Asilomar Beach Sand Dune + Conference Grounds

Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds were created around 107 acres of natural coastal and forest resources with rustic settings, winding roads, and hilly pathways. Accessibility improvements have been completed within the State Park but many more are being implemented, following a $15M multi-year ADA improvement plan, with the goal of making the unit accessible. Asilomar State Beach is a lovely place to stay that is more low-key than say its city neighbors of Monterey and Carmel, though if staying in the area, it’s recommended that you visit all three ocean beach cities.

Sand Dune + Beach

• The 25-acre Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve has a designated accessible quarter-mile boardwalk which includes seating areas and outdoor exhibits.
• The State Beach access points to the coast trail, as well as the City of Pacific Grove designated accessible parking spaces, are located on the west side of Sunset Drive.
• A one-mile coast trail of decomposed granite has fairly level sections along its length, much of which is usable. Weather conditions, such as blown sand or heavy rain may temporally impact accessibility.
• Four generally accessible access points to the coast trail are found along Sunset Drive: Trailheads #1 (connecting to a generally accessible boardwalk and benches), #12, #20 (connecting to a generally accessible boardwalk and benches), and #25.
• The only assistance provided for directly accessing the sandy beach is a beach wheelchair. There is no charge for the use of this chair – call (831) 372-8016 for a reservation or contact the Front Desk in the Social Hall at the Asilomar Conference Grounds.
• No picnic tables are provided.
• The nearest public restroom facility is located at the P.A. Hearst Social Hall.

Grounds: Lodging + Meeting Rooms

• The hilly setting can pose challenges, but most buildings are at the very least, usable.
• Designated accessible meeting rooms include Merrill Hall, Chapel Auditorium, Surf & Sand Living Room, Nautilus, and Triton.
• Generally accessible meeting rooms and various lodge living rooms include Kiln, Fred Fall Forum, Oak Shelter, Evergreen, Pirates’ Den, Stuck-Up Inn, Embers, Hearth and Afterglow.
• Routes of travel from parking lots and adjacent buildings are generally accessible.*
• Disabled parking spaces in parking lots adjacent to buildings are designated accessible.
• Handrails are placed along some paths of travel to include most stairways.
• Eight (8) lodge rooms are accessible with roll-in showers and handlebars, as well as, accessibility signs. (Rooms 603, 604, 717-720, 1114 and 1115). Two (2) lodge rooms (401 and 413) are designated accessible.
• Additional Equipment: 1. Plastic shower bench with back that straddles the tub  2. Plastic stool with back that sits inside the tub  3. Toilet seat extension with attached grab bars  4. Board to place under the mattress to make it firmer  5. TDD/TYY for telephone call assistance  6. Silent alarm clock–vibrates pillow when alarm is set.  7. Knock sensor device – flashes a light when some knocks on door.
• Restrooms in P.A. Hearst Social Hall, Crocker Dining Complex, Chapel Auditorium, Nautilus, Triton, and Pirates’ Den are designated accessible. The restroom at Fred Farr Forum is generally accessible.
• Stage lifts are located at our two meeting venues (Merrill Hall and Chapel Auditorium) with fixed stages – designated accessible.
• The swimming pool is equipped with a “pool lift” – designated accessible.
• Indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits are generally accessible.
• A designated accessible shuttle van, with ramp, is available 24 hours/day – accommodates standard wheelchairs and some types/styles of power wheelchairs.
• The two permanent fire rings are generally accessible.

* Note: the routes of travel from the parking lots are “generally accessible” due to the hills and grade. Asilomar is not flat by any means. 

Definitions & Terms

• Accessible – Meet all or most of the current accessibility standards; most visitors with disabilities will not need assistance.
• Generally accessible – Meets many current codes and has few barriers, but some visitors with disabilities may need assistance.
• Usable – Meets some current codes but has some barriers; many visitors with disabilities may require assistance.
• Designated accessible – Describes facilities that have been set aside and usually signed or “designated” accessible because they met accessibility codes when built. Such facilities may vary from newer suggested guidelines in specified ways, and improvements may be planned or ongoing. Minor variations from guidelines are not usually described. This term is often used from parking spaces that are reserved for visitors with disabilities even though there may be minor issues with slope, signage or size.