Asilomar

Asilomar Surf Spot — Monterey, California, USA

Asilomar is a scenic surf break on the Monterey Peninsula, located near Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove. It’s one of the more exposed spots in the area, so it picks up swell better than many neighboring beaches, especially during fall and winter.

What it’s like

• Type of break: Mostly a beach break with shifting sandbars
• Best swell: Handles W to NW swell well; can also work on smaller mixed swell days
• Wind: Best in offshore or light east/northeast winds
• Tide: Often works best around mid tide, though this can vary with sand movement
• Wave quality: Can be fun and relatively forgiving on the right sandbars, but it’s often inconsistent and conditions change a lot

Surf conditions

Asilomar can produce peaky, playful waves when the sandbars line up, making it a good spot for intermediate surfers, longboarders, and anyone looking for a more mellow session compared with more powerful breaks nearby. On bigger swells it can become strong and turbulent, with fast closeouts and currents.

Hazards

• Strong currents and rip channels
• Cold water year-round
• Crowds can build when conditions are good
• Shifting sandbars mean the break can change quickly
• Occasionally steep, powerful surf during larger west swell events

Overall vibe

Asilomar is a beautiful, classic Central Coast surf spot with a relaxed atmosphere and great coastal scenery. It’s not always the most reliable wave, but when it comes on, it can offer a fun session in a very scenic setting.