Pacific Grove
Asilomar State Beach and
Lover's Point beach, both romantic!
Asilomar State Beach,
Pacific Grove - Monterey Bay, California
Asilomar State Beach is
a mile long, stretch of sandy beach and rocky coves in the city of
Pacific Grove. Located in the Monterey Bay Area, home to the famous
Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, this refuge by the sea is part of
the Pacific Grove Fish Garden Refuge and the Monterey Bay National
Marine Sanctuary.
Almost a no-fail zone for shooting
photographs, Asilomar at sunset offers those perfect star images that
break and filter the sunlight as it hits the rocks, then drops from the
sky. While some find Lover's Point the preferred beach choice, Asilomar
has all the romance one could desire. This refuge by the sea is close to
numerous hotels and inns, but one local favorite that's been around and
has celebrated over 50 years at the Monterey Bay is Asilomar Conference
Grounds.
Asilomar State Beach also includes Asilomar Conference Grounds hotel with 107 acres, overnight lodging and views
of the forest, surf and sand. The beach features a 0.75 mile walking
trail for pedestrians. Bicycle riding is allowed on the paved road bike
lane in close proximity to the trail. There are no restrooms or
picnicking facilities at the state beach. Parking is available on Sunset
Drive, the city street that runs parallel to the state beach. Dogs are
permitted on the state beach but must be leashed at all times and in the
immediate control. A boardwalk across the sand dunes gives access to the Asilomar Conference Grounds.
Many people love staying at the
rustic, yet comforAsilomar hotel. We've tried several hotels
around there and also like the Lighthouse Lodge, where, like the
Asilomar Conference Grounds, you can watch the deer roam and chew on the
grass in the morning, noon and night. The hungry critters are slightly
shy, but if you don't spook them, you can stand and watch them (as they
watch you).
What we love about this location (Asilomar
beach) are the sunsets. The neighborhoods are so peaceful, you can
wander down from your hotel room and catch the glowing orb drop into the
Pacific Ocean behind the rocks that frame Asilomar State Beach. It is so
magical...it puts fairy dust in your night so that you return to your
hotel room and sleep like a child.
Operated under the California
State Parks system, you can find more information at parks.ca.gov
