Without certain modern conveniences and rustic accommodations, Asilomar Conference Grounds may not be suitable for everyone. But if you’re seeking a quiet respite from your daily routine, Asilomar might be your idyllic setting. Moreover, it’s among the best-hidden treasures within the Monterey Peninsula. Learn why Asilomar is worth a closer look.
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(888) 635-5310
www.visitasilomar.com
Asilomar State Beach
Sunset Drive
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
About Asilomar
On California’s spectacular Central Coast in Pacific Grove, Asilomar is a derivation of two Spanish words. To illustrate, “asilo” means retreat or refuge, and “mar” means sea. The word is literally and appropriately translated as “refuge by the sea.” What’s more, it lives up to its description.
Julia Morgan Designed
Much of the original property is a design by Julia Morgan, best known as the designer of the Hearst Castle further south. Asilomar was initially built as the YWCA’s summer camp and conference center in the early 20th century. Many of the original structures still exist across 0 acres overlooking Monterey Bay. This represents Julia Morgan’s most extensive California Arts & Crafts-styled architecture collection. In detail, these are Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall, Mary Crocker Dining Hall, Visitor’s Lodge, and Mary S. Merrill Recreation Auditorium.
Asilomar Today
Since 1956, Asilomar has been owned and operated by California State Parks. The property covers 107 acres today, including the acclaimed namesake state beach. Just feet away, the beach is known for its sweeping vistas, thriving wildlife, and coastal dunes. Asilomar is just a handful of properties managed by the California State Parks that offer alternative camping, such as lodging and cottages.
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Aramark
Aramark, a Fortune 500 company, manages Asilomar’s dining, lodging, hospitality, and conference services. In addition to Asilomar, Aramark oversees other listings like Chicago’s Field Museum, Hearst Castle in San Simeon, and Philadelphia Zoo. The properties are Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Zephyr Cove Resort in South Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park.
How To Get There
Asilomar State Park and Conference Grounds are along Monterey Bay in Pacific Grove. Conference Grounds is accessible by taking Highway 1 to Highway 68 towards Pacific Grove. Eventually, Highway 68 turns into Forest Avenue and then intersects with Sunset Drive on the left. A few minutes past Pacific Grove High School, signs will direct visitors to the entrance of Asilomar Conference Grounds. If you want to visit Asilomar State Beach beforehand, stay on Sunset Drive for a few more minutes. Otherwise, you can walk to the beach once you have room.
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Lodging
Asilomar features more than 300 guest rooms in three types: historic rooms designed by Julia Morgan and standard rooms. Additionally, Asilomar offers cottages with one to four bedrooms. Each room and cottage includes complimentary parking.
Rooms
Historic and standard rooms have one or two beds, a private bathroom, and a living room with a fireplace. In addition, rooms have free Wi-Fi and either a balcony or terrace. However, the rooms do not have a TV, telephone, or microwave. On the other hand, if you want a refrigerator, you can request one for a nominal fee. Be that as it may, standard rooms are pretty rustic. Ro s have been described on TripAdvisor as “outdated” and needing “renovations.” Nevertheless, Asilomar’s overall rating on TripAdvisor is “excellent”, indicating that most reviewers enjoy their stay. Besides, if you’re looking for quiet, you’ve found a great spot.
Pet Policy
Pets are not allowed in any building at Asilomar or to stay or sleep in a vehicle parked on the property. However, service animals are permitted, and walking a pet through the property on a leash of up to six feet is permissible. In spite of this policy, it’s not unusual to see a dog or two on a leash.
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Dining
Asilomar features two dining facilities for you, most notably the historic Dining Hall. In addition, there is Phoebe’s Café, located inside Hearst Social Hall. One of the signature structures of Asilomar, Crocker Dining Hall can accommodate up to 750 guests, and specific times are set for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu boards are posted daily at the dining hall and the front desk, and menus typically feature meats and seafood from local distributors, fresh organic produce, and vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options. Additionally, guests can request custom-planned menus that can be served in one of the 20 special events rooms inside the Dining Hall. Phoebe’s Café is open daily and features freshly baked goods, coffee and tea, and lunch items, in addition to beer, wine and spirits.
Shopping
You can shop at Asilomar’s Park Store, inside the Phoebe A. Heart Social Hall. The store f tures refreshments like coffee and espresso, snacks, sundries, gifts and clothing. Additionally, the store offers tickets to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and bike rentals.
Activities
In addition to a heated outdoor pool that is open daily and year-round, Asilomar offers various outdoor activities. For example you can go biking, hiking and bird watching. The property also has a beach volleyball court and a pool table inside the Social Hall. If that’s n enough, there are also self-guided and ranger-guided state park tours. Even more activities are surfing and, last but certainly not least, a convenient,.25-mile boardwalk to the beach.
Related: Where To Stay Near Hearst Castle
Off Property Activities
Off the property, the Monterey Bay area offers several other popular activities, such as the aforementioned Monterey Bay Aquarium along historic Cannery Row, whale watching from reliable tour operators at Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, wine tasting at award-winning spots like Bernardus Winery and Folktale Winery, world-class golf at places like Carmel Valley Ranch, the Links at Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach Golf Links, and the world-famous 17-Mile Drive, with its Pacific Grove entrance just minutes from Asilomar. Even more activities and attractions are available, like horseback riding, scuba diving, and Sea Car tours, not to mention a visit to historic Carmel Mission, Monterey State Historical Park, and the extraordinary Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, known as the “crown jewel” of the California State Park system.
Conference Grounds
Asilomar’s Conference Grounds offers 30 event spaces with 65,000 square feet of event space available for meetings and special events like team building, reunions, and weddings. Outdoor bar cue areas, a central meadow, and the picturesque state beach are also available for outdoor events. Audio-visual services, including high-speed fiber optics internet and wireless service in all meeting rooms, are also available.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 9 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his ak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.