Stunning ocean vistas and black sand beaches await at our hotel near Shelter Cove, California! About 25 miles west of Garberville, Shelter Cove is located on California’s ruggedly beautiful Lost Coast. It is home to Black Sands Beach, set against jagged cliffs which have given the beach its name, as the black pebbles of the beach are the result of years of cliff erosion into the ocean.
Shelter Cove is a very undeveloped area and is Northern California's most remote stretch of coastline. You can reach this oasis via Shelter Cove Road, which offers a stunning drive through winding roads and forested hills that eventually lands you at the sea. Once there, enjoy frolicking on the remote beach or tidepools, indulge in a picnic, or explore.
As the gateway to California’s Lost Coast, Shelter Cove is a unique coastal community, with no major highway running through it. Experience tranquility and the sounds of waves crashing into the bluffs that is hard to find anywhere else. Shelter Cove’s unique landscape and views make it a worthy addition to your stops and things to do all along California’s Redwood Coast.
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
This exceptional state park is part of this beautiful and wild stretch of Californian shoreline. Much like the rest of the Shelter Cove area, this park is very undeveloped and sits along the ocean. Expect to see elk and other wildlife on your journey through this wonderful, natural setting.
Lost Coast Trail
This coastal wilderness trail is uniquely untouched by development and offers fantastic hiking and biking.
King Range Conservation Area
This spectacular collision of land and sea is filled with Douglas fir-covered mountain ranges and oceanic beaches with ample opportunity to hike, surf, hunt, and camp. If you wish to hike the area, the entire 20.9-mile loop takes you around King Peak, which sits at 4,088 ft. The entire hike will take you three days. Alternatively, if mountain biking is more your speed, head to Paradise Royale, a challenging mountain bike-specific trail system in the Paradise Ridge area of King Range.
Animal Watching
Shelter Cove’s rocky shoreline is an inviting respite for a variety of sea animals. From the community’s rocky cliffs, you may even see whales passing by! Down by the water, seals, sea lions, and otters are regularly spotted enjoying the sun. At low tide, the cove’s tide pools are filled with ocean life. It’s an animal lovers dream!
Golfing in Shelter Cove
While you’re out by the coast, go golfing in Shelter Cove! Shelter Cove Golf Links is a public course which overlooks the ocean. Situated at the end of the Shelter Cove Airstrip, the course has natural hazards intact and a 110-slope rating.
