Know before you go
A little care.
A better day out.
Public access
Public access in Sonoma Coast State Park. The descent and rock shelves require careful footing.
Keep the coast wild
No swimming recommendation here. Strong surf and sneaker waves are serious hazards.
With your dog
Leashed dogs are allowed at Shell Beach. No swimming recommendation; watch for sneaker waves.
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 ↗