Shell Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
High Wind Warning
High Wind Warning: Dangerous conditions from 10 PM-12 AM — beach activities not recommended (28mph)
Surf Caution
Surf Caution: Strong waves expected from 10 PM-3 AM — not ideal for kids (6.5ft waves)
About This Beach
Shell Beach is a secluded black sand beach accessed via a steep, unpaved trail. It offers stunning coastal views, abundant tide pools (best viewed at low tide), and a variety of rock formations. While lacking extensive amenities, the beach's natural beauty and relatively tranquil atmosphere make it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a more rugged beach experience.
*Click a parking icon on the map to draw the shortest path to the nearest entrance.
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Beach Overview
Amenities
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Weather Forecast
Updated: 11/16/2025, 9:30:00 PM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | 57° | 0 | 23 mph | 0.04 |
| 22:00 | 58° | 0 | 28 mph | 0.07 |
| 23:00 | 54° | 0 | 20 mph | 0.06 |
| 00:00 | 53° | 0 | 16 mph | 0.01 |
| 01:00 | 53° | 0 | 8 mph | 0.04 |
| 02:00 | 53° | 0 | 1 mph | 0.01 |
| 03:00 | 53° | 0 | 11 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 11/16/2025, 9:30:00 PM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | 58°F | 5.6 ft | 8s | ← W | +1.9 ft |
| 22:00 | 58°F | 5.7 ft | 8s | ← W | +1.5 ft |
| 23:00 | 58°F | 5.8 ft | 8s | ← W | +0.9 ft |
| 00:00 | 58°F | 5.9 ft | 8s | ← W | +0.3 ft |
| 01:00 | 58°F | 6 ft | 8s | ← W | -0.1 ft |
| 02:00 | 58°F | 6.3 ft | 8s | ← W | -0.3 ft |
| 03:00 | 58°F | 6.5 ft | 8s | ← W | 0.0 ft |