History of Asilomar

Asilomar Origins

"Asilomar so Lovely, Down by the Edge of the Sea, Where the Pine Trees Tall and Stately,
 And the Sand Dunes call to Me."
                                                                                        ---Asilomar Camp Song

Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social HallPhoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall, Asilomar Social Hall designed by Julia Morgan for the YWCA in 1913.  Copyright, CA State Parks

Asilomar's Begginings...
Located on the Monterey Peninsula in the city of Pacific Grove, Asilomar had its start in 1913 as a young womens' summer camp and conference facility- an outgrowth of the inspired vision of the resourceful, socially-concerned and committed women of the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association). The historic buildings which are still an integral part of the Asilomar grounds, were designed and built by California's first licensed female architect, Julia Morgan. 

Between 1913 and 1928, Julia Morgan designed more the twenty-five buildings for Asilomar including garages and utility buildigs. Today, eleven of these buildings survive, many of which are used to this day for the purposes which they were built- for conferences, social spaces, and lodging. Guided and self-guided tour options allow for visitors to learn more about Asilomar and its significance in YWCA history and as the largest collection of Julia Morgan buildings standing in one place. 

Historic Julia Morgan Buildings Standing

1913- Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall 

1915- Grace Dodge Chapel Auditorium 

1915- Visitor's Lodge

1918- Mary Ann Crocker Dining Hall 

1918- Stuck-Up Inn 

1918- Health Cottage (now Viewpoint)

1923- Pirate's Den 

1927- Scripps Lodge-Annex

1927- Diractor's Cottage 

1928- Mary S. Merrill Recreation Auditorium 

Engineer's Cottage (Construction year unknown) 

 

   Asilomar YWCA camp 1916. CA State Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asilomar Campers, c. 1916. Copyright CA State Parks