It is hard to believe this beautiful, secluded beach is in the Bay Area, less than two hours away from the busy city of San Francisco.
A short hike will bring you to this beautiful beach. This hike is easy enough for small children, but dogs and other pets are not allowed on this beach. This is a great place to have a romantic picnic, watch birds, and explore tidepools.
How much does it cost?
Free! There are no entry fees to Point Reyes National Seashore.
What should I bring?
Check the weather before you head to Point Reyes. It is normally cold and windy but there may also be fog and rain. Dress appropriately.
- Insulated Jacket or Windbreaker
- Sweater, Sweatshirt or Long Sleeve Shirt
- Long pants
- Wool socks
- Hiking shoes or walking shoes with a good grip
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Hiking book and/or trail map
- Water
- Food and snacks
- Sanitizing Gel or Wipes
- Backpack
- Picnic blanket
- Headlamp (if you plan on walking back in the dark)
- Beach Sun Tent (if you want shade or shelter from wind)
- Facial sunblock
- Trash bag (to haul your trash back to the trailhead trash bins)
- Camera
How do I get there?
We did not have cell phone service at Point Reyes National Seashore. The Bear Valley Visitor Center normally has free park maps, but it is currently closed due to the pandemic so you can download a trail map or bring your hiking book with you. Make sure you check the park’s current conditions for any closures or other important information.
- Turn left on Bear Valley Road and follow the road northwest.
- Turn left at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and continue to drive northwest.
- You will pass by some restaurants and places to stay. You should see Tomales Bay on your right side.
- Keep right at the fork to Pierce Point Road.
- Follow Pierce Point Road all the way to the end to the McClures Beach parking lot. Toilets and trash bins are here.
Plan on spending about 35 minutes to drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to the McClures BeachTrailhead.
Directions from McClures Beach Trailhead:
Distance: 0.4 miles
Type: Out and back
After you park your car, head to the McClures Beach trail head sign.
Although this is a short walk, you will be surrounded by green coastal lands and see little waterfalls from the stream making its way to the ocean. You do have to walk uphill towards the end of the hike which can make it difficult to haul belongings in a wagon. We find it best to use a roomy hiking backpack.
If you plan your trip during low tide or minus tide, you can explore the tide pools, sea caves and the hidden beach on the south side of McClures Beach (i.e., left side). Just make sure you keep track of time and do not get trapped by the incoming high tide. Also, always watch out for sneaker waves and never turn your back to the waves. Some people have died here because of it.
McClures Beach is our favorite beach to have a romantic picnic. Set up your picnic blanket or beach shelter and eat your lunch while watching the shore birds. Soak in some rays and take a siesta while you listen to the waves crashing.
When you have had your fill, make sure you pack up all of your trash. Trash bins and toilets are located in the parking lot.
Still have some energy? Consider checking out Pierce Point Ranch or hike to Tomales Point (9.4 miles round trip) where you might see tule elk. Both are accessible from the same parking lot.
Or if you want another short, but rewarding hike check out Abbotts Lagoon where you can go bird-watching, walk on sand dunes, visit another remote beach, and possibly see otters and other wildlife!
Sources
- National Park Service (NPS), https://www.nps.gov/
- Tides and Currents, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9415020&legacy=1
