Asilomar State Beach vs Lovers Point
Pacific Grove's two most-loved oceanfront stops — here is how to pick between Asilomar's wild dune-and-tidepool coastline and Lovers Point's protected swimming cove and lawn.
| Asilomar State Beach | Lovers Point Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Long stretch of open coastline with dunes and tidepool reefs | Compact rocky point with a small beach cove and grass lawn |
| Best for | Beach walks, tidepooling, sunset photos | Picnics, easy ocean views, calmer water |
| Swimming | Not recommended — strong surf and cold water | Calmer cove that families occasionally swim in (still cold) |
| Crowds | Spreads out along the dune trail | Concentrated around the point |
| Parking | Pullouts along Sunset Drive | Small lot plus on-street parking |
Asilomar State Beach
Pros
- Long uninterrupted beach to walk
- Excellent tidepools at low tide
- Big sunset views
Cons
- Surf is too strong for swimming
- Cold, windy conditions common
- Parking can be tight at sunset
Lovers Point Park
Pros
- Calmer cove with a real swim option
- Lawn and benches for picnics
- Right on the Recreation Trail
Cons
- Small footprint
- Crowded on warm weekends
- Limited parking
Choose Asilomar State Beach if…
you want a long, wild beach walk with tidepools and sunset.
Choose Lovers Point Park if…
you want a calmer cove, a picnic lawn, and easy ocean views.
FAQ
Are both stops in Pacific Grove?
Yes — both sit on the Pacific Grove waterfront and are connected by the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.
Is swimming safe?
The ocean here is cold year-round. Lovers Point is the more protected of the two; Asilomar has strong surf and is not a swimming beach.