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.
When it’s on
Asilomar works best on a WSW to NW swell. 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.
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.
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.
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