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Asilomar State Beach and Coast Trail

4.9

·254 reviews·Pacific Grove, United States

A serene 3.6-mile coastal trail and beach in Pacific Grove, offering tide pools, stunning sunsets, and a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings/evenings

Best for tide pooling

CrowdLow

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Asilomar State Beach and Coast Trail

Best Time

Low tide mornings/evenings

Best for tide pooling

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 3.6-mile coastal trail and beach in Pacific Grove, offering tide pools, stunning sunsets, and a peaceful escape.

4.9

(254 reviews)

"A perfect little beach trail to say goodbye to the area before going back home. So beautiful."

TIP

Check Tide Charts First

Essential for tide pool exploration! Lowest tides are key. :iphone:

Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be uneven; good footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 254 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

Address

Asilomar Coastal Trail, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Asilomar Coast Trail

Pacific Grove, CA

A scenic 3.6-mile out-and-back path offering gentle terrain and stunning ocean vistas. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Tide Pools

Along the coast

Discover fascinating marine creatures during low tide. Look for anemones, sea stars, and small fish in these natural pools.

Sunset Views

Western coastline

Experience spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The western side of the trail offers breathtaking views as the day ends.

Boardwalk through Dunes

Near the beach

A short boardwalk winds through 25 acres of sand dunes, offering a different perspective of the coastal ecosystem.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Tide Pool Adventure

To witness the vibrant marine life at Asilomar's tide pools, aim for low tide. Check tide charts beforehand, as the lowest tides often occur very early or late. The second lowest tide can still offer great viewing opportunities if the lowest is inconvenient.

Trail Access & Parking

While much of the Asilomar State Beach and Coast Trail is reopened after storm damage, some sections and beach access points may still be closed. Street parking is generally plentiful on weekdays, but expect it to be busier on weekends.

Best Times

When

Low tide mornings/evenings

Why

Best for tide pooling

Crowd

Low

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Fewer crowds, easy parking

Crowd

Low

When

Sunset

Why

Spectacular views

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍MARTINE Inn Pacific Grove, CA #carmelbythesea #pacificgrove #loverspoint #femalesolotravel #solotravel #beach #ocean #hotel #travel #norcal #martineinn

@itsjennna.com

77.4K likes • 820.2K views

Check Tide Charts First

Essential for tide pool exploration! Lowest tides are key. :iphone:

Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be uneven; good footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:

a nice little walk #lighthouse #pacificgrove #california #monterey #fyp

@girlsiread

22.8K likes • 133.1K views

🐳 The stunning Asilomar State Beach and Coast Trail is a 3.6-mile out-and-back path quietly situated in the charming coastal town of Pacific Grove, California. This trail is renowned for its gentle terrain, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an unhurried stroll. On average, it takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete, allowing visitors to relax and take in the sights at a leisurely p...

brandytravelscalifornia

25 likes • 440 views

Alternative to Crowded Spots

A great option if Point Lobos or 17-Mile Drive are too busy or expensive.

Pack Layers

Coastal weather can change quickly; bring extra clothing. ☁️

Beautiful Asilomar State Beach is located in Pacific Grove, CA, in the Monterey Bay Peninsula. I spent the day exploring rocky beaches, tide pools and walking trails. Asilomar Coast Trail is about 3.6 miles. There is also a boardwalk that is just under a mile that goes through 25 acres of sand dunes. It was the perfect ocean therapy day that I desperately needed. Topped off with a Guava margarita🍹...

solotravel_m_and_berry

109 likes • 967 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Tide Charts First

Essential for tide pool exploration! Lowest tides are key. :iphone:

Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be uneven; good footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:

Alternative to Crowded Spots

A great option if Point Lobos or 17-Mile Drive are too busy or expensive.

Pack Layers

Coastal weather can change quickly; bring extra clothing. ☁️

Respect Trail Closures

Some areas may be closed due to storm damage. Stay on marked paths. 🚧

What Travellers Say

4.9

(254 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Asilomar State Beach and Coast Trail for its stunning natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and spectacular sunset views. It's frequently cited as a wonderful, less crowded alternative to more popular nearby attractions. While most experiences are positive, some visitors have noted occasional trail closures due to storm damage or encounters with individuals experiencing homelessness in sheltered areas. +1

"A perfect little beach trail to say goodbye to the area before going back home. Always a sad walk because of that fact, but so beautiful."

Carlos Garcia

"If you can’t find a parking at Point Lobos or you don’t want to pay for the 17 Mile drive, this is a great alternative. As a matter of fact, it might be even better. The sunset is spectacular!"

Peter Bojakowski

"Mostly reopened after the major storm damage from about a month ago, west side has a number of sections of the trail and steps down to the beach 🏖 area closed. East side has distant views of snow peaked mountains ⛰. Vehicle roadways back to normal. Still worth stopping and walking or viewing.

Great views again, including a fearless great white egret (see video)."

Rob Haworth

What People Like

Beautiful coastal scenery

Spectacular sunsets

Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional trail closures

Encountering homeless individuals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Asilomar State Beach is located in Pacific Grove, California. You can reach it by car via Highway 1. Street parking is available along the coast, though it can fill up on busy weekends.

Yes, there is street parking available along the coast. Weekday parking is generally easier to find than on weekends.

Public transport options are limited directly to the beach. It's best to check local Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) routes for buses that run through Pacific Grove.

Dogs are generally allowed on leash on the beach and trails at Asilomar State Beach, but always check local regulations before your visit. 🐕

Asilomar is near the famous 17-Mile Drive and Highway 1, offering stunning coastal scenery. +1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Asilomar State Beach and its trails are generally free to access. There is no entrance fee required. 🎟️

Asilomar State Beach is typically open from sunrise to sunset. However, specific access to certain areas might vary. 🕐

No, advance booking is not required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during daylight hours. 📅

Be aware that some sections of the trail and beach access may be closed due to storm damage. Always follow posted signs. 🚧

Absolutely! It's a perfect spot for a day trip, offering beautiful scenery, walking trails, and tide pools. :day_trip:

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The Asilomar Coast Trail is a 3.6-mile out-and-back path known for its gentle terrain and beautiful ocean views. It's ideal for a relaxed walk or a short run.

The best time to explore tide pools is during low tide. Check local tide charts for the lowest tide times, as they can occur early or late. 🌊

Restroom facilities are generally available at Asilomar State Beach, though their exact location and availability can vary. 🚻

You can spot various marine life in the tide pools, seabirds along the coast, and sometimes seals or otters. A great egret was recently spotted here! 🐦

The trail is generally gentle, but some sections can be uneven. The boardwalk through the dunes is more accessible. ♿

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the coastline, dramatic sunsets, marine life in tide pools, and the unique dune landscape.

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be good for tide pool close-ups.

The entire coastline offers beautiful vistas. Look for interesting rock formations and the egret often seen near the water.

Drone usage is often restricted in state parks and beaches. It's crucial to check with the California State Parks for current regulations before flying. :drone:

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a macro lens is useful for tide pool photography. A tripod can help with sunset shots. :camerawithflash: