Asilomar

Date: March 23, 2014

Location: Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey County, CA

Asilomar beach is a lovely place full of biodiversity. I am glad I decided to head there on the Sunday of my weekend in Monterey.

Asilomar is located in Pacific Grove, within easy distance of downtown Monterey, and is also very easily accessible via public transit (MST Bus #1 has a stop at the Asilomar Conference Grounds from where a short boardwalk leads to the beach). The beach has an initial sandy stretch near the boardwalk, but a trail winds along and leads to rockier segments. It is extremely picturesque. Furthermore, one can spot lots of interesting organisms such as algae, sea anemones, turban snails, crabs, etc. along the beach, as well as trail-side flowers.

I strolled along the beach trail, stopping to spot interesting marine life in the tide pools, and take photographs. I then spent a couple of hours comfortably reading in the Hearst Social Hall next to the Park Store, while a group of amateur musicians played some very enjoyable music.

Boardwalk to the beach

First look at the beach

Lichen and algae create a lovely abstract painting

A surfer coming off a wave

This looks exciting...

Turban snails

Sea anemones

A view of the beach

An informational sign along the trail

Certainly a good place to sit and contemplate!

Flowers along the trail

Fenced off areas to protect fragile vegetation along the trail