Shell Beach

Shell Beach is a small cove in La Jolla accessed by a staircase descending to a sandy shore surrounded by sandstone cliffs. The water offers views of Seal Rock and the protected marine area beyond.

The beach became part of the Ellen Browning Scripps Park system, named after the philanthropist who shaped La Jolla's growth in the early 1900s. This connection shows how private generosity influenced coastal development in the region.

The beach serves as a place where visitors explore tide pools to observe sea anemones, hermit crabs, and other marine life. These shallow basins at low tide reveal the variety of creatures living in coastal waters.

Leashed dogs are permitted before 9 AM and after 6 PM from April through October, with adjusted hours during winter months. Visitors should come at low tide to fully explore the tide pools and wear shoes with good grip for rocky areas.

During extreme low tides, extensive tide pools emerge revealing sea snails, periwinkles, limpets, and shell fragments. These natural treasures appear only when water recedes and show a hidden side of the place that not all visitors get to see.

Location: San Diego

GPS coordinates: 32.84890,-117.27610

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06