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Point Reyes beaches offer drama, wildlife, and recreation. You'll find places to go kayaking, swimming, tidepooling and beachcombing. Some of the beaches allow dogs on a leash, while others are protected habitat where you must watch where you step. Many beaches are easily accessible, but if you're looking for a wilderness experience, there are beaches you can reach only by hiking. Point Reyes beaches can be divided into distinct regions. The listings are organized from north to south for your convenience. outside web site will open a new window.
West Coast
Beaches on the west coast of the Point Reyes peninsula tend to be windswept and dramatic. The surf here is rough, and the rip currents can be treacherous. Enjoy the wild beauty of this area, but head to Tomales Bay if you want to go into the water. |
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This broad sandy beach has more amenities than most, making it one of the most popular Point Reyes beaches. The white sandstone cliffs add a touch of drama. Swimming is permitted, though no lifeguards are on duty. Campfires are also allowed, with a permit.
The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center offers interpretive displays and ranger-led walks. (Hours are variable - weekends and summer only.) There's a snack bar, picnic tables, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Drakes Bay.
This is the beach for wildlife lovers. It's a long sandy spit with grassy dunes separating the estero from the ocean. The wetlands attract shorebirds and ducks, and harbor seals can often be seen offshore.
Take Limatour Road to the parking area. Restrooms available. Dogs on a 6 foot leash are permitted on the south end of the beach. The north end is protected habitat for the snowy plover (no dogs).
You can reach this beach by heading south about 2 miles from Limatour Beach. Or take the Coastal Trail. The best time to go is low tide, when the namesake sculptured rocks are exposed, along with numerous tidepools to be explored.
The only way to reach this beach is via hiking trails. The shortest route is a 5.5 mile hike from the Palomarin trailhead (in the southernmost corner of the park). Wildcat Camp is located on a bluff overlooking the beach. The campground has picnic tables, food storage lockers, charcoal braziers, pit toilets, and water faucets. Camping permits/fees required.
You'll have to work to get to this beach. It's a steep path down the cliff from Palomarin Trailhead. Come at low tide to enjoy the tidepools.
The beaches on Tomales Bay are protected from the prevailing winds and sheltered from the crashing surf. They're popular for picknicking, swimming, hiking, clamming, kayaking, boating, and family fun. The shoreline has shallow areas where you can wade and swim.
This beach, located on the western shore of Tomales Bay, is part of Point Reyes National Seashore. You'll need to take a 2 mile dirt road to the parking area, then hike 1.2 miles to the beach. Restrooms are available at the beach.
Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Marshall Beach.
This park, on the western shore of Tomales Bay, has 4 beaches. The main parking and picnic areas are at Heart's Desire Beach off Pierce Point Road. There are no lifeguards, and dogs aren't allowed on beaches, trails or nature areas. There's a ranger station, several parking areas, and hiking trails. Restroom facilities are available at all the beaches.
For more information and to download a park brochure with a map see Tomales Bay State Park.
Indian Beach
Take the gentle nature trail from Heart's Desire Beach north about half a mile to Indian Beach. There are two reconstructed Miwok bark shelters here, and restrooms.
Heart's Desire Beach
This is the best Point Reyes beach for families. It's located in a sheltered cove, and the water is a bit warmer here. The beach has drinking water, picnic tables with firepits, dressing rooms, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
Although no boat launching facilities are available, this is a popular spot for putting in hand carried boats, like kayaks.
Pebble Beach
Accessible by trail from Heart's Desire Beach, this beach has restrooms.
Shell Beach
Take the 4.1 mile trail from Heart's Desire Beach or park at the end of Camino Del Mar and take the half mile path to the beach. Restrooms available.
Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Shell Beach.