Was it a long, curvy, bumpy and annoying drive? YES! Was it worth it at the end? ABSOLUTELY!! Just do it! You'll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful, clean, secluded beaches and views to die for. On the way down, we were rewarded with a view of several Elk (see pic). We pulled over and they hung out for several minutes. Really cool! The hike down is fairly easy. We also explored the area to the left (south) through the crevice, although that area, while beautiful, had a smell to it due to the seaweed buildup. Still worth it. We missed out on the tide pools, as we got there too late, but I would imagine the tide pools would be good. Definitely worth a visit and bring a picnic or lunch and stay a while. read more

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I didn't know this place existed! So much wildlife and I didn't even hike. On the worst day of my monthly cramps I sat in the car waiting for my family and saw more than they even did on the hikes. Bathrooms can be kind of hard to find due to lack of signage and we had a few close calls though so just know where they are if you're traveling with kids or elderly. read more

This is such a beautiful and hidden gem. My husband and I have been visiting this beach for years. It is an hour and 40 minutes drive but so worth it. The parking lot holds about 30 cars, but we normally go on a weekday so never had a problem finding parking. It also has 2 bathrooms, but no sinks so have your hand sanitizers available. The walk down to the beach is pretty much downhill and takes about 1/2 an hour. Be on the look out on your left going down for elks. This is an elk preserve area. The rock formations on the beach are amazing. You can bring towels or blankets to lay on and listen to the waves. Whenever we are on the beach, sometimes we are the only ones there. Today there were 6 people including my husband and I. Walking towards the left are the beautiful rocks. You can also walk between the rocks to the other side of the beach. This side has a lot of kelp washed up and can be very smelly. So you definitely do not want to hang out on that side too long. Overall a very nice beach if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We also stopped at Abbot's Lagoon a few miles down the road. Plenty of wildlife including Quails, finches, sparrows, rabbits and lots more. Also, be sure to stop at a few of the really nice Marin beaches and watch the sunset on your way back including Drakes Beach, North/South beach and Limantour. read more

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Abundant parking with facilities, nice hiking trail down to the beach, sheltered by bluffs, swimming cove at south end.

Driving to McClures Beach was quite the journey. I've passed by signs for other beaches where it would've been easier to get to but I was determined ... to drive uphill more, through the bumpy and kind of windy roads, and through some overcast. I'm sure there has been better days but the day I went was creepy but so worth it! The road going to the beach was very scenic, I saw a heard of cows and goats. Some went under a bridge as I was driving over. There was even an Elk. Finally, arriving at my destination point...There is a parking area with garbage/recycling bins and a bathroom. I can't remember if there is a sink so make sure you have some soap and water or hand sanitizer. A journey I tell you, prepare for a mini hike going down to the beach. I'd say about a half a mile or so. Me and my group brought a wagon with us with some of the kids toys, a cooler, and other items... would not reccomend bringing a wagon down as the trail gets bumpy (going up hill was quite the workout). At the end of the trail there were bumble bees flying around collecting some sweet nector from the flowers. They were harmless. McClures beach, finally! What a beautiful beach. The calming sound of the waves, the beautiful tri-color course sand that softens the skin, sea shells, sand crabs, and sea lions in the water was all worth the drive and hike. The beach barely had people there, the weather around 4pm wasn't cold, hot, nor windy. The waves were coming in hot so there was barely anyone in the water but finding the sand crabs closer to the water was so much fun. They even tickle. Be aware, there is hardly any signal or no signal at all. Try your best to remember your way out because I got lost without my GPS signal working. read more

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California Trip Part 2 #9 When I went out to Point Reyes and arrived that morning in August, Tomales Point Trail was in my sights. However, when I got there in the parking lot, I was the only person there. And when I saw the sign saying that there were bobcats sightings in the area, I was scared to continue alone. I go hiking alone all the time, but I have to say that I was too nervous out there with no one else around that day. So, I decided to check out McClures Beach (MB) just up the road. Once again, I was all alone but I knew the trail was short down to the beach and no signs about bobcats. I parked in the large parking lot (it also has portable toilets) and started the trail. While it can be eerie walking on a strange trail when you're all alone and it's foggy, it can also be an amazing experience walking upon wild elk and deer. Being the first visitors of the day, it can be quite a rush. The short walk to the beach is beautiful and to see the towering bluffs along the beach (0.8 mile roundtrip); MB is the northern most accessible beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. Swimming, wading and surfing is not allowed due to the strong surf and active White Shark population just off shore. Also, Sneaker Waves are known to occur at MB. Sneaker Waves are defined as unusually large and powerful waves that reach much higher up the shore than normal waves. Because of that, they advise beach goers keep away 30 yards from the water. Once I was at the beach, I saw tons of seagulls and pelicans. Having the secluded beach to myself was so peaceful. As I was turning back, I did see a couple on the beach so my tip is to get there early if you'd like the chance to see some wildlife before others scare them away. MB wasn't on my list of things to see and do, but it turned out to be a special moment on my trip. Making eye contact with a deer is something not everything gets the chance to do. I will cherish that morning forever. read more

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The best beach in all of Point Reyes. There is a decent mini-hike to get to the location, which is great because there are less people once you arrive at the beach. The water is super clear. There are nice caves to explore. There are also a few rock structures to climb. read more

Definitely a must! My husband and I stayed in the Point Reyes region for a couple of nights and this was one of many hiking trails/beaches that we hit up that weekend. We found the hike breath-taking. Literally. If you are even slightly out of shape, the return trip to your car is going to be quite a huffer and puffer. The hike goes downhill the majority of the way there but it's not really all that steep. It just seems more painful on the way back. What goes down must go up! :D Also, the wildlife here was just amazing. Of course, Elk was a big hit. We also managed to spot a whale blowing water out into the ocean a ways. It was just the coolest thing. We saw many lizards on the trail and neat little bugs and critters. Overall a fun hike that most people miss. The "end" result (sort of, since you have to back track to the car) of the hike is also quite spectacular since you get the wide open ocean staring right back at you. If you have not been here, I do not know what you are waiting for. **NO DOG ZONE** read more

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While people are busy viewing Tule Elk on Tomales Point, there is one area many of them are skipping. It is an area though that does not deserve to be skipped. McClures Beach is another one of those very beautiful Point Reyes Beaches many people tend to ignore. Then again, not many people visit Point Reyes Beaches, especially those on the western shore because of the dangerous surf. Still, they provide great beachwalking and photo opportunities. I will admit though that as I speak, people are figuring this out. Still, the people who do visit the beaches are nice friendly locals and friendly tourists. The hike to the beach begins right near the trail to Tomales Point. I have yet to complete that trail and I will describe that in a different review. A trail goes to the left down a canyon. You might see some Tule Elk as you descend the hill. The trail is about .5 miles long and it has the nice headland terrain that this part of Point Reyes has. Then the trail hits the beach. The beach itself is small but you can explore it and find more options. You should check the tide tables before you go because when there is low tide, there are some tide pools to the left of you. Also, there are some large rocks around that are not covered by the water. This makes McClures Beach different from the other Point Reyes beaches on the western shore because most of them are part of one long beach stretching from Kehoe Beach to just before the Lighthouse. You can explore by going over some rocks and seeing a smaller beach. Remember the tides though. Also, there are a few nice photo opportunities with the rocks and tide pools. Overall, this is a great place for the atmosphere, the beauty and the solitude. Also, remember to keep your eyes on the ocean because the surf is very dangerous here. read more

McClures Beach - Beach sunset - Beaches Near Me - Inverness, California

By far one of the most magical spots I have ever been to. We came here this summer as a day trip from San Francisco. The drive alone is so scenic and beautiful! Upon arrival, when we opened the doors of our car we took a moment to listen to... nothing! It was absolutely quiet and that was beautiful, especially after a couple of days in the busy city pf SF! The walk down to the beach was amazing too, we saw a moose! McClures itself is just magical. I wish I could've stayed longer. It sure wasn't my last visit! read more

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Nice quiet and peaceful stroll through the beach. Cool seeing the elk poop even on the beach. read more

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This is the northernmost beach in Point Reyes park. To get to the beach there's a bit of a hike from the parking area but it's a nice walk. This beach is usually the least crowded of the Point Reyes beaches. No dogs though. read more

The weather is always perfect every time I come! I'm not much of a hiker and this is definitely a easy hike! Scenery is always beautiful as well! It's very low-key and quiet! read more

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Great escape, my new favorite beach in Point Reyes. Bring a picnic and a blanket and make it a day. I had a foot and ankle injury in Jan and this is one of the first non-paved hikes I've done and it was easier than expected and only 15 mins or so from car to ocean. Can't wait to do it again!! read more

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Windy. Slope-y to walk down to the beach but quick walk down. Last beach before heading the Northern tip of Point Reyes. There is an outhouse for bathroom usage. Parking lot available. read more

Just off Pierce Point RD outside Pt Reyes and past Inverness, Ca you can find this amazing and almost secluded jewel of a beach. The hike in and out is almost 1.5 miles and well worth it. read more

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Nicest beach I've been to in Marin County by far. The scenery here is breathtaking. Take a lunch and find the secret beach on the far side of McClure's. read more

If you're privileged to be able to visit this beach during inclement weather, such as a Gulf of Alaska storm generating huge swells, then you're in for the treat of a lifetime. It is impossible to not feel feelings of wonder and captivation when that is the case. It is neither a small nor a large beach but the real quality is that it's stopped at each end by cliffs and rock formations and has a "self-contained" "apart" quality to it. That sense is heightened by the 1/4 mile hike down a well trodden trail to the beach--just enough to separate it from the rest of the world. This is an extremely dangerous beach. I was there --alone-- one day when the surf was as flat as bathwater (rare) and a sneaker wave came in that completely inundated the entire beach to the cliffs behind it, waist deep. So, you could theoretically die there. I came close... ...which is interesting because it has a very self-contained spiritual quality to it that I really can't put into words. There's parking up the hill of course. Given my experience, there's simply no way I'd bring children there although many do. I've probably been to this beach around fifty times. It's what I think of first when I think of the time I spent living in the bay area. read more

i love this beach because it's rarely crowded and one of my fav hiking trails is literally right there.