Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve in Pacific Grove sits right across the street from Asilomar State Beach, making it easy to combine a beach visit with something a little different. This 25-acre restored sand dune ecosystem gives you a quieter alternative to the busier beach areas nearby. A wooden stile marks the entrance, and from there a quarter-mile boardwalk winds through the dunes so you’re not trudging through soft sand the whole time.

The preserve protects native dune plants and the wildlife that depends on them, which means the landscape feels genuinely wild rather than manicured. You’ll see ice plant, silver beachweed, and other species adapted to life right at the ocean’s edge. The coastal views are there too—you get glimpses of the water and the rocky headlands that make this stretch of Monterey County distinctive. It’s the kind of place where the wind actually feels like part of the experience.

Dogs are welcome as long as they’re under control, which makes sense given the fragile habitat. The boardwalk keeps both you and your dog on a clear path, protecting the plants and making the walk straightforward even if your dog gets distracted by seagulls or interesting smells. The preserve isn’t huge, so you’re looking at a pretty quick outing—maybe 20 to 30 minutes depending on how much you linger. That actually works well if you’re staying at the Asilomar Conference Grounds nearby or just passing through Pacific Grove and want to stretch your legs without a major time commitment.

Come early if you can, especially on weekends. The preserve gets decent foot traffic, and there’s something nicer about exploring the dunes when it’s less crowded. Bring water for both of you if you’re visiting on a warm day, since there’s no shade once you’re out in the open dunes.