Asilomar Beach
Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove | (831) 646-6440, parks.ca.gov
Asilomar Beach demands more from surfers than some other local spots. Rather than a quick paddle out past a line of easy waves, the break often requires a few minutes of hard strokes to reach the sandbar. But rewards are paid with fun drops, long rides, abundant wildlife and plenty of space for surfers of all skill levels.