Asilomar State Beach
Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove, California
Located on Monterey Peninsula, Asilomar State Beach is scenic stretch of sandy coastline offering unparalleled Pacific views. Visitors enjoy the pedestrian Coast Trail, a dog-friendly beach, and self-guided walking tours. This mile-long beach is a local favorite for surfing, and it's a top spot for tide pooling.
Visit the oceanfront expanse of Asilomar State Beach for opportunities including outdoor exploring and hiking. You can arrive by car, as the beach is a short drive from Pebble Beach and Monterey. Or, enjoy the coastal sights on an e-bike ride or sea car tour. Tours typically leave from nearby Monterey, and let you explore Monterey Bay's top sights along the way.
Pet owners shouldn't miss Asilomar State Beach, as it allows leashed dogs.
There are no restrooms at the beach; find them nearby at Asilomar Conference Grounds.
For visitors with reduced mobility, a beach wheelchair and walker are available.
The beach is part of the Asilomar Marine Reserve, so collecting shells and rocks is not allowed.
The on-site Asilomar Lodge is dedicated to rest and reflection, and its rooms have no telephones or TVs.
Located on the Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove, Asilomar Beach is easiest to reach by car. Take Highway One and exit at Highway 68 West; turn left on Sunset Drive and the beach is straight ahead. Another great option is to take an e-bike tour of the coast. These guided rides typically stop at Point Pinos Lighthouse and Asilomar Beach, so travelers can take in the great views.
With limitless coastal beauty, there's no bad time to visit Asilomar Beach. To enjoy hiking the Coast Trail or walking on the white sand, plan to visit in the day. Evening is a great choice, too—there's nothing quite like a Pacific sunset, so arrive before the sun goes down. For the best weather, and fewer tourists, plan to visit during sunny, off-peak months. Your best bet is between April and May or September and October.
Just across the street from the beach is the Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve. This outdoor expanse includes a quarter-mile of boardwalk weaving through a dune ecosystem peppered with native plants. Enjoy Pacific Ocean vistas—at several lookout points—and end your stroll at the Asilomar Conference Grounds. Warm up at Phoebe Hearst Social Hall, where you find drinks, snacks, and a restroom.
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