Asilomar

Asilomar State Beach encompasses 107 acres along the rocky Pacific coastline of the Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove, California, combining stunning coastal scenery with significant architectural history. The name 'Asilomar' comes from Spanish, meaning 'refuge by the sea,' reflecting its origins as a YWCA conference grounds designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan in 1913. The beach features a dramatic meeting of land and sea, with granite outcroppings, tide pools, sandy beach areas, and the crashing surf of Monterey Bay. The Asilomar Conference Grounds, a National Historic Landmark, occupies the inland portion, showcasing Morgan's Arts and Crafts architectural style integrated harmoniously with the coastal environment. The beach segment offers a scenic coastal trail, exceptional tide pooling opportunities, and views of abundant marine wildlife including sea otters and harbor seals.