 |
Marin County  Marin has great beaches for beachcombing, tidepooling, wave-watching and sunning. All are good year-round, except when it's foggy or windy. The map left shows beach locations.The reference to hikes at the end of each description refers to the book, Hiking Marin, 141 Great Hikes in Marin County, ©2006 by Don and Kay Martin. |
|
1. McClures Beach at Point Reyes This is Marin's most scenic beach with rugged coastline framing both ends. During superlow tides, there are great tidepools at the south end. Note that swimming and even wading are not advised due to very dangerous surf conditions. Directions from Hwy 101: In Greenbrae, W on Sir Francis Drake, R on Hwy 1 for 200 yds, L on Bear Valley Rd, L on Sir Francis Drake, R on Pierce Pt. Rd. to the end. See Hike G16.
The 1.8 mile hike to Tennessee Cove is the most popular beach hike in Marin. At the beach, the cove is surrounded by towering cliffs. During low tide, you might be able to get around the southern end to reach another small, sandy beach with interesting rock formations Directions from Hwy 101: Near Sausalito, W on Hwy 1 for 0.4 miles, L on Tennessee Valley Rd. to the end. See Hike A7. 3. Stinson Beach Stinson Beach is the summer mecca for sunbathers on those rare, hot weekends at the coast. However, by noon, the parking lot fills up and traffic comes to a standstill. Tip! A sunny morning at Stinson Beach in February is often delightful. Directions from Hwy 101: Near Sausalito, W on Hwy 1. See Hike B16. 4. Drakes Beach at Point Reyes This is the nicest beach on Point Reyes. The tall cliffs provide shelter from the usual northwest summer winds. There is a visitor center, cafe and memorial to Drake here. Directions from Hwy 101: In Greenbrae, W on Sir Francis Drake, R on Hwy 1 for 200 yds, L on Bear Valley Rd, L on Sir Francis Drake, L on Drakes Beach Rd. See Hike G12. 5. Rodeo Beach in the GGNRA at Marin Headlands Rodeo Beach is the easiest ocean beach in Marin to reach. The beach provides sunning, walking, surfboarding and semi-precious stones. Directions from Hwy 101: At the Golden Gate Bridge, take Sausalito exit and follow signs for Marin Headlands and the beach. See Hike A4. 6. Limantour Beach at Point Reyes You can take long walks on Limantour Beach, over a mile in each direction. Limantour Spit lies at one end and Sculptured Beach at the other end, both walks worth doing if it isn't too windy. Directions from Hwy 101: In Greenbrae, W on Sir Francis Drake, R on Hwy 1 for 200 yds, L on Bear Valley Rd, L on Limantour Rd. See Hike G9. 7. Hearts Desire Beach in Tomales Bay State Park This cozy little beach on Tomales Bay offers warmer water than the ocean with swimming possible in the late summer and early fall. You can also walk 0.5 miles through a Bishop pine forest to lovely Indian Beach. Directions from Hwy 101: In Greenbrae, W on Sir Francis Drake, R on Hwy 1 for 200 yds, L on Bear Valley Rd, L on Sir Francis Drake, R on Pierce Pt. Rd, R into Tomales Bay State Park. Fee. See Hike G14. Options: Return to Marin Trails Home Page |
