This public cemetery is accessed from Asilomar Ave in Pacific Grove, just south of the parking lot for the Pacific Grove golf course. The access road connects to a loop road around the cemetery; it is open dawn to dusk. In the center is the "old cemetery" located under a grove of Monterey pines and cypresses. Birds of pine forests are resident, and in winter small flocks of sparrows. Extensive grass among graves usually has a herd of Black-tailed Deer, grazing geese in season, and Western Bluebirds among the scattered trees. A mix of eucalyptus (flowering in season), pines, and cypress along the west, north, and south edges are very good for passerine migrants in spring and fall, as well as a denser "thicket" in the northeast corner. The deer use the "thicket" for safety, particular when fawns are present, so it is usually best to bird the edges of the thicket only. A line of pines separate the east edge from the public golf course, and caution needs to be exercised to avoid errant flying golf balls. The golf course itself, which serves as a buffer for this Hot Spot, is off-limits to birders, as are the residences and motel rooms just south of the cemetery, which also form a buffer. Between the housing and cemetery grass on the south side are a row of planted Myoporum bushes that can be good for skulking migrants. In late summer and early fall, several tall Corymbia trees will be flowering with bright red flowers, attracting many hummingbirds and other nectar feeders [scroll through the photos at the top of this page to see photos of them].

El Carmelo Cemetery is often called the "Pacific Grove cemetery" to avoid confusing visitors who might otherwise think it was in Carmel. This is a stand-alone Hot Spot with explicit boundaries shown to the second map here. Please do not include birds seen at the ocean shore at Pt. Pinos, nor coots or ducks from Crespi Pond, in a checklist for this Hot Spot. 

The City maintains the park by watering and mowing, and funerals are held here, so there are times when access is limited to some areas, or the work is noisy. Be respectful and flexible as a birder. Weekends can bring the best conditions when workers are absent. The nearest public restroom is at the parking lot adjacent to Crespi Pond at Pt. Pinos, or at the Pacific Grove golf course clubhouse.

Piney woods residents include Red-shouldered Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, California Scrub-Jay & Steller's Jay, and Pygmy Nuthatch; live oaks have Oak Titmouse, Hutton's Vireo, and Western Bluebird. Hairy, Nuttall's, and Acorn Woodpeckers are present. Watch overhead for hawks and falcons. Because of the cemetery's position near the northwest tip of the Monterey Peninsula, and adjacent to world-famous Pt. Pinos, western migrants and 'wrong-way' vagrants occur at a much higher frequency than other habitats. Recent rarities (fall 2023) included Prothonotary & Pine Warblers, Townsend's Solitaire, and Scarlet Tanager. Such vagrants as Palm Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, and Clay-colored Sparrow are found almost annually in autumn.