Shell Beach

Shell Beach is is a narrow rocky beach in Sonoma County just south of the Russian River and the small town of Jenner. It requires a short hike down a path that drops steeply to the beach below the bluff. This trail can be slippery when wet so take good shoes just in case. The beach setting feels remote below the steep bluffs as waves crash on the huge rocks just offshore. Shell beach is known for rocks and tide pools that are exposed when the tide is out. Some of these rocks are completely covered in mussels. Fishermen enjoy this area for the opportunity to catch a variety of fish species. Hikers will find the Kortum Trail along the bluff an excellent find. It runs north up to the mysterious Sunset Boulders near Blind Beach and south to Wright’s Beach.

Across Highway 1 from the entrance to Shell Beach is the David C. Joseph Memorial Trail that connects to Pomo Canyon Campground and makes a great loop hike with the Red Hill Trail. Wrights Beach nearby also offers camping if you want to stay overnight near Shell Beach. Pomo Camp, Wrights Beach, and Shell Beach are all part of Sonoma Coast State Park. While on the beach watch out for dangerous large waves that can sneak up you. The Shell Beach parking lot is off Highway 1 just south of Pacific View Drive. A few overflow spots can be found at the end of Pacific View Drive if the main state park lot is full.

Address

Highway 1 and Shell Beach Rd
Jenner, CA 95450

Park Name

Sonoma Coast State Park

Owner

State

Pet Details

Dogs are allowed on the beach

Activities

Beachcombing, Tidepooling, Fishing, Hiking, Camping

Amenities

Tide Pools, Restrooms, Trails, Campground

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart