Already among the finest bed and breakfasts along the Monterey Peninsula, Green Gables Inn actually just got better. That’s because parent company, Four Sisters Inn recently completed an extensive renovation of this historic seaside property. Indeed, the improvements are so distinct, you’ll be impressed the moment you walk through the doors. Coupled with breathtaking ocean views, superb hospitality and proximity to world famous attractions, it’s clear that Green Gables Inn is among the best in the entire country. With all this in mind, this beautiful Victorian should be on a very short list of places to stay when you’re visiting California’s incomparable Central Coast.
About Green Gables Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
Green Gables Inn
301 Ocean View Blvd.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 375-2095
www.greengablesinnpg.com
Built in 1888, Green Gables Inn was originally meant to be a vacation home for influential businessman William Lacy Sr. and his family. Born in London, William Lacy moved to California from Illinois, where he eventually made his way down to Los Angeles. During his time there, he became the owner of one of the largest businesses in California. After his death in 1897, the Pacific Grove home remained a private residence for several decades. Today, Green Gables Inn features 11 elegantly appointed rooms and is routinely mentioned among the best B&Bs in California. What’s more, it was also named as one of the Top 50 Best Small Hotels in the U.S. not long ago by Conde Nast Traveler.
About Four Sisters Inns
While Green Gables was first introduced in 1958, it wasn’t until 1975 when the Inn was formerly established by the four daughters of the Post Family – hence the Four Sisters name. Since then, Four Sisters Inns has grown to a collection of 17 unique hotels, including three more in the Monterey Bay Area. Other Four Sisters Inns are spread across California, such as in the California Wine Country and in Los Angeles. Today, Four Sisters Inns is managed by a top flight team that includes President & CEO Tamara Mims and COO Travis McPherson.
How to Get to Green Gables Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
Just minutes from Monterey’s iconic Cannery Row, Green Gables Inn has a perfect location along the Monterey Bay. From Highway 1 South, you should take the Del Monte Avenue and Lighthouse Avenue exit. After exiting, you’ll stay on Del Monte Avenue while passing by Old Fishermans Wharf, then following the signs leading towards Cannery Row. You’ll continue on through the tunnel on Lighthouse Avenue before it becomes Central Avenue. Along Central Avenue, you’ll pass through downtown Pacific Avenue before turning right on Fifth Street. The Inn will be on your left, at the corner of Fifth and the suitably named Ocean View Boulevard.
From Highway 1 North
If you’re coming from Highway 1 North, you can take the CA Highway 68 exit towards Pacific Grove. After about 10 minutes from the exit, Highway 68 becomes Forest Avenue. Shortly after passing the Fairway Shopping Center on your left, you’ll turn right on David Avenue. When you reach Lighthouse Avenue, you’ll turn left on Lighthouse then right on Fifth Street. Alternatively, you can take the Pacific Street and Lighthouse Avenue exit and follow the same directions as Highway 1 South. However, that stretch along Highway 1 between Highway 68 and the Pacific Street exit can be very busy. That’s not to mention the possible traffic on Del Monte Avenue to Lighthouse Avenue. The payoff of course, is a quiet and peaceful stay at Green Gables Inn.
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Accommodations
Each of the 11 guest rooms underwent an impressive makeover to make your stay even more memorable. For instance, you’ll find new wood furnishings, as well as a color palette that compliments its coastal surroundings. That’s not to mention new wood flooring, window treatments, plush new bedding and branded robes. Equally important is that almost all rooms come with a romantic fireplace and flat screen TV. Of course, each of the rooms comes with desirable amenities like a mini-fridge, Lily espresso machine and Tivoli Audio system.
Each room has a uniqueness of its own, such as the Lacy Suite with original stained glass and the Gable Room, with outstanding views of the Monterey Bay. Please note that most rooms are in the main house while the other exceptional selections are in the Carriage House building.
Accessible Rooms at Green Gables Inn
Green Gables Inn offers accessible rooms and its dining room is accessible. However, breakfast and a wine and cheese “mini-picnic” can be brought to the accessible guestroom. Of the two accessible rooms, the Sandpiper guestroom is ADA accessible with specially equipped features. The other accessible room is the Carriage House No.8 for guests with hearing impairments. There is one accessible parking space behind the main building. If you need further assistance, you can find complete details online.
Dog Friendly
If you’re a dog owner, you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home. In fact, you can bring your pet along for a stay at the Green Gables Inn. However, you should make sure to make an advance reservation and understanding the Inn’s pet policy. The pet fee is $65 and food can be provided, as well as a dog bed and water bowl.
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Parking
Limited parking, including the accessible parking space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, there is plenty of public parking on Ocean View Boulevard and on Fifth Street. While it’s unlikely you’ll need to travel further for parking, there are other parking spaces on Central Avenue.
Amenities
At a sophisticated bed and breakfast inn, a sumptuous breakfast is practically a given. On the other hand, Green Gables inn push its offerings up a notch with several gourmet options. In addition to traditional favorites like fruit, oatmeal, Granola and yogurt, you can enjoy a daily signature chef’s entrée. For example, on one day you might find breakfast burritos and roasted potatoes or Southwestern mini-tarts on another. Moreover, you can enjoy an assortment of drinks, including gourmet coffee, tea, sparkling water and sodas. Each afternoon at 4 p.m. the Inn hosts a wine and cheese hour, which also features freshly baked cookies and crackers.
Complimentary Use of Cruiser Bicycles
In addition to the delicious breakfast buffet and wine+cheese hour, you can better appreciate the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula on a cruiser bike. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, these cruiser bikes can transport you along the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. One spot in particular you may wish to visit is Lovers Point Park that’s less than a mile away. However, you may also be interested in knowing that Green Gables Inn overlooks Lovers Point State Marine Reserve, one of four local marine protected areas.
Insider Tip:
Directly across the street from the Inn is a harbor seal sanctuary. Protected by a fence with do not disturb signs, you can see harbor seal moms and their pups rest on a secluded beach. Because of the many rocks that line the coastline, this is an ideal spot for marine life as it protects them from predators.
Top Local Attractions
Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the world’s finest aquariums is literally minutes away from Green Gables Inn. That would be, of course, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, featuring over 81,000 plants and animals across 771 species. Drawing two million visitors annually, the Aquarium is a must-see, especially if you’re a first-time visitor and traveling with children. Over 200 exhibits are on display, with a particular emphasis on marine life in the Monterey Bay. Plenty of metered parking and parking lots are available nearby in Cannery Row.
Cannery Row
The Monterey Aquarium isn’t the only attraction to see on Cannery Row. Indeed, this historic area made famous by John Steinbeck offers all sorts of fun things to see and do. For instance, there are kayak and bike rentals, Monterey Mirror Maze and miniature golf course. That’s not to mention fun shopping spots like the Monterey Canning Company and Steinbeck Plaza. Of course, there are many great spots for you to dine, like the Chart House and the Sardine Factory. While you have time, don’t forget to visit the Cannery Row Worker Shacks, John Steinbeck sculpture and Doc Rickett’s Lab. Incidentally, John Steinbeck had a home in Pacific Grove, just .3 miles from Green Gables Inn.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is another attraction worth visiting, whether you’re traveling with children or not. Built in 1870, the Wharf features several seafood restaurants, souvenir shops and boat tour operators. In fact, there are four operators that offer whale watching, with tours year-round. Old Fisherman’s Wharf is adjacent to a large paid-parking area, with more dining and activity options at Municipal Wharf No. 2.
17 Mile Drive
The Pacific Grove entrance to the world famous 17 Mile Drive is just over two miles from Green Gables. For just an entry fee of $11.25 per vehicle, you can see some of the world’s most famous attractions along this magnificent stretch of the Monterey Peninsula. For example, you can visit the Pebble Beach Golf Links, America’s top public golf course, as well as the iconic Lone Cypress tree. In all, there are five entrances to this famed roadway, including the popular Highway 1 Gate.
Insider Tip:
Close to the Pacific Grove entrance to 17 Mile Drive are two additional attractions that may be of interest to you. For one, there is Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. As for the other, the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary is well worth a visit to see thousands of endangered monarch butterflies. While public viewing is from mid-October to mid-March, the peak season is from November through January.
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Carmel-by-the-Sea
If you visit 17 Mile Drive, you’ll almost certainly want to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. A vibrant small beach city, you could spend an entire afternoon exploring boutique shops and art galleries. If you like wine tasting, there are several wine tasting rooms along with outstanding restaurants. This includes Anton & Michel, Aubergine and Grasings. That’s to say nothing of Clint Eastwood’s former business Hog’s Breath Inn and Doris Day’s restaurant at the Cypress Inn. If you are traveling with your pet, you’ll be happy to know that Carmel is one of the most dog friendly destinations in America. Not only is the Cypress Inn very dog friendly but there’s also the dog friendly Carmel Beach.
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About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across over 20 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.