Asilomar State Beach

Asilomar State Beach stretches along Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove, marked by a mix of white sand, rocky outcrops, and low coastal dunes. The main trail runs close to the shoreline – part sandy path, part raised boardwalk – weaving through dune grasses and native plants. Most people start from one of the roadside pull-offs, where informal trails branch toward the water or drop down to tide pools that show up at low tide. The boardwalk sections serve a purpose: they keep foot traffic off the most fragile parts of the dunes. The beach itself is broad and open, with plenty of room for walking, sitting, or just stretching out on the sand. At low tide, rocky pockets along the shore fill with tide pools – easy to spot and usually busy with marine life. Dogs on leash are a common sight, especially in the mornings, and the area draws runners, walkers, and anyone out for a long stretch along the coast. The main trail doesn’t stop at the beach; it links up with other coastal paths, so it’s possible to keep walking all the way up toward Cannery Row in Monterey if a longer route is the plan. There’s no built-in seating, but most people settle into the sand or perch on the dunes. The whole area faces west, so sunset is a main event – people tend to show up early and pick a spot along the trail or right on the beach. On clear days, the view is wide open, with nothing blocking the horizon but the surf and the sky. The beach gets its share of wind, and there’s little in the way of shade. Parking lines Sunset Drive and the nearby side streets. There’s no gate or formal entrance – just a series of access points, most marked by simple posts or small signs. Trash bins sit at a few trailheads. The Asilomar Conference Grounds are just inland, with a small café open to the public if coffee or a snack is needed, but there’s nothing commercial directly on the beach. The name “Asilomar” translates to “refuge by the sea,” and the area is managed as part of the California State Parks system. The boardwalk and trail network are designed to protect the dunes, which are home to native plants and occasional wildlife. Every so often, especially in spring, Velella – small, blue jellyfish-like creatures – wash up along the tide line. The beach sits right up against the open Pacific, so spotting sea otters offshore or seabirds working the rocks is common. The adjacent conference grounds are historic, with buildings designed by Julia Morgan, but the beach itself stays simple: sand, surf, and a trail that runs the length of the coast.