Heart Rock
1 / 10

Heart Rock

3.9
·1k reviews·Tatsugo, Japan

Discover Heart Rock, a natural wonder with a perfectly heart-shaped hole, nestled beside a waterfall and a scenic rocky beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide

Best view of the heart shape

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Heart Rock

Heart Rock

Best Time

Low tide

Best view of the heart shape

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Heart Rock, a natural wonder with a perfectly heart-shaped hole, nestled beside a waterfall and a scenic rocky beach. TikTok

3.9
(1k reviews)

"The beauty of the beach and clear waters are more worthy of the visit than the heart-shaped rock itself. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 Respect the Ocean Warnings

Signs warn of sharks and strong rip currents; swimming is not recommended.

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain can be rocky, so good walking shoes are essential for the hike.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.9 · 1,124 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Heart Rock Formation

The Heart Rock Formation

Crestline, California

A naturally formed rock with a perfectly heart-shaped hole, nestled beside a small waterfall.

TikTok
Scenic Beach and Tide Pools

Scenic Beach and Tide Pools

Adjacent to Heart Rock

Enjoy the beauty of the rocky beach, clear ocean waters, and surrounding tide pools.

Reddit
Waterfall Feature

Waterfall Feature

Next to Heart Rock

A charming small waterfall adds to the picturesque setting of the Heart Rock trail.

TikTok
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Heart Rock

Visit during low tide to best see the heart shape and potentially enjoy the natural pool within. High tide can obscure the rock and make swimming unsafe due to strong currents and reported shark sightings. Reddit

Trailhead & Parking Tips

Parking is available near Camp Seeley on a dirt patch or a designated free parking area. Some sources mention a short, easy hike to the rock, while others note it's a hidden gem with no marked trail. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Low tide
Why
Best view of the heart shape
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Heart Rock is, as the name suggests, a perfectly heart shaped rock set in a boulder field in Joshua Tree National Park. With no marked trail to follow, Heart Rock remains one of Joshua Tree’s hidden gems. Heart Rock is a unique rock formation shaped like a heart which is located close to the Arch Rock trail in Joshua Tree National Park. The rock itself is around 10 feet tall and rises above a bou...
creativetravelkids
268 likes • 3.2K views

🌊 Respect the Ocean Warnings

Signs warn of sharks and strong rip currents; swimming is not recommended. Reddit

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain can be rocky, so good walking shoes are essential for the hike. TikTok

Heart Rock trail is a beautiful short hike. We got there very early in the morning and had the entire trail to ourselves! The trail follows Seeley creek all the way to a heart shaped hole on a rock next to a small waterfall. 📍250 CA-138, Heart Rock Trail, Crestline CA. 1.8 miles - Parking is next to Camp Seeley on a dirt patch on the side of the road. 🚮WHEN VISITING LEAVE NO TRACE. PICK UP ...
inlandempirepages
1.5K likes • 45.7K views
Heart Rock Trail | Crestline, CA | #crestlinecalifornia #crestline #heartrock #heartrocktrail #socalhikes #socalbucketlist #socalmountains #socaltrails #socalhiker #socalphotographer #socalwaterfalls
apictureoftime
1.1K likes • 23.3K views

🗺️ Use a Trail Map

While some trails are marked, having a map can help navigate to this hidden gem. TikTok

🍦 Try the Goat Milk Ice Cream

A nearby shop offers delicious goat milk products, including ice cream. Reddit

Can you believe this?? So perfectly shaped natural heart hole in a rock next to a waterfall 🥹❤️ This is my Unique California's Date Idea, Part 4 🫶 📍 Heart Rock Trail in Crestline, California 🚙 Just 1.5h from LA and only 20 min from Lake Arrowhead (check my yesterday's post for views from it) 🚶‍♀️1.3 mi road trip hike, easy to moderate 🗺️ Use a trail map on @alltrails, otherwise it is possible t...
asyatravels
1.6K likes • 64.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 Respect the Ocean Warnings

Signs warn of sharks and strong rip currents; swimming is not recommended. Reddit

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain can be rocky, so good walking shoes are essential for the hike. TikTok

🗺️ Use a Trail Map

While some trails are marked, having a map can help navigate to this hidden gem. TikTok

🍦 Try the Goat Milk Ice Cream

A nearby shop offers delicious goat milk products, including ice cream. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

The heart-shaped rock and surrounding scenery make for beautiful photo opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

3.9
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Heart Rock to be a beautiful natural spot with a unique rock formation, though its appearance is tide-dependent. The surrounding beach and waterfall add to its charm, but strong ocean currents and reported shark sightings mean swimming is not advised. The nearby goat milk ice cream is a delightful bonus. Reddit

"We couldn’t see the “heart”, but the beach was very nice and the hike in was like 5 mins through a trail. We parked where they had “heart beach free parking” and walked to the trail.
Beach was rocky and rough not a good swimming beach."

Anne Itagaki

"The beauty of the beach and clear waters of the ocean are more worthy of the visit than the heart shaped rock itself. If the tide is not to high, it's nice to bathe inside the heart rock, as it feels like a natural pool.
The beach that is accessed through a short path going through a thick vegetation, giving the feeling of walking through a jungle. There is a free parking about 200m from the entrance of the path to the beach.
Swimming is not recommended there, due to strong rip currents and the presence of sharks, as clearly indicated by signs at the entrance to the path leading to the beach. According to a local diving instructor I talked to, sharks have been spotted but so far, no shark related issue has occurred.
Finally, close by there is a shop selling goat milk based products (cheese, yogurt and ice cream)"

Fido Dido

"The rock does look somewhat like a heart.

If you plan to visit, then visit during low tide. The rock location is precisely where it shows on Google Maps.

I personally liked the esthetic of the surrounding tide pools and mountains as a backdrop. Even on an overcast day, it was a pretty beach with no people on it.

According to the signs at the trailhead, there are sharks in the water and a strong rip current so be extremely careful and respect the ocean.

The walk from the trailhead to the beach was about 5 minutes. It isn’t very far. My mom made the walk too."

BackpackingAndy

What People Like

Unique heart-shaped rock
Scenic beach and waterfall
Natural pool at low tide

What People Dislike

Tide affects visibility
Strong currents and sharks
Rocky beach not for swimming

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Heart Rock is located in Crestline, California. Parking is available near Camp Seeley on a dirt patch or a designated free parking area. From there, it's a short walk to the rock formation. TikTokReddit

Yes, parking is generally available on a dirt patch near Camp Seeley or in a designated free parking area. Arrive early to secure a spot. TikTokReddit

The hike is typically described as short and easy, often following Seeley Creek. Some sources mention it's a hidden gem with no marked trail, so a trail map might be helpful. TikTok+1

Heart Rock is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, making it a feasible day trip. TikTok

Yes, a motorcycle can make parking easier if the main areas are crowded. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Heart Rock is a natural attraction and typically does not require tickets for entry. Parking may be free or have a small fee depending on the specific lot. Reddit

As a natural outdoor attraction, Heart Rock is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's sufficient light for safety and photography. TikTok

The hike is generally easy, but the rocky terrain and warnings about the ocean may require supervision for younger children. Reddit

Typically, there are no entrance fees for Heart Rock itself. Parking might have associated costs depending on the location. Reddit

Heart Rock can be visited year-round, but checking weather conditions and tide levels is recommended for the best experience and safety. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visiting during low tide is highly recommended to see the heart shape clearly and potentially enjoy the natural pool. Early mornings can also offer fewer crowds. Reddit

Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong rip currents and reported shark sightings. Signs at the trailhead advise caution. Reddit

Bring sturdy walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a camera. A trail map can also be useful. TikTok+1

Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned at the immediate Heart Rock site. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving or at nearby public areas. TikTok

Capture the heart shape from various angles, especially during low tide. The surrounding beach, waterfall, and tide pools also offer great photo opportunities. Instagram

🍽️ 🍦 Food & Dining

While there aren't dining facilities directly at Heart Rock, a nearby shop sells delicious goat milk products like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Reddit

Picnicking is possible on the beach, but be mindful of the natural environment and pack out all trash. Reddit

The closest food option mentioned is a shop selling goat milk products, including ice cream, which is highly recommended. Reddit

The goat milk products from the nearby shop are highly praised by visitors, suggesting they are safe and delicious. Reddit

It's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, as dining options are limited to a nearby shop. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The heart-shaped hole in the rock is the primary subject. Also, capture the adjacent waterfall, the rocky beach, and the tide pools for diverse shots. InstagramReddit

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting. Low tide is crucial for showcasing the heart shape. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary by location and park. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. Instagram

Use a wide-angle lens to capture the rock formation and its surroundings. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water. Instagram

The natural heart shape itself is unique. Photographing the rock with the waterfall or during low tide when you can get closer to it offers special perspectives. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2
Heart Rock (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide