01
Best overall pick
Heart's Desire Beach
Tomales Bay State Park, Inverness • Calm Bayside Swimming Beach • Best For Families
A gently sloping, protected bay beach with picnic tables, shallow water, and an easygoing family crowd.
Heart's Desire is the spot locals recommend when you want a low-stress beach day with kids or mixed groups. The water here is much calmer and usually warmer than the open coast, and there are restrooms, grills, and grassy pockets just above the sand. Arrive on the early side on warm weekends, as the small parking lot can fill quickly.
02
Iconic oceanfront escape
Dillon Beach
Dillon Beach Village, North Of Tomales • Wide Open Ocean Beach • Best For Classic Pacific Views
A sweeping, dog-friendly stretch of sand at the mouth of Tomales Bay with big-sky views and steady surf.
Just a short drive from the town of Tomales, Dillon Beach feels like a classic Northern California ocean beach: broad, windswept, and great for long walks. There is a large pay lot, basic facilities, and a tiny village with a café and market a short stroll from the sand. The surf and currents are powerful, so most people stick to wading at the edge while they let kids and dogs run off energy up on the flatter sand.
03
Best low-key hideaway
Shell Beach
Tomales Bay State Park, Western Shore • Quiet Local Cove • Great For Picnics And Low-Key Afternoons
A smaller, more tucked-away Tomales Bay cove reached by a short wooded trail, popular with locals avoiding the crowds.
Shell Beach trades amenities for tranquility: you park along a spur road and walk a short, shady trail down to a narrow, sheltered strip of sand. The vibe is quieter than Heart's Desire, with couples, small groups of friends, and the occasional kayaker pulling in from the bay. Pack what you need, including water and layers, and plan to linger with a book or simple picnic.
04
Wild coastal adventure
McClures Beach
Point Reyes National Seashore, North End • Dramatic Wild Coast • Best For Rugged Scenery
A pocket of sand at the end of Pierce Point Road framed by cliffs, booming surf, and classic Point Reyes drama.
From the parking area, a short but steep trail drops through a rocky ravine to reach McClures, instantly swapping ranchland for raw Pacific energy. People come here more to wander, photograph sea stacks, and explore tide-dependent nooks than to swim, as the surf and rip currents are no joke. Check the tide before you go, keep an eye on waves, and bring layers—the wind can be fierce even on sunny days.
05
Laid-back walking beach
Kehoe Beach
Point Reyes National Seashore, Northwestern Shore • Broad Sandy Walking Beach • Great For Long Strolls And Sunsets
A half-mile trail leads to a wide, dune-backed beach that feels remote but is still an easy drive from Tomales.
Reaching Kehoe is part of the charm: you follow a gentle path through pastureland and wetlands before cresting the dunes and stepping onto a vast, open beach. There is plenty of room to spread out, and the long, flat shoreline makes it ideal for unhurried walks and sunset watching. Fog and wind are common, so locals bring a windbreaker and let the shifting light and surf provide the entertainment.