Asilomar State Beach

About

A State Park since 1956, Asilomar encompasses 107 acres of sandy beach, rocky coves, sand dune preserve, pine forest habitat AND a conference ground!

Story

Asilomar State Beach & Conference Grounds - A Unit of California State Parks

Located on the Monterey Peninsula in the City of Pacific Grove, Asilomar offers beach and coast trail walks, a short boardwalk loop through the 25-acre natural dunes reserve and overnight room lodging and conference facilities. From its historic Julia Morgan architecture to the forest, the dunes and the coastline, California State Parks staff takes the lead in educating park visitors about Asilomar's history and resources, and helps monitor the delicate balance between preservation, protection and public access.
Part of the California State Park system since 1956, it is one of the most unique parks, combining coastal and beach access with a full-service conference grounds on it 107-acre property.
The Asilomar State Beach is a narrow one-mile strip of sandy beach and rocky coves. A ¾ mile walking trail is open to pedestrians. The trail is accessible from adjacent Sunset Drive, where vehicle parking and a bicycle lane is located. For those needing additional mobility access, a beach wheelchair is available by advance request from the Conference Center's Front Desk: 831-372-8016.
Asilomar State Beach is within the boundary of the Monterey Peninsula Marine Protected Area. ALL marine resources, animals and features are protected. No collecting of shells, tide pool plants or animals, or fishing is allowed.
Dogs are permitted on the Asilomar State Beach but must be leashed at all times and in the immediate control of the handler. Thank you for considering the enjoyment of the many young families and the elderly visitors when bringing your dog to the beach.
PLEASE NOTE: There are no restrooms, beach fire pits, or camping facilities on Asilomar State Beach.
Across from Asilomar State Beach is the Asilomar Natural Dune Preserve. A ¼ mile boardwalk meanders through 25 acres of restored sand dune ecosystem. The boardwalk also leads park visitors to the Asilomar Conference Grounds.
Asilomar originated as a young women's summer camp and conference facility out of the inspired vision of a handful of resourceful, socially-concerned and committed women of the YWCA in 1913. Its historic buildings were designed by renowned California architect Julia Morgan. It has been owned and operated by State Parks since 1956.
California State Parks contracts with concession partner, Aramark, to operate the food service and overnight lodging for conference attendees and overnight guests who stay at Asilomar year-round.

Mission

The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.