Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, CA

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A walkway over sand dunes towards the ocean at Asilomar State Park near Pacific Grove California with with the setting sun and Monterey cypress trees (Cupressus macrocarpa) in the background. Monterey cypress is endemic to the central coast of California

About Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, California

Asilomar State Beach is located on the Pebble Beach side of Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove, California. Walking the trails and boardwalks along the bluff and dipping into the small beaches along the way is why you should stop and enjoy this state park. It’s extra stunning during sunsets.

Asilomar is not a typical “beach.” It’s a string of small coves and rocky points with a just a few sandy spots along the shoreline. Asilomar Coastal Trail, an accessible walking trail, meanders along the dunes between the ocean and Sunset Drive making it easy to visit all the coves and points. Plan to spend some time walking the coastal trail and the trails in the grassy dunes inland from the road. Next to the road there is a bike lane for those who would rather bike around the peninsula.

Parking spaces with easy shore access can be found on the shoulder of Sunset Drive. Across the street are homes and nearby are conference grounds that are part of the state park. This area is just outside the private Pebble Beach community so it is free to drive here (there is a small entrance fee to drive 17 Mile Drive Pebble Beach but it’s highly recommended).

There are no restrooms at Asilomar Beach, but you could walk trails into the conference grounds at the south end if necessary. Spanish Bay Beach is a wide sandy beach with easy access from Asilomar State Beach on the south end.

Address: Sunset Dr & Pico Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Phone: 831-646-6440
Park Name: Asilomar State Beach, Asilomar Conference Grounds, Asilomar Marine Reserve, Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve
Other Names: Sunset Beach
Owner: State
Pet Details: Dogs allowed on leash on trails and the beaches
Fees: Free parking
Activities: Hiking, Walking, Tidepooling, Birdwatching, Biking
Amenities: Tide Pools, Dunes, Trails, Boardwalk, Bike Lane, Accessible Features
Links: Tide Chart
Water Quality
Water Temps
Surf Report & Web Cam