Asilomar State Beach And Conference Grounds
Rate this placeNearby: City Baseball Park Higgins Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds is located in Pacific Grove, California, and is a popular destination for visitors seeking a beautiful and tranquil coastal retreat.
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Summary
There are many good reasons to visit Asilomar, including its pristine beach, scenic trails, unique architecture, and rich history. The conference grounds are also a popular venue for educational and scientific gatherings.
One of the main points of interest at Asilomar is its historic buildings, which were designed by the renowned architect Julia Morgan. The buildings are made of local materials and feature a distinctive Arts and Crafts style. Visitors can take guided tours of the buildings and learn about their history and architectural significance.
Another major attraction at Asilomar is its beach, which stretches for over a mile along the coast. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, and there are also several tide pools to explore. The beach is also a popular spot for watching sunsets and wildlife, including seals, sea otters, and seabirds.
In addition to its natural and architectural attractions, Asilomar also has a rich history. The conference grounds were originally established as a retreat for the Young Women's Christian Association in 1913, and have hosted many important scientific and educational conferences over the years. The area also has a significant Native American history, as it was once a gathering place for the Ohlone people.
The best time of year to visit Asilomar depends on the visitor's interests. Summer is the busiest season, with warm weather and plenty of beach activities. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter can be chilly and rainy, but the beach is still a beautiful place to explore.
Overall, Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds is a unique and beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. Its natural beauty, rich history, and distinctive architecture make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to the California coast.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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