Ultimate Guide of Best Shelter Cove Lodging

Looking for Shelter Cove Lodging?

Shelter Cove is located on the pristine Lost Coast of Northern California, in Humboldt County. It’s a 4.5-hour drive from San Francisco if you’re coming from a weekend in the Bay. It’s approximately 45 minutes from Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the 30-mile “Avenue of Giants,” which winds through some of the last remaining ancient redwood groves.

The 45-minute drive is locally known as “going over the mountain,” as the winding road ascends through the forests and descends on the other side.

Shelter Cove served as our home base for exploring the nearby redwood forests, but we also developed a fondness for this small unincorporated town. We spent an extended period touring the redwoods and working remotely in Shelter Cove, which allowed us to prolong our stay. Below, you’ll find our ultimate guide to lodging in Shelter Cove California, tailored to your budget.

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Affordable Stays in Shelter Cove

VRBO or Airbnb Lodging in Shelter Cove:

If you’re on a budget, staying at an Airbnb or VRBO with a kitchen will really help you stick to it. Caveat: you’ll want to bring groceries into Shelter Cove. The stores there are well stocked if you forget anything, but prices are understandably high given the remoteness of the location.

We cooked simple meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner while staying in Shelter Cove, which was easier on our wallet. I also find that when I eat out for multiple days in a row, I generally don’t feel the greatest, but home-cooked meals don’t have the same effect.

Wow! What a View! 

My jaw dropped when we walked into this Shelter Cove VRBO. With a property titled “Wow! What a View!” you hope you’re getting some nice glances out your window but maybe not much more. Nope. I was wowed. I spent most of our stay enjoying the ocean view. Seriously, ask my coworkers – I held up the laptop to show them multiple times.

This Shelter Cove VRBO is $150 before taxes and fees and sleeps 4 (one large bedroom with two queen beds). Unlike other VRBOs I’ve stayed in, this one really felt like home with the large and comfy seating area, the designated working space with great wifi, and the patio furniture and grill all ready for use. It was also well-stocked and made our stay super pleasant.

In my opinion, this is also one of the best locations in Shelter Cove. It’s located within a 3-minute walk of the Inn of the Lost Coast, which has a coffee shop and is next to a pizza restaurant and Venezuelan restaurant. It’s a 10-minute walk to Black Sand Beach in one direction and a 20-minute walk to Gyppo Ale Mill in the other direction. 

Waterfall Grove

If you need Shelter Cove lodging for more than 4 people, the Waterfall Grove VRBO is owned by the same host as “Wow! What a View!” Since we had such a great experience with Celeste, I’m confident that Waterfall Grove is an excellent space for a larger crowd while still being a very affordable option for the reasons listed above.

This super charming house starts at $299 per night before taxes and fees, which is a little steep for just 2-4 people, but a great deal for a family or larger group who need lodging in Shelter Cove, CA. It’s located 2 blocks away from “Wow! What a View!”, meaning it’s also just a quick jaunt to nearby restaurants and beaches.

A Petite Retreat

Heading to Shelter Cove as a family of 3 or a trio of pals? This Shelter Cove VRBO is perfect for a smaller crew and is a great deal at $130 per night before taxes and fees. It’s definitely a smaller sitting room than the VRBOs listed above, but still in a good location with great views. And it has a huge kitchen, which we’ve established is important.

All of the above Shelter Cove VRBOs are dog-friendly, so if you are planning to bring your furry friend to the Lost Coast, they’re in luck.

Mid-Range Shelter Cove Hotels

Inn of the Lost Coast

With King suite rooms starting at $268 per night before taxes and fees, the Inn of the Lost Coast CA is a mid-range option when staying in Shelter Cove. This is my favorite of the hotel options on this list because of the spectacular views. They’re even better than the VRBO options listed above because the inn is right on the cliff overlooking the Pacific ocean and the mountains along the coast.

When you’re not too busy swooning over the views at the Inn of the Lost Coast CA, you can take advantage of the cute, recently opened Black Sands Bistro for your morning latte needs (or your mid-afternoon carrot needs as well, if you’re us). Delgada Pizza is practically in the parking lot, and Mi Mochima (the Venezuelan restaurant) is just across the street.

Black Sands Inn

Rooms at Black Sands Inn in Shelter Cove starts at $214 per night, making it a more affordable option compared to the Inn of the Lost Coast. You’re actually over a 30-minute walk to Little Black Sands Beach. Black Sands Inn offers remote check-in, and the host is available via text, which isn’t a bother to me but may surprise some people.

The ocean views are still stunning (alright, that might be a theme in Shelter Cove), and you’re a short walk to Gyppo Ale Mille, which was our favorite place to grab dinner and watch the sunset over Shelter Cove. You’re also a short walk to the tide pools, which you’ll be able to explore at your leisure.

Luxury Lodging in Shelter Cove, CA

Castle Inn of the Lost Coast 

Castle Inn of the Lost Coast is the place to stay in Shelter Cove if you’re interested in a luxury option that promises jaw-dropping views and serenity. You literally feel on the edge of the continent, as it’s situated at the end of a cul-de-sac overlooking Little Black Sands Beach.

From your private balcony, you can observe seals, sea lions, otters, whales, deer, and foxes, if they cooperate for your viewing pleasure. This location is a bit further from town, so you may prefer to drive if you’re heading to Gyppo for a drink, though parking is not an issue at this property or in town.

All suites include a kitchen, which is a huge bonus if you’re looking to spend your money on these remote views rather than eating out for every meal.

Camping in Shelter Cove CA

Shelter Cove RV Campground 

Shelter Cove RV Campground (& Deli) is the ultimate budget lodging option in Shelter Cove. The oceanfront campground is located literally right next door to Gyppo (don’t worry, they close at 9pm on weeknights, and noise isn’t a big issue anyway) and is just steps away from Mario’s Marina.

The campground was mostly filled with RVs, but there are spots for tent camping as well. If you’re camping in the nearby King Range Wilderness Area and looking to spend a night in Shelter Cove with access to hot food and showers, this is a great option. Shelter Cove tends to be about 25 degrees colder than the other side of the mountain further inland, so if you plan to tent camp, make sure you have the right gear for the misty cold weather.

Is Shelter Cove easily accessible?

Now that we’ve covered where to stay in Shelter Cove, CA, I wanted to mention something we discussed with other visitors: safely reaching Shelter Cove. Previously, the road to Shelter Cove was a dirt road up and down the mountain, with steep slopes on each side. Personally, I would have needed some Xanax just to consider that drive, let alone doing it multiple times to explore the nearby redwoods.

Nowadays, the road is smooth and perfectly paved. I wasn’t clinging to the “oh s**t bar” whatsoever during our drive (okay, maybe just a little the first time, but definitely not after).

So while Shelter Cove is off the beaten path for sure, it’s safe to access in the summer and early fall months. I personally wouldn’t visit in the winter unless I had a lot of mountain driving experience under my belt.

Are there fun things to do in Shelter Cove, CA?

Heck yeah! Check out my guide on the best things to do in Shelter Cove which also includes the best restaurants in Shelter Cove, CA. From golf to fishing to a spa, there is no shortage of things to do.

Is there cell reception in Shelter Cove?

Yes, my Verizon service was generally decent in parts of the town (and non-existent in others). My husband’s AT&T didn’t fare as well. Wifi worked fast and without issues at the places we visited.

In summary, Shelter Cove, perched on California’s Lost Coast, is a hidden gem worth discovering. It’s a perfect stop on a 7 day California road trip itinerary. This charming cove is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast or traveler seeking solitude along California’s coast (no small feat given the state’s popularity).

Shelter Cove offers a perfect blend of rugged coastal beauty and serene ancient redwoods. Whether you’re relaxing in a VRBO with breathtaking views or enjoying the cliffside charm of a mid-range hotel, Shelter Cove provides an amazing opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere.

Shelter Cove VRBO Budget Options:

Wow! What a View! (our favorite)

Waterfall Grove (great for 4+ people)

A Petite Retreat (perfect for a group of 3)

Shelter Cove Mid-Range Hotel Options:

Black Sands Inn

Inn of the Lost Coast

Shelter Cove Luxury Hotel Option:

Castle Inn of the Lost Coast 

Camping Option:

Shelter Cove RV Campground 

From exploring the nearby ancient redwood groves along the Avenue of the Giants to lounging on black sand beaches and sampling local beer and wine, Shelter Cove offers an incredible getaway filled with nature’s wonders and laid-back vibes. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or an extended stay, this coastal haven will leave you refreshed and enchanted, making it a destination you’ll want to return to again and again.

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