The light house is very neat and the walk down to the beach is fairly easy. The best time to go is low tide. The seals are always on the rocks and make a lot of noise.

The Black Sands Beach is experienced in stages, first from the parking lot overlook which gives you the lay of the land which is just miles and miles of beach abutting the coastal range. A relatively short walk to the beach spins your head around by shifting perspective with the beach and waves and bluffs and mountains all overwhelming the... More 

If your idea for a day at the beach is laying out on the sand or splashing around in the water, this a completely different experience. The high temperature when we were there was about 55. There are signs telling you to stay out of the water because of rogue waves and riptides. Instead of sand, there are beautiful, smooth... More 

Stunningly beautiful. The black pebbles make an unforgettable and unique shush-and-clatter sound in the surf.

Quiet, natural beauty abounds. Sea Lions, pelicans etc. Enjoyed walking on the rocks and watching the waves. Took a lot of great photos.

Yes, very curvy road and very steep in parts, but just take your time and obey the speed limit. When you get there, Head over to the Lighthouse, There are some very good information on plaques in front of it telling the history behind it. The view is awesome, and steps that take you down to the beach. While we... More 

The road to Shelter Cove while steep isn't as bad as some of the reviews I'd read ahead of time, it's paved the whole way and while bumpy not impassable for a low clearance vehicle. Beautiful views on the drive of the ocean once you reach the top of the mountain pass. Beach is great because there is no sand... More 

an interesting beach to explore. huge waves crashing into the rocks and unique blank sand. some of the sand is amazingly beautiful on its own. black sands is a large beach so I never found myself with other people. pretty secluded considering it's easy access. this was definitely the best part of my trip to shelter cove.

The black sand beach was simply amazing! The word "sand" gave the perception that it was going to be black sand; however, they were black pebbles of all shapes and sizes, with white streaks on them. These natural rocks were beautiful, along with the blue/green ocean water. It was an amazing experience.