Shells Fossil Site

• General Information
• Directions to Capitola
• Directions to the Fossil Site
• Finding Fossil Shells
• Tools and Equipment Required
• Rules and Regulations
• Further Reading
• Help save this beautiful fossil site! Please sign petition here (scroll window above to read and sign petition)

This relaxing walk-through fossil site is located on a large sea cliff in the northern Monterey Bay area in the town of Capitola of Santa Cruz County in Central California.

The sea cliff is a geological outcrop named the "Purisima Formation" that spans through the Pliocene Epoch (3 to 5 million years ago). During the same time the first hominids, such as "Lucy", appeared on earth.

Mollusk shells of at least 55 different species are abundant through a distance of approx. 3000 feet.

From San Jose take Highway 17 South for approx. 26 miles. You will go through the Santa Cruz Mountains and enjoy beautiful scenery. Then take Highway 1 South for approx. 4 miles to the town of Capitola.

From San Francisco you follow the above directions if you find your way to San Jose via Highway 101 South (approx. 45 miles). Also, you can take Highway 1 South and travel along the Pacific Coast until Capitola. From Sacramento, reach San Jose via Highway 680. From Los Angeles, you can reach Capitola via San Jose or through Highway 101 (or Interstate 5) and turning East on Highway 152.

From Highway 1, take the Capitola Bay Ave. exit. Turn right and go straight for approx. 1 mile. You will reach the beautiful Capitola beach.

Park, pick up your gear and walk to the southern end of the beach until you get to a large cliff.

You have arrived to the fossil site area.

As you walk through the sea cliff, you will see fossil shells encrusted in the rocks. Others will be at the bottom of the rocky cliff, and others higher on algae covered crevices. You will also find large slabs completely covered with shells.

Also, there are plenty of rocks just the right size to carry laying around.

Occasionally, you will find a dark-gray chalky sediment material that is easy to break with the hammer. You may find complete fossil shells inside, that when cleaned and prepared, make for a nice display. Also, you will see large whale fossil bones in certain rocks.

• Geological Hammer
• Chisel
• Goggles (important if chiseling hard rocks!)
• Helmet (just in case - for working close to the cliff)
• Carry bag

Always keep a safe distance from the cliffs which are actively eroding and subject to sudden collapse. Also, the cliffs are accessible only at low or minus tide.

Once you reach a gulch, you are entering the neighboring New Brighton State Beach. A special permit is required to collect fossils there. Respect the area. Do not dig indiscriminately. You must clean-up and carry all your garbage with you. Please be aware that this fossil site is a gift from nature for everyone to enjoy.

If you find an unusual fossil, please contact your nearest museum of Natural History. If you discover a new species, it will be named after you!

The following publication is recommended for further reading:

• "Fossil Invertebrates and Geology of the Marine Cliffs at Capitola, California", by F. Perry, Santa Cruz Museum Association, Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History, 1993. Follow museum link for availability information.