Press Kit

Media Contact: Catherine Boire
Tel #: 707-255-5997
Email: CBoirePR@aol.com

DISCOVER THE RECREATIONAL CHARMS OF ASILOMAR,
PACIFIC GROVE AND THE MONTEREY AREA

Panoramic beauty along miles of California's central coast is the life spring for recreational activities for those visiting Asilomar, Pacific Grove and the Monterey Area.

Ideal for individuals and groups alike, Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds blends acres of natural forest, sand dunes and coastline for the ultimate in rest and relaxation.  Bicycle rentals, bird watching, strolling along the boardwalk or swimming in a heated pool are just a few ways to start the day.  Lodge guests can also take up a friendly game of volleyball, ping pong or billiards in the Social Hall. The newest addition to Asilomar’s recreational offerings are self-guided interpretive audio tours – which are provided free of charge at the Front Desk.

Part of what makes Asilomar so unique is the natural surroundings.  Visitors can take a self guided tour of Asilomar's historical architecture and natural surroundings. Adding to such unmistakable beauty, thousands of majestic monarch butterflies migrate to the butterfly trees of the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, their winter home. 

Locals know Pacific Grove, the city Asilomar resides in, as "America's Last Hometown."  Its historic downtown offers pedestrians wonderful Victorian architecture, quaint shops, gourmet restaurants, delicious bakeries and a love of the arts.

For those interested in learning more about the environment and natural beauty of Pacific Grove, the city's Natural History Museum welcomes tourists with a life sized sculpture of "Sandy the Gray Whale" at its entrance.  Opened in 1881, this award winning museum includes collections of exhibits dedicated to marine and wildlife, and California Indian artifacts.

Another not to miss museum is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, nestled along the shoreline overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A leading institution for research and education, the aquarium offers exhibits as grand as the ocean it depicts.  The centerpiece is its Outer Bay gallery with a million gallon indoor ocean, viewed through the largest window in the world.

Monterey Bay itself is twice as deep and as wide as the Grand Canyon, and is world renowned for its wonderful mix of sea creatures.  Also along Monterey Bay is a recreational trail that passes Lover's Point, a perfect spot to eye playful sea otters and sea lions, and a passing whale or two.  At the northern most tip of the peninsula is Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuous operated lighthouse on the Pacific Coast, since 1855.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lighthouse was built of stone; the structure, lenses and prisms are all original.

First settled by the Spaniards in 1770, Monterey Bay has a profound Spanish heritage.  As California's first capital for the Spanish and Mexican governments, Monterey has restored many of the original adobe buildings which are now State Historical Monuments. Today, melding its past with its future, Monterey is a mecca for world class golf, wine tastings, festivals, superb dining, boutique shopping and sight seeing.  

Lined with cypress, pines and vast seascape, the famed 17 Mile Drive will wind travelers through such scenic locales as the Monterey Bay coastline, Pebble Beach and the 5,000 acre Del Monte Forest.

The ocean views are a haven for golfers, with 14 beautiful courses, starring the world famous greens of Pebble Beach Golf Club.  Also notable are Spyglass Hills, the exclusive Cypress Point Golf Club and the new Poppy Hills.  Those new to the game may want to play the gentle greens of Old Del Monte, the Peninsula's first golf course, the Laguna Seca or the Rancho Canada in Carmel Valley.

Along with golf, sports buffs can get their fill with bicycling along miles of beautiful shore, kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing or horseback riding in Del Monte.

Carmel by the Sea, famous for its movie stars, shopping and galleries, is also a gorgeous place to spend a day.  Further inland is Carmel Valley, an enchanting combination of sunshine, countryside and the agricultural charms of rustic barns, fresh produce fields, vineyards and grazing animals.

Here, there and everywhere, recreation is abundant  and memorable.  

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