Pacific Grove, California, is a small waterfront town just minutes from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and 17-Mile Drive.
Its location on the southern edge of the Monterey Bay makes for some brilliant coastal scenery, which becomes especially memorable with the so-called “magic carpet” of bright purple flowers that bloom on the bluffs each spring.
The bloom usually peaks in April and May, so now’s a good time to start looking ahead at the calendar for a drive down the coast.
But, before you hit the road, read on for a little more context, as ice plant is something of a wolf in sheep’s clothing…
‘Magic Carpet’ flowers in Pacific Grove
The coastal bluffs in Pacific Grove are draped with dense mats of Drosanthemum floribundum, or ice plant, which is native to South Africa. While the ice plant’s bright purple bloom each spring is no doubt captivating, the plant is actually a highly aggressive, invasive species that many Californians know well.
Ice plant was first planted by the railroad industry in the early 1900s, and later by Caltrans along highways, as it was believed to be a solution for erosion control. Decades later, however, it was classified as a severe invasive threat in California.
The thick, suffocating mats of ice plant block sunlight and crush native seedlings, crowding out native coastal plants such as dune buckwheat, beach evening primrose, and Coastal California poppies. The ice plant’s shallow root system actually causes erosion and changes the soil chemistry, further harming native plants.
While ice plant removal is the goal of numerous conservation groups and state parks throughout California, Pacific Grove largely tolerates the plant as a tourist attraction.
The ice plant bloom coats the rugged, rocky coastline in a neon-purple “magic carpet” that contrasts dramatically with the deep blue of the Monterey Bay. It usually begins blooming in mid-April, peaks in May, and sometimes lasts into June.
You can find the blooms along the paved Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, especially in Perkins Park and Lovers Point Park.
The flowers generally open fully only on a sunny afternoon, so make sure you also check the forecast before you hit the road.
Visiting Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is a compact, small town that is perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. You can reach it in a bit over 2 hours from San Francisco by car, depending on traffic.
Combine your trip with a visit to nearby Point Lobos, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or Carmel, and you’re set for a memorable weekend!
