All time favorite beach in Cali. Ran into this beach by luck and so glad I did. Spent about 2 hours here on a Saturday and we still had our private little area even though there were a decent amount of people. This is my forever go to beach in Monterey. Very close to restaurants, Safeway, etc. read more

See all

This is so overrated. There an unpleasant odor on the beach. Lots of seaweed everywhere. Not a beach I can relax and spend my time.

One of the coolest beaches in the area. We really wanted to visit despite the current River Fire that is causing so much smoke in the area and sky discoloration. Many people just do the street parking to avoid paying the fee. There is an excellent beach trail here if you want to do an easy hike with the family. If you're coming here for the beach, note the water is cold all year round but people still chill here or go surfing. Highly recommended on a good day. read more

See all

Happy Dogs Very little trash, if any. Grew up on this beach. Friendly folks. read more

Absolutely Beautiful! A must stop by and see if your here in town! Clean lots of parking and great weather the sand is a pretty white color and the ocean a turquoise blue crystal clear. read more

Asilomar State Beach - The Beautiful beach - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Definitely a great beach, it has whatever you're looking for: sand to relax or play on, rocky areas to explore, and dunes to walk along. Since it's so large, parking isn't too big of an issue. And no fees for anything. read more

Me and my family went on a little vacation we just live in San Jose. We stayed at the Embassy suites in Monterey, the plan was to go to the aquarium but as you probably know they were turning people away......... As usual even if you have a reservation so disappointing. But if it wasn't for that I would've never stumbled across this beach. It was so beautiful it was unbelievable I am from Southern California and we have a tide pools form there I believe in Huntington Beach and it is nothing like this. I won hundred percent recommend visiting this beach Don't bother with seal Cove or Moss cove, they don't compare see my review on that Overall staying at the Embassy in Monterey was amazing and they experience I had with my children that day was amazing!!!!!! read more

See all

Great beach for a nice short walk. There's is a direct path from the Asilomar camp grounds that makes the beach accessible by foot from the local area. The beach tends to be too narrow for big runs or long dog walks. In the many tide pools here you will find mussels, small crabs, snails, and much more. Worth the visit if you are in the area. read more

One of the most beautiful parts of the California coast. I used to go running here when I lived in the area. It's a nice place to go for a drive and pull over to see the coastline and take a stroll. There's also a beach at the other side. It's a must see for people visiting the Monterey bay. read more

See all

I always recommend a beach. Any beach, as long as you leave it like/or better than you found it.

A lovely beach for jogging, walking, eating, sitting, taking pictures, and simply enjoying the view! It stretches for over a mile, and it's nice to go for a morning walk or jog - there are neat dirt trails with some benches and trash cans along the way too. Near the south end, there are some tidepools (probably also depends on the tide level that day). I saw an area with over a hundred tiny hermit crabs! Street parking is convenient and plentiful - stop wherever you want and enjoy the view. read more

See all

She sells seashells by the seashore. This beach is a wonderland with endless tide pools, white sand and clear water. The sand is magical in itself. It's jagged and made up of beautiful shells, sea glass and other treasures of the sea. Adventure out into the tide pools and you'll find tons of hermit crabs, mussels, sea anemone, sea snail, star fish and the list goes on. Dog friendly beach. Beautiful beach to explore and laze around. A gem. Please do your part to help preserve our planet for our sea friends. read more

See all

Beautiful! I've heard they have the best tide pools, but for that you have to check the tides...which we clearly did not. But even at high tide, it's amazing to walk through the silky sand, and the ocean is beautiful even when it's cloudy. If you don't want to linger, don't, but it's worth stopping by, even if it's just a short stroll. read more

A really beautiful beach. Going down during low tide is great. When we were there a dead seal was on the beach which caused a lot of smell, but it was interesting to see. It was a good walk from the conference center and we'll maintained. read more

Asilomar State Beach - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

See all

We were staying nearby so I walked over to the beach several times and usually continued past on the coastal trail. The beach is very popular for sunbathing and surfing. Past the beach, the trail hugs the rocky coastline continuing on for miles and miles. We learned the area is a designated marine reserve so fishing and collecting seashells is prohibited. Though the beach and coastal trail are popular, we found ample off street parking on the beach side. read more

See all

Parking was easy, beaches were pristine, and tide pools were incredible The beaches are white sand so you leave feeling clean?! With a 2 year old we really appreciated this Just check the tide times before you go to ensure great access to the tide pools read more

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky -- Rabindranath Tagore A wonderful place to catch the sunset near Monterey and Pacific Grove. The rocks and the waves and the wide beach make photo creation a snap even for beginners. See my photos for proof! Free parking adds to the attraction :-) This is review night! Stay tuned for a few more ;-) read more

Asilomar State Beach - Reflection...sun rays...perfect clouds...inspirational light; the perfect place for photography. - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

See all

All this beauty and it's free! This is one of my favorite locations in Monterey. It is one of the best places to capture a beautiful sunset! This is smack dab in the middle of Monterey Bay and anywhere you go north and south of here, you get a lot of boring sand beaches. I'm not into that, I love to explore and see what nature has to offer me. Here, you will find lots of seashells and tide pools, abundant sea creatures. My kids loved coming here searching the tide pools for any sign of sea life. I warn you, there have been times that I have come across elephant seals here sunbathing, or whatever it is that they do. There was a park ranger who cautioned us to stay away from them, as they are unpredictable. I have to admit that this has to be one of the most pristine state park locations that this state has to offer! If you happen to come here, always come prepared as the weather can be quite unpredictable, it can get quite cold even on summer day and vice versa. Pack a picnic, load up the kids, dog and have fun! read more

See all

WOW. This is definitely one of the top beaches I've visited in CA. It's the perfect place to walk hand in hand with your SO along the shore. The perfect place to unravel that dusty kite and watch it float in the air. The perfect place for dogs to run around and play with other dogs or humans. The perfect place for families to picnic and splash water at one another. The perfect place for one to soak in the sun while reading a book about what else, food. The beach was somewhat empty but it was nice to enjoy the scenery, the peace, and solitude. read more

Asilomar State Beach - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

See all

Beautiful, peaceful, breathtaking you'll love visiting these beaches and enjoy walking the trails. read more

See all

if you are looking for beach with lots of rocks, i will recommend this place. it is so nice and you can spend day to listen the sound of waves... read more

See all

What a beautiful place to enjoy the coast and time with family. Perfect place to look for shells and sea glass. Water is crystal clear and when the tide is lower there a tons of little places to explore the rocks and sea life. Wear layers! It can be cold and windy. Parking is available all along the coast and is pretty easy to come by. MUST go to! We will be back for years to come. read more

See all

One word: awesome. I stumbled upon Asilomar State Beach while I was looking for a place to take a break from driving. I had just come up from Big Sur and I was looking for a picturesque yet peaceful kind of place to watch the sun go down. Asilomar State Beach was the place for sure. Not only did I find quick parking off the pavement, but I was pleasantly surprised by the soft white sand! More importantly, the tidepooling was phenomenal!! Would highly recommend to anybody who wants to surf, tidepool, or just take long walks on the beach :) read more

See all

Such beautiful scenery all along the coast. We were able to do some tidepooling during low tide in the evening and saw incredible creatures. There are many places to stop along the beach if you are driving. A must see if you are visiting Monterey read more

See all

This place is gorgeous. It's a long stretch and you can stop at any point and admire the view. It's lovely before the sunsets but it's even more so when the sun does set. You can even see the sea foam at the edge! There is a spot where there's a gazebo where you can rest. There aren't any bathrooms and a lot of people just park their car along the road and sit inside. It's a beach you can admire with a decent coat on as it is windy! read more

See all

My favorite beach in CA. Also the one I have visited the most, and because I spent a year living within a mile of it. Also because it is beautiful, white sand, with the most extensive tide pools I have ever visited on either coast and it smells great. Also because it has beautiful sunsets. Also because it is not commercially developed so it is usually very clean. Also because there is always free parking with walking distance. Also because it has never been crowded any time of year. Also waves for surfers or watching surfers. Also because of the beautiful ecologically restored natural dunes. Also no fees. Also not hot but often sunny in the afternoon. In spite of: no life guards, no bathrooms (though you can used the ones at the adjacent conference center (Check which building and follow the path), the cold water, fast changing tides, almost always some wind (though good for kites), morning fog, and I think shark sightings far out. But I don't ever go in deeper than my knees. And I am very short. read more

Great beach along the coast line! The beach has many places to stop by where you can find cool tide pools and beautiful sceneries. We decided to have a picnic day and set up our tent at near the end of the beach. We came here on a weekday around 11 A.M. and there are plenty of parking spots. Parking is free. Where you stop along the beach also states if they allow dogs, firepits, or alcohol. We stopped near the end of the beach and it was a wonderful place for dogs. Dogs were allowed to be off the leash and run around wherever they wanted. It is a super dog friendly beach and I would definitely come back to bring my dogs! There was a also a fire pit, but it is first come first serve. If you love surfing, definitely check out this place because the waves are great, but beware of some rocks on the shore. Just beware that there are no public restrooms at this beach! read more

Asilomar State Beach - Perfect picnic day! - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

These tide pools are TEEMING with life! Haven't been to a tide pool yet that has as many critters. Try to get here earlier in the morning, as soon as you can get the kids up and pack the car- the tide gets higher and higher throughout the course of the day. Pro-tip, get there and park near the ocean the sooner you're able to get past any aquarium-goers. Usually those parking areas are separate enough you should have no problem getting parking. We stayed at a hotel nearby so our parking was not an issue, since we were walking distance of this gorgeous beach! The highlight was seeing the teeming tide pools full of interesting creatures like crabs, sand crabs, fish, and tadpoles! read more

Asilomar State Beach - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

See all

Good place to reflect on loved ones, life, nature, arts, spiritual growth, and artistry of the Creator. Great place to commune in your heart with those who have transcended our Earthly plane. read more

Asilomar State Beach - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

This beach rocks sometimes dogs are an issue but such a beautiful beach. The best sunsets and places to explore. read more

See all

I love this beach. Craggy rocks to climb on and around, hermit crabs, tide pools, beautiful ocean waves. Not a crowded area and not really the type of beach to lay on the sand, but rather the type of place that's good for walking, a little hiking, and to enjoy nature. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step on the uneven surfaces. We come here every time we are in the area. Great place to reflect, clear your mind, and feel at peace. read more

Boardwalks across creeks full of life. Sand dunes so white you can see clearly at night. Tide pools. Reefs. Surf. Amazing plants and animals. Sailing ships passing by. read more

Asilomar State Beach - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

See all

Asilomar Beach is beach within the Asilomar Marine Reserve, which stretches along the Pacific Ocean from Point Pinios Lighthouse in the north, to 17 mile drive in the south. You can drive along the entire length of the beach along Sunset Drive, a two lane paved road, with parking on the road along the Ocean side, and in various dirt-sand inlets along the road. There is a pedestrian pathway which also goes along the length of the beach. In the north, the pedestrian pathway is dirt, going alongside the rocky crevices of the shore, with the lighthouse on the other side of Sunset drive. The currents are strong, and it is always windy, with waves crashing into the rocky shoreline. The grass grounds of the lighthouse end, and the residential houses start across the street from the rocky inlets next to the Ocean. Eventually you get a mixture of tall grass and sand dunes, before seeing a beautiful white sanded beach curving into the distant horizon. The pathway becomes hardened sand, with the residential areas on the other side of Sunset Drive ending, and sand dunes on both sides of Sunset Drive. This is Asilomar Dunes National Reserve. A long wooden boardwalk takes over around the Asilomar Conference grounds, running over a quarter of a mile. The boardwalk extends through the dunes into the conference grounds, and the buildings of ACG. This is a state park, and the public may use the conference building bathrooms, the only bathrooms close to Asilomar beach. There are no picnic facilities, and dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. No collecting or taking items from the beach, dune or conference grounds. Swimming is discouraged due the very strong riptides and very cold water, although you may see people in black wet suits surfing along the big waves. Lot of seagulls, hawks and other birds, with an occasional seal basking on the rocks. In the winter time, you may see whales in the distance, usually on their spouting water, but sometimes a whale tail breaking the water. I've seen many photographers out here with huge telescopic lens on giant tripods looking out to the sea. The beach ends in the south at the start of the 17 mile drive. This is a toll road, costing $10 per vehicle, with no motorcycles allowed. The other side of Sunset Drive is the Spanish Bay golf course, next to the $600-$1000 daily lodging fee of the Inn at Spanish Bay. My wife and I have walked the entire length of Asilomar Marine Reserve many times, and have even walked 3 miles into the 17 mile drive along the roadway to Birds Island, the first area of the 17 mile drive with restrooms. Lastly, Asilomar Beach is the site of excellent sunsets. The area will be bumper to bumper with vehicles full of people looking at the sun setting in the western sky. Sunsets are best seen in the fall and spring, as it is rainy and foggy in the winter, and covered with a marine layer in the summer. read more

I can see why all the trail books give this beach as well as the Asilomar Trail 5 stars. It is absolutely worth it. The view is spectacular and the trail is well marked and wraps along the beach above the shoreline. You can even walk down and look at the tide pools. read more

Asilomar State Beach - Gorgeous view from the trail. - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

I didn't get to spend much time here. My friends and I were trying to catch the sunset and we barely made it in time. Unfortunately, it was cold and windy. We stayed in the car and enjoyed the views while eating our dinner. I'll have to come back for a fuller experience. read more

Asilomar State Beach - Parks Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Hey, I'm Asilomar State Beach's 40th Yelp review! =P Beautiful beach, amazing scenery. It was VERY cold on a recent visit, really windy but Hubby and I braved the weather and decided we had to get out of the car and take some pictures. We spent about 45 minutes here, most of which shivering even in our heavy jackets, but it was worth it. The sky was somewhat overcast with clouds playing hide and go seek with the sun peeking out now and then. Hubby got some really nice shots, we look forward to getting them printed. This place really is as beautiful as the pictures here on yelp reflect. Crashing waves, miles of sand stretching out into the horizon, interesting sea and land vegetations, dog friendly (but please pick up your dog's doo doo), and peaceful. Let the sights and sounds take away all your worries and troubles. It's truly a magnificent slice of nature and you do want to come and experience it for yourself. =) read more

One of my favorite places to go to, the beach. Asilomar State Beach is absolutely gorgeous. Every where you look, you are captured by it's beauty. The deep blue ocean, the rocks and tide pools, sand dunes, and trails will capture your attention. It sure captured mine as I didn't know what to do first. I just stood there, soaked in all that beauty while the kids ran straight towards the ocean. Then all I hear are their laughing and screaming "It's cold! It's cold!" I then followed my 21 month old son where he walked alongside the water, playing with the sand. I planned our trip around -tide so that we can explore the tide pools. We were hoping on finding a starfish, but found, small crabs, small fishes, snails, green anemone, muscles, and a jelly fish instead. In addition, we saw a seal swimming right near where we were! The kids were super excited with all there was to see. Oh, and there were also lots and lots of seaweed! The kids had a blast with those too, especially the long ones. They were long enough to jump rope to! The only downfall - no bathrooms read more

See all

Can't say anything more really than what has been said. This place is gorgeous. Simply said, on a sunny day, or even cloudy day, it's one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Pacific Grove. If you are looking for a classic sunset, a romantic stroll or that typical California feature you find on some Hollywood movies and films, this is your spot. There are tide pools to observe, rocky areas to explore, beaches to walk on and great chances for beautiful photography. read more

Greatest beach, ever. I got to see a family of sea lions resting on rocks, observe tide pools, and walk the whole beach. It's free, a California treasure, with ample parking, partially handicapped accessible, and is a protected NOAA ocean habitat. I've been here dozens of time but it never gets old. Majestic, spectacular, a gift for all. read more

See all

I'm going to miss you when I go, Asilomar. (sigh...) Ridiculously beautiful, Asilomar beach is a perfect place to take a lover, the family, a pack of dogs, or your surfboard (just be careful that it's not a 10 foot closeout session). When the sun is shining, the wind is calm, the water is crystal, and the surf is beckoning, there's no other place on earth I would rather be. read more

See all