaurant was very good.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
The room was big spacious, so comfortable. They accommodated my cats had everything I needed. That baseball was awesome all the way around the property. Everything is clean nice very well-kept I would come back.
Reviewed on 14 May 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.
