Asilomar State Beach

The Asilomar State Beach Trail is a short, but pawsome trek to take your fur baby on. This trail runs along the coastline of Pacific Grove, California and is part of the Asilomar Marine Reserve. If you're arriving by vehicle, you'll find a free parking lot on Sunset Drive. From the lot, it is just a couple of minutes walk along the Ocean View Boulevard sidewalk to the trail entrance. State law says your pup must be leashed and under your control at all times. Your pup won't give a hoot about being on their leash; they'll be too busy sniffing the furrific fresh sea air. 

At the Ocean View Boulevard trailhead, you'll need to decide which way you're going to walk first. Go left to enter the Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve Area or right to go straight on the main trail. The loop is worth the diversion. It is a quarter of a mile long, boardwalk through twenty-five acres of dunes. The dunes are covered with wild plants and flowers. There are some pup-tastic viewpoints too where you and your fur buddy can spend time watching the waves crash onto the shore. 

Carry on around the dune loop, and it will bring you back to the main coastal trail. This section of the trail is around three-quarters of a mile long and runs adjacent to the beach, as well as Ocean View Boulevard, throughout its entire length. You and your pup will be walking on compacted sand on this part of the trail, so no harm will come to your pup's paw pads. The views of the ocean from the trail are incredible.

There are different access points along the trail which lead directly onto the dog-friendly beach. Some parts are stony with tidal pools which your pup will love exploring. There are also sandy stretches where you can walk too if you prefer. This is a great trail for spotting sea mammals, and you could see seals, otters, crabs and if the season's right, whales. Have a pawsome time!