Asilomar Conference Grounds

Asilomar Conference Grounds is a collection of buildings set along the California coast, with structures built from natural materials that blend into the surrounding landscape. The various buildings use stone, wood, and other natural materials as their main construction elements, allowing the architecture to sit naturally within its setting.

The site began in 1913 as a YWCA leadership camp, with architect Julia Morgan designing buildings between 1913 and 1929 to serve this purpose. Most of the structures from that early period remain standing and continue to define the character of the grounds today.

The buildings display Arts and Crafts features through exposed wooden beams, stone fireplaces, and handcrafted details worked into every space. These handmade elements shape how the grounds feel today and show a respect for craftsmanship and natural materials.

Visitors can walk through the historic buildings on their own, access the state beach nearby, and stay in rooms that have no televisions by design. The grounds are easy to move around, and the ocean is right at the edge of the property.

The name comes from two Spanish words: asilo meaning refuge and mar meaning sea, chosen through a naming contest in 1913. This pairing directly reflects the location between land and ocean and its purpose as a gathering place away from daily life.