About This Beach
Gerstle Cove is part of Salt Point State Park on the rugged Sonoma Coast, featuring a small, protected cove that has been designated as a marine reserve where all marine life is protected. The cove offers some of Northern California’s best tidepooling opportunities during low tide, with abundant sea stars, anemones, and other intertidal creatures visible in the clear water. For qualified divers, the cove provides a relatively protected entry point to explore the underwater habitats, including kelp forests that support a diverse range of marine life. The surrounding sandstone formations show fascinating honeycomb patterns created by salt weathering, known as tafoni, that form natural sculptures along the shoreline. Multiple picnic sites overlook the cove, while a campground nearby allows visitors to enjoy extended stays in this spectacular coastal environment.