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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best view of the heart shape

Heart Rock
Best Time
Best view of the heart shape

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

🌊 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.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.9 · 1,124 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Heart Rock Formation
Crestline, California
A naturally formed rock with a perfectly heart-shaped hole, nestled beside a small waterfall.

Scenic Beach and Tide Pools
Adjacent to Heart Rock
Enjoy the beauty of the rocky beach, clear ocean waters, and surrounding tide pools.

Waterfall Feature
Next to Heart Rock
A charming small waterfall adds to the picturesque setting of the Heart Rock trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Heart Rock
Trailhead & Parking Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 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.
🗺️ Use a Trail Map
While some trails are marked, having a map can help navigate to this hidden gem.
🍦 Try the Goat Milk Ice Cream
A nearby shop offers delicious goat milk products, including ice cream.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 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.
🗺️ Use a Trail Map
While some trails are marked, having a map can help navigate to this hidden gem.
🍦 Try the Goat Milk Ice Cream
A nearby shop offers delicious goat milk products, including ice cream.
📸 Capture the Moment
The heart-shaped rock and surrounding scenery make for beautiful photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Heart Rock is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, making it a feasible day trip.
Yes, a motorcycle can make parking easier if the main areas are crowded.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
The hike is generally easy, but the rocky terrain and warnings about the ocean may require supervision for younger children.
Typically, there are no entrance fees for Heart Rock itself. Parking might have associated costs depending on the location.
Heart Rock can be visited year-round, but checking weather conditions and tide levels is recommended for the best experience and safety.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong rip currents and reported shark sightings. Signs at the trailhead advise caution.
Bring sturdy walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a camera. A trail map can also be useful.
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.
Capture the heart shape from various angles, especially during low tide. The surrounding beach, waterfall, and tide pools also offer great photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍦 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.
Picnicking is possible on the beach, but be mindful of the natural environment and pack out all trash.
The closest food option mentioned is a shop selling goat milk products, including ice cream, which is highly recommended.
The goat milk products from the nearby shop are highly praised by visitors, suggesting they are safe and delicious.
It's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, as dining options are limited to a nearby shop.
📸 📸 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.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting. Low tide is crucial for showcasing the heart shape.
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.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the rock formation and its surroundings. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water.
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.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit