Beaches
The Beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore
Abbotts Lagoon Beach
A 1.5-mile walk through coastal scrub, across an isthmus between two lagoons, and over sand dunes brings you to this ocean beach. The lagoons attract large numbers of migrating shorebirds in the fall, followed by the wintering ducks. Occasionally peregrine falcons are seen selecting their meals amongst these tasty morsels. The sand dunes backing the beach are home to the endangered snowy plover. The eggs and young of this ground-nesting bird are easily destroyed. Be especially careful in this area during their nesting season, June 1 - September 15.
Drakes Beach
A wide stretch of beach backed by dramatic white sandstone cliffs makes this a very popular place. Drive-up access, a small café and a visitor center add to its appeal. The sands of the Drakes Bay cliffs were deposited in a shallow sea 10-13 million years ago, compacted, then uplifted. Erosion has revealed the striations of this story in the cliff faces.
Heart's Desire Beach
Heart's Desire Beach is part of Tomales Bay State Park. It is a nice sheltered cove on Tomales Bay that is excellent for families with small children. The ocean water tends to be a little warmer at this beach.
Kehoe Beach
A half-mile walk alongside a marsh and over a sand dune takes you to the northern end of the Great Beach, called Kehoe Beach. Once at the beach, turn left to explore the stream meandering its way into the Pacific Ocean. To the right, giant dunes make explorations fun. Follow the beach further north to see the dramatic juxtaposition of rocks. The first cliffs you see are the smooth Lairds sandstone, which change abruptly to granite. A reverse fault displaced the sandstone against the granite upon which it was deposited, creating a continuous cliff made of very different rock types. Dogs are allowed on a 6' leash on this beach to the north of the trail. Dogs are not permitted south of the trailhead as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snow plover.
Kelham Beach
A 4.8-mile trek from the Bear Valley trailhead brings only hardy hikers to this quiet, secluded beach north of Arch Rock. This trail from Coast Trail is currently closed due to erosion of the cliff. Currently the cliff is unstable and we advise visitors not to hike down to the beach from this point.
Limantour Beach
A long, narrow spit of sand, bound between Drakes Bay and an estuary, is a bountiful wildlife area. Scores of shorebirds feed in the wetlands and along the beaches during the fall. Ducks abound in winter at old, freshwater stock ponds created during the peninsula's ranching era. Harbor seals are often seen bobbing offshore in the gentle waves or basking in the sun's warmth. Dogs are allowed on a 6' leash on the south end of this beach. Dogs are not permitted to the north as this area is protected habitat for harbor seals and the endangered snowy plover.
Marshall Beach
Marshall Beach is on the Tomales Bay side of Point Reyes National Seashore, south of Tomales Point. The parking area is a 2-mile drive on a dirt road. It is then a 1.2-mile hike from the parking area to the beach.
McClures Beach
A short, steep, downhill hike brings you to this small but exciting cove with intense surf. The rocks at either end of the beach add to the drama and danger. It is tempting to venture around the southern corner to explore the adjacent beach, but use caution! This area can only be safely accessed during the outgoing low tide.
Palomarin Beach
Palomarin Beach is at the south end of Point Reyes, between Bolinas Point and Wildcat Beach. This trail is a strenuous walk down the cliff. The beach is good for tidepooling at minus tides.
Sculptured Beach
As you walk south from Limantour Beach, Sculptured Beach is about two miles. Winter rains feed two creeks which stream across the sand into the ocean creating a wet barrier for beach walkers wishing to keep their feet dry. Once at Sculptured Beach, look for its namesake rocks lying on the shoreline. The sculptured rocks are exposed at low tide, along with the organisms that cling to them, creating an exciting area to go tidepooling.
The Great Beach
South Beach and North Beach make up an incredible expanse of over 10 miles of undeveloped ocean beach to roam - also known as "Point Reyes Beach." If you are looking for the drama of heavy surf this is the place to be. Drive-up access from North Beach or South Beach turnoffs. Dogs are allowed on a 6' leash on this beach. Dogs are not permitted north of the North Beach entrance as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snowy plover. Please be very cautious near the water as "sneaker waves" have been known to drag unwitting victims out to sea.
Wildcat Beach
Wildcat Beach is south of Limantour Beach, near Alamere Falls. It is a 5.5-mile hike from the Palomarin trailhead in the southern part of Point Reyes. It is adjacent to Wildcat Camp.
Photos by Brett Poirier
