Fanshell Beach
Pebble Beach, CA
Fanshell Beach is a cove along 17-Mile Drive that closes seasonally to protect a genuine harbor seal pupping colony, one of the more reliable wildlife viewing stops on the whole drive when it's open. Check current status before planning a visit specifically around it.
The seasonal seal colony is a genuinely worthwhile wildlife sighting when the beach is open, though the closure means it's not always accessible.
How we score beachesCheck current seasonal closure status before visiting, this beach closes during pupping season specifically to protect the seals and reopens once the pups have left.
Free parking is available at the pullout when the beach is open.
A trail leads from the pullout down to the cove.
Dogs are not allowed at Fanshell Beach, where public access to the sand itself is closed to protect a harbor seal rookery.
Spring brings the harbor seal pupping season that closes this beach to visitors, while fog is common most mornings the rest of the year.
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