Asilomar State Beach Activities

Monterey County

Asilomar State Beach, Monterey County, California
Asilomar State Beach, Monterey County, California

Asilomar State Beach Activities

Monterey County


Asilomar State Beach

Asilomar Beach's rugged coast and soft, sandy beaches make it a popular place for beach-goers who like to enjoy a day relaxing under the sun or exploring tide pools. Limited parking along Sunset Drive tends to keep the number of visitors down.

Nature Walks

A coastal trail extends for nearly a mile along the edge of the dunes overlooking the beaches and rocky coast. Along the path look for various native plants in the dunes such as beach bur, sand verbena, and beach sagewort. They help to prevent the dunes from eroding. Flowers such as Monterey spine flower and Tidestom's lupine can be seen in the dunes also.



Asilomar Natural Dune Preserve

One of the most interesting walks is through the Asilomar Natural Dune Preserve, located across Sunset Drive from the beach area. Pass through the landmark stile at the gateway to this preserve. There you will find a quarter mile boardwalk that meanders through the 25 acres of restored sand dune ecosystem. Look for the native plant greenhouse where more than 450,000 plants, representing 25 species have been grown and planted in the dunes and coastal bluffs.


Ranger Guided Tours

One-hour ranger led tours are available for either groups or individuals. Call the California State Park office (831) 646-6443 to schedule a tour.

  • Beachwalk - Amble along the beaches and rocky shore of Asilomar State Beach while you learn about how life has adapted to the coastal environment.
  • Dune Experience - Tour the Dunes Natural Preserve and discover the variety of plants and animals that make the dunes their home.

Asilomar State Beach, Monterey, CA

Asilomar Beach

Diving

With so many great diving locations around Monterey Bay, Asilomar State Beach is not as popular as some, but underwater explorers do venture out from here. You can always get good information about the best diving spots at local dive shops.

Glenn's Aquarius II Dive Shop
32 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
(831) 375-6605

Bamboo Reef
614 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA
(831) 372-1685


Beach Volleyball

A volleyball court is located on the beach. Use your own volley ball or borrow one from the Asilomar Park Store ($5 refundable deposit).

Swimming Pool

Asilomar guests can use the outdoor, heated swimming pool which is available daily from dawn until dusk.


Wildlife

Out in the kelp beds is the most likely place to spot a sea otter. Harbor seals are often spotted poking their heads up beyond the surf line. During the fall, winter, and early spring migrating gray whales can be sighted farther out from shore.

Brown pelicans are common along the Monterey coast line.

Surfing

Local surfers know that the best surfing at Asilomar is when the swells are coming in from the west and the winds are blowing up from the southwest. The exposed beach has steady surf that is usually good most times of the year. Summer swell size can be up to 10 feet, while big surf rolls in during the winter. The exposed beach has steady surf that is usually good most times of the year.

Surfers at Asilomar look toward three main breaks: roadsides on the north end of the beach, middles, and reef at the sound end. Both reef breaks and beach breaks go left and right. It can get crowded on weekends, but weekdays are pretty relaxed.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.



On the Beach Surf Shop

693 Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey, CA
(831) 646-9283   On the Beach Surf Shop
Rents surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, surf racks.

Kite Flying

The steady winds blowing out over the Pacific make Asilomar Beach a fine place to launch kites. Be sure to bring a stout string on windy days.


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety