Day of Arrival Itinerary

Explore the Grounds

Start your adventure by exploring the stunning Asilomar grounds. Stroll through the coastal dunes, rocky shores, and tide pools, home to an incredible variety of plant, animal, and bird species.

• Bonus Adventure: Stop at Elkhorn Slough
  • If you are driving to Asilomar from the San Francisco Bay Area, take a detour to Elkhorn Slough, a vibrant wetland teeming with wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.
• Check-In at Asilomar State Beach & Conference Grounds
  • Settle into the unmatched beauty of Asilomar, where natural wonders and a rich ecosystem make it a haven for bird waters and nature enthusiasts alike.
• Plan with Cornell Lab Resources
  • Prepare for birdwatching by downloading the Cornell Lab’s birding guide or Merlin App. Check out the latest bird sightings around Asilomar, curated by our Cornell Lab partners.
• Explore by Bike
  • Rent a bike from the Park Store and set off on a scenic ride along Asilomar Avenue to the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse. From there, continue your journey along Sunset Drive, where you’ll find prime birding spots like Seawatch Points and South Gull Roost. Keep an eye out for Pacific Loons, California Gulls, and Red Phalaropes. After your adventure, return your bike to Asilomar and unwind.
• Relax to a Sunset
  • Grab a glass of wine and snacks from Phoebe’s Café and enjoy the sunset to wind down your day.

1st Full Day Itinerary

The Big Day Begins

• A Hearty Start to the Day

  • Fuel up for the day ahead with a delicious breakfast at Crocker Dining Hall, featuring fresh regional and seasonal menus to kickstart your morning.

• Explore Beyond the Shore

  • Head out onto the water for an unforgettable adventure in Monterey Bay! Choose from a variety of sightseeing tours, including birding-specific cruises or whale-watching excursions, both offering incredible opportunities to spot seabirds. Some top options include:

    • Monterey Pelagic Seabird Cruises
    • Monterey Seabirds
    • Princess Monterey Whale Watching

• Unwind Family-Style

  • End the day with a hearty family-style dinner at the historic Crocker Dining Hall. Share stories, make new friends, and enjoy the warmth of community over a delicious meal.

Day of Departure Itinerary

Don’t Dip Out Too Soon

• Before You Go
  • Start your morning with a latte and a grab-and-go breakfast from Phoebe’s Café, perfect for fueling your final adventures at Asilomar.
• Early Birds
  • Take a peaceful early-morning stroll down the boardwalk to Asilomar State Beach. Keep an eye out for Brandt’s Cormorants and Sanderlings, commonly seen along the shore.
• State Park Guided Tours
  • Join the free Asilomar Bird Walk led by California State Parks Rangers. These informative tours begin at the State Parks desk in the Phoebe A. Hearst Social Hall. Advance registration is recommended by calling 831.646.6443, as schedules vary.
• Memories to Last
  • Before heading out, stop by the Park Store to pick up some last-minute mementos.