The walkway in front of Dolphin Bay Resort is the nicest place to come at sunset! Here the ocean teems with life: dolphins, seals, and pelicans dive-bombing the water. Avila Bay glows in the most gorgeous way- I still haven't figured out what makes it glow so- possibly because the water is so still- but it glows in the richest most wonderful blue. Come in the early evening and take a walk down the hundred or so stairs to Shell Beach. There are tide pools galore. Families with curious kids comb the swirling water for finds. Circles of college students enjoy the great feeling at the beach. It is absolutely magic to walk the shoreline at sunset with the subdued light hitting the foamy waves. Bliss! The red cliffs have interesting formations and come close to the water, giving the beach a cozy feel. Happy souls sit on the edge of the cliffs at South Palisades Park up above you.
In the daytime this beach is surprisingly warm. The cliffs seem to whisk the cold sea air above and away from you. You can often come dressed for the beach rather than in a sweater like you usually need to do in Central California.
To the east of the hotel there is a ship playground you can walk to called Spyglass Park.
For drinks, check out Lido, in Dolphin Bay Resort, which has a happy hour 2-5pm with an ocean view.
Exit Highway 101 at Spyglass Dr. Turn toward the ocean on Spyglass Dr and then immediately right on Shell Beach/Frontage Rd. Dolphin Bay Resort is on your left. There is also a parking lot on your right, directly across the street from a trail that leads to the beach access stairs and to the Dolphin Bay Resort walkway.
The address is 2727 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach, CA 93449, call (805) 773-4300.
Geoff
Wed, 21 Jul 2010
Love that seal in the wave! Cheers
Michelle
Tue, 21 Sep 2010
speechless....
Peg
Thu, 15 Dec 2016
Such a sweet spot with a beautiful view looking out to the bay! Happy we stayed here and will come back again next time!
jeannine
Fri, 27 Aug 2010
We ended up staying for almost four hours! We took rests underneath some amazing rock formations in the cliffs and enjoyed the sunset from the park up top. ...‎
James
Fri, 08 Oct 2010
can't believe I used to swim to the other side and back...gret pic!
Last Updated: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 19:29:02 GMT
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