Already among the finest bed and breakfasts along the Monterey Peninsula, Green Gables Inn actually just got better. That’s because the parent company, Four Sisters Inn, recently completed an extensive renovation of this historic seaside property. Indeed, the improvements are so distinct that 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 concise list of places to stay when 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 initially 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, eventually traveling to Los Angeles. During his time there, he became the owner of one of the largest businesses in California. After he died 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. It was also named 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 that the Inn was 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 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 Pacific Grove Bed and Breakfast 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 exact 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, a leading Monterey Bay Area bed and breakfast.
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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 and 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 room has desirable amenities in your bed and breakfast, like a mini-fridge, Lily espresso machine, and Tivoli Audio system.
Each room is unique, such as the Lacy Suite with original stained glass and the Gable Room, which offers outstanding views of Monterey Bay. Please note that most rooms are in the main house, while the other exceptional selections are in the Carriage House.
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 and has 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 through this outstanding Monterey area bed and breakfast.
Dog Friendly
You don’t have to leave your furry friend at home if you’re a dog owner. You can bring your pet along at the Green Gables Inn. However, you should make an advance reservation and understand the Monterey area bed and breakfast’s pet policy. The pet fee is $65, and food a dog bed, and water bowl can be provided.
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Parking
Limited parking, including one accessible parking space, is available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there is plenty of public parking on Ocean View Boulevard and Fifth Street. While you’ll unlikely need to travel further for parking, Central Avenue has other parking spaces. As it is, you’ll be able to park close to your Monterey Bay Area bed and breakfast.
Amenities
A sumptuous breakfast is practically a given at a sophisticated Monterey bed and breakfast inn. On the other hand, Green Gables Inn pushes 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, one day, you might find breakfast burritos, roasted potatoes, or Southwestern mini-tarts on another. Moreover, you can enjoy various drinks, including gourmet coffee, tea, sparkling water and sodas. Each afternoon at 4 p.m., the Inn hosts a wine and cheese hour featuring 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-served basis, these cruiser bikes can transport you along the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. One spot you may wish to visit is Lovers Point Park, which is 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 bed and breakast is a harbor seal sanctuary. Protected by a fence with do not disturb signs, 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.
Related: Best Attractions in the Monterey Peninsula
Top Local Attractions
Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the world’s finest aquariums is minutes from Green Gables Inn. That would be 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 traveling with children. Over 200 exhibits are on display, particularly emphasizing 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 many fun things to see and do. For instance, there are kayak and bike rentals, Monterey Mirror Maze, and a 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 dining spots, 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 your bed and breakfast.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is another attraction worth visiting, whether traveling with children or not. Built in 1870, the Wharf features seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and boat tour operators. Four operators offer whale watching, with tours year-round. Old Fisherman’s Wharf is adjacent to a sizeable 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 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, and the iconic Lone Cypress tree. There are five entrances to this famed roadway, including the famous Highway 1 Gate.
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Insider Tip:
Two additional attractions may interest you close to the Pacific Grove entrance to 17 Mile Drive. 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 and 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 America’s most dog-friendly destinations. 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 to 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.