I’ve visited California’s Central Coast for 20+ years—this is one of its most beautiful beaches

The Central Coast is full of gems, but this is one of the prettiest.

Key Points

• Sandwiched between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, Asilomar State Beach encompasses five unique ecosystems across a little more than 100 acres.
• Stroll along the boardwalk through the protected dunes of Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve to admire the turquoise surf and spot native plants and animals.
• Stay at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds, a historic, 313-room property that stretches along the sand.

Every year, some 1.5 million people cruise along the Monterey Peninsula’s famed 17-Mile Drive. Iconic as the route is, though, there’s one turn in the town of Pacific Grove that the majority of those drivers pass by without even noticing—and it leads to one of the region’s most scenic beaches.

From sandy dunes to rocky coves, the 107 acres of Asilomar State Beach cover five unique ecosystems, each teeming with life. Hermit crabs scuttle in and out of starfish-studded tide pools, seals and otters swim in the waves, and a brisk ocean breeze blows past endangered native plants like Menzies’ wallflower and Tidestrom’s Lupine. 

All of that beauty is a result of decades of careful conservation. The soft white sands of Asilomar State Beach sit within a confluence of preserved spaces, both on land and at sea. “Off the coast, we have the Asilomar State Marine Reserve, which abuts the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and there’s also another protected area just to the south,” says Jenifer Linau-Thompson, the Asilomar sector manager for California State Parks. “You have to come here to know what it’s about.”

The natural splendor at Asilomar is complemented by human-made structures. Originally designed by pioneering architect Julia Morgan (who famously also designed Hearst Castle) in the early 20th century, Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds has 313 rooms across 30 wood-shingled buildings, a heated pool, bike rentals, and two on-site eateries just steps from the beach itself. It’s a great home base to explore up and down the coast, with destinations like Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea a short drive away. 

“It sets Pacific Grove apart to have this wonderful connectivity, and Asilomar leads that connectivity all the way through the Monterey Peninsula,” says Alex Marin, general manager at the hotel. “We’re at the gateway to Big Sur. So, if you want to explore Big Sur but don’t know how to, this could be your place to easily access all of these wonderful public parks and trails.”

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Asilomar State Beach.

Best Things to Do

Given its location on California’s often chilly Central Coast, Asilomar State Beach doesn’t offer much in the way of sunbathing and swimming. Intrepid (and skilled) surfers can hit the waves, and Asilomar is known for having some of the best surf on the Central Coast. As for everyone else, don’t worry—you’ll find more than enough to explore on land.

At rocky spots along the shoreline, pick your way around Asilomar’s tide pools and marvel at the incredible diversity of the marine life within. To name just a few, you might spot brightly colored anemones, small fish, and, if you’re lucky, tiny nudibranchs, aka sea slugs. Leashed dogs are welcome, though you’ll have to stick to established trails and stairs rather than making your own path.

Visitors can also see more wildlife while strolling along the dunes. The flat, accessible boardwalk runs in a quarter-mile loop along the sand, giving you an up-close look at this unique biome. Interpretive signs detail flora and fauna, such as the endangered black legless lizard. “The Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve has its own special, protected status,” says Linau-Thompson. “We have a fully functioning ecosystem with vegetation, herbivores, and carnivores, and it’s for the most part self-sustaining.”

The boardwalk leads right to the doors of Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds, the heart of Asilomar State Beach. Whether or not you plan to stay overnight, sign up for one of the hotel’s free guided tours. Weekly tours showcase the work of architect Julia Morgan, with sneak peeks at the preserved historic property’s details, and seasonal tours of the dunes and beach go over the local ecology.

While at the hotel, stop by Phoebe’s Cafe for a quick bite, or venture into downtown Pacific Grove for even more meal options. Beach House Restaurant + Bar @ Lover’s Point dishes up classics with a California twist, like Pacific Coast clam chowder and crispy oyster mushrooms, while Passionfish is known for its sustainable and innovative seafood. Order the rainbow trout and buttermilk biscuit to start, with a yuzu-infused panna cotta for dessert.

Best Time to Visit

Since the Central Coast region is temperate all year round, the best time to visit Asilomar State Beach will generally depend on what you want to do while you’re here. Winter is often best for waves, as seasonal “king tides” draw surfers from near and far, while summer brings a more lively atmosphere. Just be aware of the “June gloom,” overcast conditions that descend on the Central Coast for much of the summer.

Spring and fall provide temperate, mild opportunities to visit, with slightly drier weather than in winter and fewer crowds than in summer. “Your best sunsets are in September, October, November, February, March, and April,” says Marin. As an added bonus, you can also catch the monarch butterfly migration in fall—these ephemeral fliers descend on Pacific Grove in the thousands between October and February, part of their annual north-to-south trip.

Alternatively, visitors might want to plan around one of Asilomar’s many annual events. The hotel hosts a summer concert series, a newly launched Oktoberfest in the fall, and vintage car shows year-round.

How to Get There

Most people who come to visit Asilomar either drive north up the coast from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, or south from San Francisco. Depending on which direction you’re coming from, you can simply hop on the 101 North or South and drive until you reach Salinas. There, you’ll pick up Highway 68 West, which ultimately winds all the way out to Pacific Grove.

As for air travel, the nearest commercial airport is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), serviced by carriers like United, American Airlines, and more on a limited basis. If you prefer more flight and rental car options, book your tickets for San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), a 1.5-hour drive from Asilomar State Beach.

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