Though kayak surfing is becoming more popular along the beach the water is mostly shore break and therefore it is difficult to surf on a normal surfboard. Located on the beach is a small kayak shop, Sea For Yourself Kayak Outfitter, a shop which provides kayak, paddle board, bike, and other beach gear rentals. The beach has more than initially meets the eye. Sights include caves, beaches, arches, and an abundance of wildlife. Different types of wildlife that can be seen in the cove over a year include, but are not limited to, gray whales, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, elephant seals, sea otters, and northern fur seals. Fishing from both the pier and by boat is also popular and common fish that are targeted here include, but are not limited to, rockfish including lingcod, cabezon, vermilion rockfish, and gopher cod. Other fishes include halibut, thresher sharks, smelt, surf perch, and the occasional stingray. There is also a peninsula that juts out into the ocean that is still Hearst property today. Visitors are allowed to hike the path all the way out to the ocean. Just above the beach in the upper parking lot is a discovery center, which provides information about the history and the local wildlife. Picnic tables, barbecue grills and restrooms are available. This day-use area offers 24 picnic sites, 150 parking spaces, restrooms, water faucets, barbecue grill stands and easy beach access. Recreational activities include picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking and sunbathing, including the kayak and boogie board concession in operation with equipment for rent every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The beach is day-use only; no camping or bonfires are allowed. Gates are closed just after sunset. On any given day you can expect to see people kayaking or paddle boarding on the calm waters of the Cove, or fishing the kelp beds. The beach is divided into two sections: from the parking lot down to the water is all state-owned and -maintained beach, but the other half of the beach all the way to the peninsula is private property still owned by the Hearst family today. Although it is private property the Hearst family still allows anyone to come and enjoy the beach. The Hearst warehouses are still standing today. Sebastian's is now a small grill serving all grass-fed Hearst beef, but used to serve as a small general store in the 1800s.