Shell Beach

"Lots of parking with a restroom. A short hike down. Not recommended for people with knee issues. Posted a small clip of the hike down. It’s totally worth it to go down and watch the waves. Lots of black sand. Views are beautiful. Dogs allowed on the beach. Would definitely visit again."

"A lovely beach with the most fun tide pools! You really have to slow down and have a sharp eye to see all the beautiful life that exists in these tiny pools. Things we saw included snails, hermit crabs, at least 30 starfish, and things that looked like sea anemone. This is also a great place to watch the sunset. One reviewer said the hike up and down the stairs was intense but it’s doable, especially as someone who is young and has no physical issues. The sights you can see down at the beach are so worth it."

"Gorgeous tide pool beach along the central California coast. This public access beach has ample parking, a nice flat trail and bathrooms! On weekends, it can be crowded with families enjoying a beach day. Sand is course, but there are many spots to nestle into. This beach is small and bounded by large rocks and sheer cliffs. It has a lot of tide pools. Access is down a steep rough trail with stairs."

"Don’t expect shells at shell beach (which is why I gave it 4 stars). But there’s plenty of black sand. Lovely beach. Perfect to watch the sunset. Lots of parking with a restroom. A short hike down. I don’t recommend if you have any knee or ankle problems due to the large steps and the last part that has wooden “steps” that may move as you walk. I ended up walking really slowly in between the wood to get down/up. It’s totally worth it and I will visit again. Views and rock formations are beautiful. The sound of the waves hitting the large rocks are healing. And there were only a few people on a Friday afternoon / early evening."

"Amazing trail! My Dad, cousin, me and my dog Rosie walked the Kortum Trail on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. It was heavenly. The views are spectacular. The air was invigorating. My dog was in ecstasy. We loved walking along enjoying nature at its best. We were having fun telling stories and imagining dinosaurs roaming the land. My Dad and cousin proceeded up the big rock to the top as me and my dog stayed below. A lovely adventure I could do over again many times. There's free parking and bathrooms at the base of the trail."