Horseshoe Cove

Horseshoe Cove is a rather secluded coastal area at the north end of Sonoma County. It is well known among Scuba divers as one of the most easy access dive site in the area. The entrance is at milepost 44.23 off the California Coast Highway, Route 1, marked by a small wooden gate. Parking is available on the side of the road, where about three of four vehicles will fit.

A short hike across a grassy field leads to the cliffs overlooking the ocean, where a well-traveled path leads down to the beach. To reach the dive zone, turn left and follow the shore to a gravel area. This is the best place to suit up and enter the water. Note that there are no are no facilities here.

The waters at Horseshoe Cove are protected by the surrounding terrain and have a depth varying from 30 to 50 feet. Sea life seen offshore includes rockfish, lingcod, and abalone, along with a forest of kelp in the spring and summer months.

Horseshoe Cove is an "adoptable beach" under the California Coastal Commission's Adopt-A-Beach program. Groups are being sought to assist with keeping the area clean. Horseshoe Cove is located just off the California Coast Highway 1, about midway between Fisherman Bay and the Salt Point State Park. Fisk Mill Cove and the Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve are just to the south, while Stewart's Point and Fisherman Bay are up the coast to the north.