Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
4.5
About
History that’s living in the moment Stunning monarchs. Endless birdlife. Vivid wildflowers. Rockstar geology. Wow-worthy whales. Pacific Grove’s landmark museum opened in 1883, the same year as did the Brooklyn Bridge, making it one of the country’s oldest of its kind. But its deep diversity of unique Central Coast creatures, pioneering science and interactivity make it as current as ever.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
140 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
47
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
0
rachelleatthebay
Monterey, CA6 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I have lives on the Monterey Peninsula since 1995 and I’m ashamed to say that today is the first day that I visited. It looks small from the outside; however, there are rooms and rooms of exhibits and an outside exhibit
If you like animals, plants, history, gems, experiences, classes, or videos. It’s all here. Definitely see the big Jade rock, the Wonder exhibit, gift shop and if you like gems, you can learn how to turn a rock into a gem. You can even do it yourself with your own!!
Highly recommend for locals and tourists alike!!
Definitely my favorite museum experience here in Monterey
If you like animals, plants, history, gems, experiences, classes, or videos. It’s all here. Definitely see the big Jade rock, the Wonder exhibit, gift shop and if you like gems, you can learn how to turn a rock into a gem. You can even do it yourself with your own!!
Highly recommend for locals and tourists alike!!
Definitely my favorite museum experience here in Monterey
Written 27 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FutureCustoms
Oakdale, CA80 contributions
Oct 2022
I like poking around museums and learning the history of places I stay, I usually just drop in these places when I have a little free time rater than a destination.
Written 27 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aprilla2014
Los Angeles, CA9 contributions
Aug 2021
This small museum is adorable and informative given that it is housed in a small town. A very good overview of local flora and fauna as well as local history of the peoples who have resided in the area. My teenager, his grandmother and I all enjoyed it. Just a block off of Lighthouse (the main street with restaurants), yet it seems tucked away. Has a cute park across the street and a native plant garden in the back. Worth a visit!
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PANC J
Lima, Peru828 contributions
Jun 2021
This museum dates back to about 1900 and it fits within the stereotype of older natural history museum: "stuff from the attic on display." Lots of skulls, stuffed birds, a cool California Brown Bear, and then a very eclectic collection of artifacts, some from California, many from the Southwest U.S. Minimal label copy to put anything in perspective. As someone who has spent his life in natural history museum, this one was a little disappointing. The highlight of the museum, in my opinion, were the dioramas of the early Chinese settlements on the local coast, though the delicately erased the racism that accompanied the burning of the original village.
Overall, the space is lovely and more than adequate for a great, tightly-focused discussion of the biology and cultures of the Monterey area; unfortunately, they continue to be laden with a vision of lots of "things" and little context. There is no visible attempt to bring together a comprehensive picture of natural history in Central California. I enjoy almost all museums and I enjoyed this one as well, but it has a long way to go to bring it up so contemporary standards.
Overall, the space is lovely and more than adequate for a great, tightly-focused discussion of the biology and cultures of the Monterey area; unfortunately, they continue to be laden with a vision of lots of "things" and little context. There is no visible attempt to bring together a comprehensive picture of natural history in Central California. I enjoy almost all museums and I enjoyed this one as well, but it has a long way to go to bring it up so contemporary standards.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA175,454 contributions
May 2020
Although the musuem was closed due to the virus, we enjoyed seeing the outdoor exhibits such as the rock whale and the nature gardens. We visited in May 2020. We hope to come back when the museum is open.
Written 25 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
calinurse
Oakland, CA2,859 contributions
Dec 2019
We've traveled often over many years to the Monterey Peninsula but this was our first time here. What a find!
We love small museums which with well-displayed and explained local information.
This museum is great for all ages-- kids too! Upon entry, with information provided by Sophie (thank you!) our four year old received a scavenger hunt sheet.
There's lots of hands-on stuff for kids, as well as great info for adults about the land
tectonic plates, beaches/sand formation ) local history including a Chinese village model, the formation of sand, and of course local flora and fauna. Among many interesting animal displays, we particularly loved the bird exhibit.
There is gift shop with some lovely and unique times.
So glad to have seen this museum. We'll be back on future trips!
We love small museums which with well-displayed and explained local information.
This museum is great for all ages-- kids too! Upon entry, with information provided by Sophie (thank you!) our four year old received a scavenger hunt sheet.
There's lots of hands-on stuff for kids, as well as great info for adults about the land
tectonic plates, beaches/sand formation ) local history including a Chinese village model, the formation of sand, and of course local flora and fauna. Among many interesting animal displays, we particularly loved the bird exhibit.
There is gift shop with some lovely and unique times.
So glad to have seen this museum. We'll be back on future trips!
Written 16 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
islandler
San Jose CA55 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
A very nice small museum that is worth a visit. Especially if you have been to Monterey many times.
If this is your first visit to Monterey then I would put it as a lower priority.
If this is your first visit to Monterey then I would put it as a lower priority.
Written 2 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dinkydog99
Indiana102 contributions
Oct 2019
It wasn't the largest museum I've ever visited but thought the displays were well done. There was a variety and everything was labeled. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Would recommend.
Written 25 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nanookune47
Clear Lake, IA53 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
If you’re looking for a great way to learn about the beginning inhabitants, the Monarch butterflies, and the marine animals, go to the Pacific Grove Museum. The displays are fascinating and informative. The big metal whale outside is at the stairs to the entrance. Donations are always welcome but entrance was free. Enjoy the visuals!
Written 10 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Parttimetravele
43 contributions
Aug 2019
We were wanting to understand more about Pacific Grove and the Monterey Peninsula area. Decided to drop in for a visit. There was a nice, informative volunteer who shared loads of information. It's a small musuem, you can easily visit in an hour or 1 1/2 hour. I was very intrigued by the collection of beach sand from around the world.they also have some great Pacific Grove stickers- a wonderful butterfly, whales, others. All for just a few dollars. I made a second visit just to buy the stickers! Consider a visit if you are looking for a brief change of pace.
Written 3 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
PACIFIC GROVE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
- Hotels near Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History:
- (0.01 km) Beach Club - Pacific Grove Beach House - Sand and Sea
- (0.02 km) 3821 Of Mice and Men - Luxury Ocean View Condo ~ Walk Everywhere!
- (0.04 km) 3822 Cannery Row - Luxury Condo Near the Beach and Downtown Pacific Grove
- (0.05 km) 3803 Sweet Thursday ~ Brand New Condo in Holman Building, Downtown, Bay Views
- (0.14 km) Centrella Hotel
- Restaurants near Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History:
- (0.06 km) Mando's Restaurant
- (0.13 km) Victorian Corner
- (0.07 km) Peppers Mexicali Cafe
- (0.15 km) Max's Grill
- (0.20 km) Pavel's Backerei
- Attractions near Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History:
- (0.03 km) Tessuti Zoo
- (0.17 km) Lighthouse Cinema
- (0.09 km) Pacific Grove Public Library
- (0.07 km) Pacific Grove Art Center
- (0.07 km) Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce