Asilomar State Beach
Wild Pacific coves on Pacific Grove's edge
⏱ 1-2 hours👤 All agesFree
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Asilomar takes its name from the conference grounds across the road, built from the 1910s by architect Julia Morgan as a YWCA retreat and now part of the state park system. The beach and dunes were once heavily damaged by foot traffic and invasive plants; decades of restoration have brought back native dune vegetation, and the boardwalks and roped paths exist to protect that work, so stay on marked routes.
The visit craft: come at low tide for the pools (a tide table is essential), wear shoes with grip on the rocks, and never turn your back on the ocean, as sneaker waves are a real hazard on this exposed shore. For sunset, park along Sunset Drive and walk the Coast Trail north toward Point Pinos. There are no restrooms on the beach itself; the nearest public restroom is in the Phoebe Hearst Social Hall at the conference grounds across the road. A beach wheelchair can be requested at the conference grounds front desk.
Practicals and fit: Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove, about 10 minutes from downtown Monterey. Open 8 am to sunset. Combine with the Point Pinos Lighthouse and the 17-Mile Drive, whose Pacific Grove gate is just south. Fit: couples, families, dog owners and anyone who wants wild coast close to town.
What to Expect
Format
A free state beach of small sandy coves and granite reefs along Sunset Drive, with protected tide pools, restored dunes and an accessible coastal trail.
Best Time
Low tide for tide pools; late afternoon into sunset for the light. Fall often brings the clearest skies and calmest wind.
Duration
One to two hours for a walk and tide pooling; longer for a sunset picnic.
Tips
Check tides before you go. Stay on marked dune paths. Watch for sneaker waves and avoid swimming. Restrooms are across the road at the conference grounds, not on the beach.
⚡ Quick Picks
Best For
The peninsula's best free sunset and tide pools close to town.
Families
Excellent at low tide: sand, rocks and pools full of life, with no fee.
Couples
Sunset on the Coast Trail, then dinner in Pacific Grove.
Pair With
Point Pinos Lighthouse and the 17-Mile Drive, both minutes away.
Time Needed
One to two hours.
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Get Tickets →Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Asilomar State Beach?
It is not recommended. The water is cold and the surf can be strong, with rip currents and sneaker waves. People come for walking, tide pooling and sunsets rather than swimming.
Is there a fee to visit?
No entrance fee is listed, and parking is along Sunset Drive next to the beach. Park off the pavement to keep the bike lane clear.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs on leash are allowed on the beach and trails. Off-leash dogs are not permitted, partly to protect nesting shorebirds.
Are there restrooms?
Not on the beach. The nearest public restroom is in the Phoebe Hearst Social Hall at the Asilomar Conference Grounds across the road.
Is the coastal trail accessible?
Yes. The Asilomar Coast Trail is an accessible path of about three quarters of a mile, and a beach wheelchair can be requested at the conference grounds front desk.
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