Asilomar State Beach is a mile-long stretch of powdery sand and rocky coves backed by 26 acres of dunes. Surfers flock here; so do waterfowl, seals, and sea otters. Stretch your legs with a trek up the rickety boardwalk into the succulent-covered dunes.
3.5 MILES: Consider a doozy of a detour
If you’ve still got energy when you hit the turnoff for 17-Mile Drive, pedal south through the Pacific Grove Gate (free for cyclists) to soar through the famously spectacular mix of velvet fairways and craggy coastline. If you’ve had enough cycling, turn north on 17-Mile Drive instead, then right onto Lighthouse Avenue, where you can explore downtown P.G. before sprucing up for dinner.