Spooner's Cove
A rugged, rocky cove in Montaña de Oro State Park, perfect for tide pool exploration, sunset views, and dog-friendly adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pool viewing
Spooner's Cove
Best Time
Best for tide pool viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rugged, rocky cove in Montaña de Oro State Park, perfect for tide pool exploration, sunset views, and dog-friendly adventures.
"OMG so beautiful! I love the beach I always ask my parents if we can go but they roll their eyes."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cove is rocky; closed-toe shoes are best for climbing and exploring.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
One of the few dog-friendly spots in Montaña de Oro!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tide Pool Exploration
Sides of the cove
Discover sea urchins, anemones, starfish, and maybe even an octopus during low tide.
Rocky Cliffs & Sea Views
Cove perimeter
Climb the rocks for adventurous exploration and stunning ocean vistas.
Sunset Spectacle
Beachfront
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the rugged coastline.
Dog-Friendly Beach Access
Main cove area
A rare gem where leashed dogs are welcome to join the adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rocky Terrain
Tide Pool Treasures & Dog-Friendly Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cove is rocky; closed-toe shoes are best for climbing and exploring.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
One of the few dog-friendly spots in Montaña de Oro!
⏰ Check Tide Charts
Low tide is crucial for tide pool exploration.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking lot is conveniently located next to the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cove is rocky; closed-toe shoes are best for climbing and exploring.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
One of the few dog-friendly spots in Montaña de Oro!
⏰ Check Tide Charts
Low tide is crucial for tide pool exploration.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking lot is conveniently located next to the beach.
🥾 Scramble for Views
Climb rocks for unique perspectives and photo ops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Spooner's Cove's rugged beauty and unique rocky landscape, highlighting its stunning sunset views and the exciting opportunity to explore tide pools. It's also praised as a rare dog-friendly spot. Some note it's not ideal for swimming due to the rocky shore, and recommend sturdy footwear for exploration.
"OMG so beautiful! I love the beach I always ask my parents if we can go but they roll their eyes 👀. . . . Anyways I climbed a whole bunch of rocks and found some sea glass. Here's some pics 📸"
Irie Scoggins
"Great little beach/cove. It has some rocks you can climb on if you want to get a little adventurous."
Cody Gibson
"Great beach for little ones! Short walk from the parking lot to the ocean and there are vault toilets with no running water that are reasonably clean for a beach. The beach is rocky, not sandy, but that makes this place an amazing place to look for interesting rocks. The beach gets very hot when the sun comes out so it could be preferable to wear closed toe shoes instead of sandals. Shoes will also come in handy if you want to scramble up the large rock with a cool rock bridge, or explore the tide pools on either sides of the beach."
Christina Jain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spooner's Cove is located within Montaña de Oro State Park. Access is via Spooner's Mesa Road, with a parking lot directly adjacent to the cove.
Yes, it's well-marked within the state park. Follow signs for Spooner's Cove from the main park entrance.
There's a free parking lot right next to the cove, which is convenient for unloading gear or families.
You can drive to the parking lot, which is just a short walk from the cove itself.
The walk from the parking lot is short, but the terrain is rocky, so it might be challenging for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Spooner's Cove is part of Montaña de Oro State Park, which typically has a day-use fee. However, many visitors report free parking and entry, especially outside peak hours.
As a natural cove within a state park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Park hours may vary, so it's best to check the official Montaña de Oro State Park website.
No reservations are typically needed for day use at Spooner's Cove. It's first-come, first-served for parking.
Basic vault toilets are available, but there is no running water or other amenities.
Yes, it's great for families, especially during low tide for tide pool exploration. The short walk from parking is a plus.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Spooner's Cove is renowned for its dramatic rocky landscape, tide pools, and stunning sunset views. It's also a dog-friendly beach.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to the rocky shore and strong currents. It's more suited for exploration and enjoying the scenery.
During low tide, you can spot various marine life in the tide pools, including sea urchins, anemones, and starfish. Birds are also common.
Absolutely! The rugged cliffs, ocean waves, and sunsets make it a photographer's dream.
Bring sturdy shoes, a tide chart, snacks, water, and a camera. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, especially during sunset, offers incredible light for dramatic shots. Low tide is also great for capturing tide pool details.
It's ideal for landscape, seascape, and wildlife photography. The rocky formations and ocean views are very photogenic.
Drone usage may be restricted within state parks. It's advisable to check Montaña de Oro State Park regulations before flying.
The cliffs overlooking the cove, the rock bridge formations, and the tide pools at low tide are prime photo locations.
While sea otters are common in Morro Bay, they are less frequently spotted directly at Spooner's Cove itself. Keep an eye out, but don't count on it. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great alternative to traditional sandy beaches, offering a more interactive and educational experience. Remember to pack sturdy shoes for everyone, as the rocks can be slippery. 🐶 Dog Owners
Your dog can enjoy the rocky shores and the ocean breeze alongside you. Just ensure your dog is on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them. The rocky environment means it's not ideal for dogs who prefer soft sand, but for adventurous pups, it's a great destination. 📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
+1 The real magic happens during golden hour and sunset, when the light transforms the landscape into a painterly masterpiece. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Spooner's Cove: A Rocky Wonderland
One of the most captivating aspects of Spooner's Cove is its vibrant tide pools, especially visible during low tide. These natural aquariums teem with fascinating marine life, including sea urchins, anemones, and starfish, offering a glimpse into a miniature underwater world.
This makes it a fantastic educational spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, Spooner's Cove is a rare find as a dog-friendly beach within the park, allowing leashed companions to share in the coastal beauty. The cove is also a prime location for capturing breathtaking natural beauty. Photographers flock here to document the rugged cliffs, the dynamic ocean, and especially the spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in a myriad of colors.
+1 Whether you're seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or simply a serene spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, Spooner's Cove provides a memorable and picturesque escape.Tide Pool Etiquette and Discovery
Keep an eye out for small crabs scuttling across the rocks and, if you're incredibly lucky, a shy octopus. When exploring tide pools, it's crucial to practice responsible tourism. Always check the tide charts before your visit to ensure you're there at the lowest point.
Remember to tread lightly and avoid disturbing the delicate creatures. Never remove anything from the tide pools, as this can harm the ecosystem. Observe from a distance and take only pictures. Wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes is highly recommended, as the rocks can be slippery and sharp. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit