Know before you go
A little care.
A better day out.
Public access
Use the named Sonoma Coast State Park beach access. These are exposed shores for walking and views; beach access may be steep or change after storms.
Keep the coast wild
Sonoma surf is powerful. Sneaker waves and rip currents make these beaches hazardous for swimming. Stay well above the wash, including with your dog.
With your dog
Leashed dogs are permitted at this named beach. Keep the leash no longer than six feet; follow posted wildlife and access restrictions.
Current dog-zone rules ↗Shells along this shore
Look along the strand line and photograph the shells you spot. Shells and fragments vary with weather and season.
Look along the strand line as the tide recedes, when access is safe. High-water marks can hold empty shells too; finds are never guaranteed.
Ask the land manager about current shell-removal rules. An empty shell is not automatically permitted to take.
Current shell-collection rules ↗