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GhostFingers · Central Coast · Monterey

Asilomar

Reef and sand setup along Asilomar State Beach on the exposed outer coast of the Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove. Granite reef shapes peaks across a short stretch of beach.

Monterey Famous + beginner-friendly

Spot intel

Parking

Free street parking along Sunset Drive at the state beach. Boardwalk and sand access.

Crowd

Light to moderate. Cold water and exposure keep the lineup spread.

Beginner-friendly?

Depends.

Sand pockets between the reefs work on a small clean day, but the reef is shallow, the water runs cold year-round, and the outer peninsula is fully exposed to swell.

Famous for

The exposed outer-coast state beach on the Monterey Peninsula, at the northwest end of the 17-Mile Drive coastline.

Lineup etiquette

Reef priority goes to the deepest rider. Sand peaks between reefs are per-wave from the peak.

When it’s on

West through northwest groundswell with light offshore wind from the east. Mid tide window.

When beginners can paddle out

Small clean west swell under about waist-to-chest high, light wind, and a mid to high tide on the sand between reefs.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
36.6220, -121.9410
Shore faces
W
Region
Monterey, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Asilomar?
Asilomar works best on a WSW to NW swell.
How big does Asilomar need to be?
Asilomar is best in the 2-6ft range on a 10-16s period.
What are the best conditions at Asilomar?
Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
Where is Asilomar?
Asilomar is a granite reef pockets in Monterey, California. The beach faces W.
Does GhostFingers forecast Asilomar?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Asilomar with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching winter 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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