Shell Beach

By Rebecca Caraway

Now that the rainy weather is behind us, we can finally go outside and bask in the sun. Get some friends together, grab some snacks and go enjoy a picnic at Shell Beach. This is a small, quiet spot less than 20 minutes away from campus.

Don’t let the name fool you: You won’t find many seashells, but there are a lot of opportunities to climb and explore the rocks. Make sure to bring closed-toe shoes because the sand is very rocky.

This beach isn’t crowded like Avila and Pismo, so it’s a great spot to lay out and relax. Surrounded by cliffs, the beach feels private and free of tourists, and it's a great alternative to Pirate’s Cove if the busy beaches aren’t your scene. There aren’t any stores and shops within walking distance, so make sure to pack plenty of snacks. If you’re looking to surf or swim, you’ll want to go somewhere else because of the large rocks near the shore.

This is a great beach to walk around and explore; the cliffs are fascinating to look at and there are a few open crevasses for bonfires. The beach is mainly populated with locals playing with their dogs, so there is plenty of room to spread out on a big picnic blanket.

Next time you have a free afternoon, grab some good food, good friends and enjoy this quiet and beautiful spot.