Asilomar’s unique location on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula is in the heart of one of the top 5 birdwatching locations in North America. We’ve put together this 3-day birding itinerary, perfect for a long weekend, to help you plan your visit.
- Traveling by land to Monterey from the greater San Francisco Bay area? Be sure to visit Elkhorn Slough on the way to Asilomar.
- Lunch in charming downtown Pacific Grove.
- Check in at Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds.
- Rent a bicycle at the park store and enjoy the 1.1 mile ride up Asilomar Avenue to the Pt. Pinos Lighthouse. After checking out the historic lighthouse, continue your ride up to Sunset Drive and take a left. While the Pacific Grove Links golf course itself is off limits to birders, birding locations along Sunset Drive include various seawatch points as well as South Gull Roost. Pacific Loons, California Gulls and Red Phalaropes are common in the area.
- Return your bikes to Asilomar. Grab a glass of wine and some snacks from Phoebe’s Café and enjoy the sunset to cap off your day.
- Enjoy a latte and grab and go breakfast from Phoebe’s Café.
- Today you’ll get on the water and join one of the several options for sightseeing trips available in Monterey Bay. Keep in mind that even if birding specific cruises aren’t available that whale watching tours (available daily) will offer fantastic opportunities for seabird watching. Some choices include:
- Enjoy dinner and make new friends while dining family style at the historic Crocker Dining Hall.
- Begin your day by walking down the boardwalk to the beach in order to enjoy a quiet walk during the early hours. Brandt’s Cormorant and Sanderling are commonly found along Asilomar State Beach.
- Enjoy breakfast at the Crocker Dining Hall.
- Join the Asilomar Birds and their Habitat Homes tour offered for free by California State Parks Rangers (schedule varies.) These walking tours leave from the California State Parks desk in the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall and registration in advance is recommended by calling 831.646.6443.
- Stop in at the Park Store for any last minute Asilomar mementos.
- Check out.
