Dog-friendly beach
Shell Beach (Sonoma Coast State Park)
Shell Beach, Sonoma Coast State Park, CA
Rules change, especially around nesting season. This page was last checked against the official source on 2026-11-14. Read the live official page and the signs at the access before you go.
- Off-leash
- On-leash
- Fenced
- Not fenced
- Hours
- The statewide dogs table does not list hours for this beach. Confirm posted signs.
- Last checked
- 2026-11-14
Rules, as cited
Leash rule: On a leash no longer than six feet, under physical control, as required statewide by California State Parks.
- Statewide, California State Parks requires a leash no longer than six feet, and the dog must be physically under your control. Dogs may not be left unattended. Vicious or unusually noisy dogs are not allowed. Proof of licensing and immunization may be required.
- The statewide table allows dogs on specified Sonoma Coast State Park beaches: Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncan's Cove, Wright's Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach, and Russian Gulch.
- Dogs are not allowed in Pomo Canyon and Willow Creek environmental campgrounds. The table does not list hours for these beaches.
Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Approximate, from the official address or named access, for map display only.