Marin County is considered one of the privileged area of the San Francisco Bay. And for many reasons. It's beaches offer some of the finest natural areas close to a large populace.  That's hard to beach for outdoor sports and exercise that so many city dwellers crave.

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.

McClures Beach
2. Tennessee Cove
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.
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.

 

Point Reyes National Seashore

McClures Beach is Marin’s most scenic beach with rugged coastline framing both ends. During super low tides, there are great tide pools at the south end.

Kehoe Beach**
* A half-mile walk alongside a marsh and over a sand dune takes you to Kehoe Beach. Once at the beach, turn left to explore the stream meandering to the Pacific Ocean. To the right, giant dunes make explorations fun. Pt. Reyes Great Beach (North and South Beaches)**
* 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. 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. Drakes Beach
* This is the nicest beach at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The tall cliffs provide shelter from the usual northwest summer winds. There is a visitor center, cafe and memorial to Drake here. The annual sand sculpture contest is held the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Go to: National Park Service Website — Sand Sculpture Contest for more information. Limantour Beach
Limantour Beach, over a mile in each direction, is great for bird watching.  The nearby Estero de Limantour is a favorite for bird watchers for its variety and number of birds. Sculptured Beach*
* Tide pools, rock formations, a blowhole where the sea really does “blow through,” birds, passing whales and dolphins (bring binoculars), incredible sunsets, and great sand are just some of the things you’ll see here. 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. Palomarin Beach
* This beach is good for tide pooling at minus tides. Note: the trail to this beach is a strenuous walk down a cliff. Santa Maria 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 one of the most beautiful, remote white sand beaches in California and a popular place for horseback riding. Abbotts Lagoon Beach
This is a great place for bird watching. The sand dunes backing the beach are home to the endangered snowy plover.