Asilomar State Beach

Asilomar State Beach is a coastal stretch featuring sandy areas mixed with rocky coves, extending for about one mile along the Pacific. The site blends beach access with conference buildings designed in early-century architectural style.

The Asilomar Conference Center was designed in 1913 by architect Julia Morgan for the YWCA movement. The complex earned National Historic Landmark status in 1987, recognizing its architectural and historical value.

The land holds deep roots with the Rumsen Ohlone people, who lived here long before modern settlement. This Indigenous presence shapes how many visitors understand and experience the place today.

Visitors can walk the coastal trail, though access to certain areas changes with tides and weather conditions. Beach wheelchairs are available, and while the grounds are generally walkable, some sections include uneven terrain.

The adjacent Asilomar Marine Reserve prohibits fishing to protect thousands of marine organisms in its waters. This allows visitors to observe an intact coastal ecosystem that has become rare.

Location: Monterey County

Inception: 1951

Operator: California Department of Parks and Recreation

Website: http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=566

GPS coordinates: 36.62000,-121.93806

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:29