Asilomar State Beach
A beach of rocky shores and dunes on the western edge of Pacific Grove, with wooden boardwalks crossing restored dune vegetation. Sunsets and tide pools are both lovely.
Asilomar State Beach lies just outside the north entrance of 17-Mile Drive, made up of rocky reefs, sandy beaches and dunes. Coastal trails offer views of tide pools, seabirds and surfers, and in winter you may spot migrating gray whales spouting offshore. Across from the beach stands the Asilomar Conference Grounds, designed by architect Julia Morgan, and wooden boardwalks wind through the protected dunes. The water is cold and the rip currents are strong, so swimming is not advisable. Admission is free; park along the roadside on Sunset Drive.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Monarch Grove Sanctuary
- Point Pinos Lighthouse
- Lovers Point Park
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Cannery Row
- Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
- 17-Mile Drive
- Monterey State Historic Park