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Asilomar State Beach
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,166 Google reviews · Running trail in Pacific Grove, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Asilomar State Beach's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Tranquil place featuring a 1-mi. stretch of sandy beach & rocky coves, along with a walking trail.
What runners say about Asilomar State Beach
“We were all very pleased to see the beautiful sunset over the Pacific waves on a very clean beach with soft sand, and it's a sight we will all remember for a long time.”
“Easy walking paths to beach.”
This beach is absolutely gorgeous great place to take your dog off leash even though it is not technically allowed, everyone is doing it. Lots of surfers hanging out here and the water is a beautiful turquoise. I had no issues finding parking but that was in January. Really nice trails to walk alongside the coast.
This beach walk was beautiful! The road is busy but once you’re on the trail it’s very safe. There are several social trails and beach access points so it never felt overcrowded even when there were lots of people out enjoying the trails. Great for dog walks, people walks, running and photos.
Our party-of-5 adult visitors to Central California (from U.S. Midwest & the UK) headed to Asilomar State Beach after a late dinner in Monterey, to see an awesome late June sunset under clear skies. We arrived approx. 20 minutes before sundown, and the roadside parking slots along Sunset Drive were filling up fast.
Love this beach! The water is turquoise. Easy walking for miles. Park on the road or at the turnouts with view points. It has a nice beach shore area and there's a wooden walkway with some of the trail hard packed for easier walking. Spectacular ocean views with huge, angry waves crashing on the rocks.
Trail conditions & character
“We were all very pleased to see the beautiful sunset over the Pacific waves on a very clean beach with soft sand, and it's a sight we will all remember for a long time.”
“I do wish there was restrooms available unless you want to drive back to by the golf course to use the restrooms that are not very well managed & Parking is limited as well.”
“This beach is absolutely gorgeous great place to take your dog off leash even though it is not technically allowed, everyone is doing it.”
“I do wish there was restrooms available unless you want to drive back to by the golf course to use the restrooms that are not very well managed & Parking is limited as well.”
“Beautiful ❤️ Tide pools and beautiful rocky shoreline.”
Plan your run at Asilomar State Beach
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone+1 831-646-6440
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Pacific Grove
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Rip Van Winkle Open Space
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Asilomar Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 261 reviews
Tidal pools, beach trail featuring rock formations, tide pools and views of the Pacific Ocean, plus walking and running trails.
