Press Kit
Media Contact: Catherine Boire
Tel #: 707-255-5997
Email: CBoirePR@aol.com
ASILOMAR STATE BEACH AND PARK
FACT SHEET
PARK SUPERINTENDENT: Ms. Allyn Kaye
SIZE: 107 total acres encompasses the Conference Grounds and State Beach. 36 acres include the sand dunes and beach; 71 remaining acres encompass the Conference Grounds.
ESTABLISHED: July 1, 1956 by California State Parks
VISITATION: 700,000 annually (500,000 at beach, 200,000 at Conference Grounds)
ELEVATION: Sea level – 35 feet
HABITATS: Three: pine/oak forest, sand dunes, beach
BIRDS: Various migratory birds such as the Townsend warblers and pygmy nuthatches perch in the forest, and brown pelicans sail along the coastline. Commonly seen year-round are the American crow, the great-horned owl, the red-shouldered hawk, the acorn woodpecker, the scrub jay, and flocks of sanderlings on the sandy beach at dawn and dusk.
WILDLIFE: Black-tailed deer, raccoon and opossum make their homes on the grounds.
MIGRATORY CREATURES: Majestic monarch butterflies migrate to the area in October and November and stay through March; awe-inspiring gray whales can be seen off shore December through February.
PLANT LIFE: Monterey pines dominate the forest followed by live oaks along the coast. Other plants indigenous to the area include the Douglas iris, coyote brush, blackberries and seanothus.
DUNES: Strong winds in spring blow sand off the beach into the first set of dunes, called foredunes, which are critical to preserving the beach by balancing erosion and deposition. The dunes are actually growing taller, because plants such as beach sagewort, pink and yellow verbena, beach bur and dune ryegrass are able to catch blowing sand.
WALKING TOURS: Park Rangers offer free nature walks and cultural history walks. Reservations are required.
Self-guided audio tours are encouraged to help appreciate the historic architecture of the Conference Grounds and the natural beauty along the coast trail, sand dunes and boardwalk. (Maps and audio units available at no charge from the Front Desk.)
PARK RULES:
* To protect the plants and wildlife in the park, visitors are asked to stay on paved pathways, boardwalks and trails.
* No feeding of wildlife.
* Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash or confined.
* No open fires on the beach.
* Possession of alcohol on beach prohibited.
PARK FEE: None
ACCESSIBILITY: Visitors should contact the park office or front office to inquire whether accessible park features can meet their specific needs. TDD is available at the front desk.
PARK STORE: Open daily from 6:30 a.m.- 9 p.m., offering state park information, annual passes, and a wide variety of souvenirs, books, gifts, apparel and ATM.
CONCESSIONAIRE: Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, under contract with California State Parks.
