Beached juvenile humpback whale on Pacific Grove beach
Quite an unusual occurrence happened a couple of days ago. A juvenile humpback whale beached on the Hopkins Marine Station beach (Stanford Marine Lab). Researchers have collected bits of the skin, blubber, stomach contents, skeleton, and baleen in the efforts to learn more about the animal and what might have happened. People have been warned to not go in the water, because it has drawn sharks into the area. The harbor seals don’t seem to be around on the beach as usual either.
I’ve lived here in Pacific Grove for 27 years now – and there’s something quietly magical about Pacific Grove.
Perhaps it’s the sound of waves rolling against the rocky shoreline, the sea breeze drifting through towering cypress trees, or the feeling that life naturally slows down here in the best possible way. And that’s exactly what I needed after many years of living in San Francisco. I’m happy here and love the Pacific Grove lifestyle.
Kimpton Mirador Hotel Pacific Grove
And now, tucked just a few blocks from both the coastline and the charming downtown streets, a new destination is adding another layer to the Pacific Grove experience — the stunning Kimpton Hotel Mirador.
As host of American Dream TV, I recently had the opportunity to step inside this thoughtfully designed boutique hotel and sit down with Director of Sales and Marketing Tyler DeWittie for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this property feel so special.
Susan, Tyler DeWhitie and Luis Contreras (LC1 Productions), my amazing videographer.
Unlike large resort properties that can sometimes feel overwhelming, the Kimpton Mirador offers something more intimate and curated. From the moment you enter, the atmosphere feels warm, sophisticated, and deeply connected to the Monterey Peninsula lifestyle. The interiors blend modern luxury with coastal comfort, creating spaces that invite guests to truly unwind.
Pacific Grove Coastline
What I especially loved is the hotel’s walkable location. Within minutes, guests can stroll to the dramatic Pacific Grove coastline, enjoy sunsets along the Recreation Trail, explore local boutiques and cafés downtown, or simply breathe in the fresh ocean air that makes this area so beloved.
The Caledonian Restaurant in the Kimpton Mirador
The hotel’s restaurant, The Caledonian, adds yet another dimension to the experience and is already a favorite of locals. Beautifully designed and welcoming, it reflects the same elevated yet approachable spirit found throughout the property. Wait until you see their private dining room! It’ s divine the the perfect spot for a special occasion.
For visitors discovering Pacific Grove for the first time — or longtime locals looking for a refined staycation experience — the Kimpton Mirador captures the essence of coastal living on the Monterey Peninsula.
Watch my short teaser below for a quick glimpse inside, then enjoy the full American Dream TV feature for the complete tour and interview.
Watch the Teaser Video
Full American Dream TV Feature
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply exploring what’s new on the Peninsula, the Kimpton Mirador is well worth experiencing.
And as always, I love sharing the people, places, and stories that make our coastal communities so extraordinary.
Thinking of moving to the area? Call me, I’d love to help you find your Dream Home on the Monterey Peninsula.
Sharks are amazing animals and they have fascinated people for decades. Researchers have studied and cared for them, observed them in the wild and in the deep sea. Sharks are very important to our Eco system. A healthy ocean has lots of sharks!
I’m sure every dog who lives on the Monterey Peninsula with their “person” feels like they have died and gone to heaven! The Dogs on our beautiful Peninsula come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and temperaments. Whether it’s . . .
Cute and cuddly
or large and sleek,
dogs rule the roost on the Monterey Peninsula. Carmel, for instance, has been voted the most “dog friendly” town. Everywhere you go whether it is to the beach, a bank, a restaurant with a patio
or even a real estate office
you will see dogs – sometimes they even sit for a spell!
Shunned in some areas dogs are given more attention here than people. If you want to meet new friends, just get yourself an adorable dog and walk down the street. You will make friends wherever you go, because people will stop you on the street and ooh and ah over your pooch. In fact they will ask you all about your dog and want to know every detail of his life and his eating habits.
At our Carmel Realty Company real estate office on Ocean Avenue in Carmel I watch not only streams of people going by, but streams of dogs. And sometimes they’ll even pose for a photo!
We love all kinds of dogs here, Golden retrievers, poodles
pugs,
cocker spaniels, and of course the lovable mutts that are “mixed breeds”. Sometimes they are the most lovable of all.
Sometimes we even build them fancy homes.
Green/Smart home designed by Jeselnick architect & construction by Hare ConstructionFairytale Castle by Jeff Crockett Bldg & Design and J. Stepanek Construction
“The Tudor” designed by Helen Okada and built by Jim Yates ConstructionSusan Clark admiring the Castle.
If you’d like visit the Monterey Peninsula and stay overnight accompanied by your doggie, have no fear, there are plenty of hotels to choose from like these Lodgings in Carmel .
Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea
The Cypress Inn located in Carmel was a pioneer in pet-friendly lodgings. The hotel until recently was co-owned by our beloved Doris Day who passed away in 2019. A true dog advocate.
I could go on and on about the benefits of being a dog here. Wherever your dog will wander there will be an array of water bowls, dog treats, and amenities to make sure he/she is comfortable and pampered. If he is stressed he can visit a dog psychologist or have a nice massage. Or perhaps a surf lesson to let it all hang out!
Carmel Beach is the place to romp in the surf with no leash laws. Let’s play!
