Small and secluded beach, parking is tough along the street but when we came in the afternoon no…read moreone else was here. It's located near the prison which seems like an odd stop but they have a historical facade and a museum with prisoner-made artifacts and some memorabilia from Johnny Cash. It's in a cove and because not a lot of people come it's pretty clean, there is an interesting rock area on the left you can scramble on and check out tide pools. The rocks are beautifully worn and there aren't other places in the bay area that look like this. If it wasn't for these rocks the beach wouldn't be so nice but it adds some diversity to what you can do. Some other unique things are cactus growing right on the cliffs which is always strange to see near the ocean and if you come at the right season there are also ladybugs here. The beach is public access but there are homes along the cliff, one of which you can go directly under if you keep following the rocks so be respectful and quiet. We found some cool shells and rocks in the sand and the kids enjoyed our time here.

I love coming to this beach! It's an off-leash spot, so there are always plenty of dogs running…read morearound and having the best time. Every dog I've seen here has been super friendly and well-behaved, which makes the whole vibe really rewarding and fun. A lot of dogs get in the water, and sometimes people do too -- it's a great mix of energy whether you're here for a walk, to sunbathe, or just to hang out and enjoy the view. Parking is convenient -- there's one-hour complimentary parking at the top of the hill. From there, it's just a short walk down a few steps to get to the sand (though it's worth noting that it's not wheelchair accessible). The beach has two areas: to the left is the main stretch, and to the right there's another section you get to by a different set of stairs. That side isn't very big, but it's a really pleasant area if you want to relax in the sun or enjoy a quieter spot. Overall, such a fun and relaxing place to visit, especially if you love being around dogs enjoying the beach life as much as people do.

Nice beach with a hiking trails as well. It's a pretty clean beach, and when we were there some…read morepeople were walking around looking for trash to pick up, so it's nice that there seems to be locals looking out for the well-being of the environment. Free parking lot. Empty when I arrived in the morning, but no spaces by the afternoon. It is a pretty peaceful beach. It doesn't really have a tourist feel that some beach areas have since it's just the beach itself (no shops/food or anything like that). It's not a huge area, but we came during low tide and walked around the more rocky area before the tide started rising. They do have restrooms at the parking lot. Although, the restrooms were disgusting when I was there, so I'd avoid it if possible. (Not flushing toilets.)

Muir Beach feels like the California people imagine, but quieter and more honest…read more Instead of a crowded boardwalk or lines of shops, you come down a winding road through coastal hills and suddenly the land just opens up. The ocean isn't bright blue like postcards, it's deep gray-green, powerful, and constantly moving. The waves don't gently roll in... they crash. You feel it in your chest before you even step on the sand. The sand is darker and softer than most beaches, almost cool even in the sun. Behind you are tall grasses and weathered driftwood, not hotels. In front of you is nothing but horizon. There's a small creek cutting through the beach and a wooden bridge crossing it, which somehow makes the whole place feel more like a nature preserve than a tourist stop. People aren't blasting music or playing volleyball, they're walking, breathing, taking pictures, or just sitting quietly watching the water. If you want a loud beach day, this isn't it. If you want to slow down and actually feel the ocean, this is one of the most peaceful places near San Francisco.

Thanks to Yelp for suggesting this as a nearby place for a walk, as I had never been in the 12…read moreyears I have lived in Marin! We were having a lazy Sunday morning watching TV and decided we should get outside for some fresh air. We didn't feel like walking a lot since the weather was warm, so we happily found 2 Adirondack chairs in the shade at the park. The views of the Bay were gorgeous and it was the perfect spot to read our books. There was plenty of space for neighboring groups to spread out, so we liked the chill, non touristy, and quiet environment. We are already planning to picnic there with a friend and her little one.

This is a really cool local park kind of out-of-the-way so there's not a lot of people there quiet…read morewith great views of the bay large open fields to run around barbecue and picnic tables, bathrooms, etc. plenty of parking. There is also a public fishing pier there which you do not need a fishing license to use. I have spent time at this park also anchored out in my boat in front of it coming to shore by kayak.

There is a windy, curvy road to get to Stinson Beach. Along the way are Muir overlook, and others…read morestopping points with gorgeous views some with pathways down to the beach. There are well maintained public restrooms. Parking does get crowded past noon on a weekend. Weather in May is perfect, warm enough for swim wear, shorts and tank however not scorching hot. Super pet and little children friendly. There are also lots of markets, eateries to pack some savory food to go for a picnic on the beach.

Come early people take the very few picnic tables quick. Picnic tables have bbq pits but some areas…read moreare shared bbq pits. It was a bit windy but not cold during the 4th of July. Stinson market is in walking distance and have items you may need for bbq ing. Great help at the market. Thank you! Bathrooms had little to no soap. Smelled like urine from the morning time. Bring your own hand soap!

I am heavier and less active. I have arthritis in my knees and 2 repaired ACLs tears in my past…read more Stairs are my enemy. My arch nemesis. I trained for a few weeks leading up to this trip to make sure I could handle the stairs. 391 stairs counted and verified down then up. Yes, I even counted the baby stairs lol. Down was pretty easy. Up was also.... Pretty easy. I was tired. I was out of breath. My calves BURNED. My knees were shaky. My face was red as a tomato. But I did it. And it was well worth the treck.

A must-visit, but visit during the week; the parking lot is very small. There is a very steep, but…read morevery well maintained, stairs that go from the parking lot to the beach. The west part of the beach is sometimes clothing optional, so watch out for that. The sand is actually not black; it's dark gray.

The perfect definition of a secluded beach. It's tranquil, it's peaceful, and best of all; it's…read morepretty much void of the general populations that frequent the park. This is because you'll have to hike at least 5 miles one way just to reach this beautiful beach. One of the most rewarding elements of making it here is being able to see the hidden waterfall right as you reach the bottom of the steps leading down the beach. There are probably a few different connector trails that you can take to get here. The quickest and less aggressive way would be to take the Bear Valley Trail to the Coastal Trail. This route is mostly flat and measures about 5 miles one way. It's also the popular trail within the park. If you're looking for more of an adventure and killer workout, take the Mount Wittenberg Trail to the Sky Trail which will also lead you to the Coastal Trail and down to the beach. Not only is this trail filled with tons of great inclines and ridges, but it's also insanely gorgeous! You'll be walking amongst the most beautiful trees and have stunning views of the coastline on your way there. This is the trail that I took to get there. It's about 7 miles one way, but you can also take the Bear Valley Trail back to make it a 12 mile loop instead of 14. Once you make it there, you'll be rewarded with calming waves and beautiful white water right beneath your feet. The sand is soft and there's plenty of flat driftwood to sit on. Use it to relax and have lunch while you take in the sights and sounds of Kelham. I think I saw about 2, maybe 3 people while I was there. I stayed at the beach for a little over an hour or so. Basically had it to myself for the majority of the time. If you're looking for a secluded beach to relax at during your trip to Point Reyes, this is the one. The trek may be long, but the sights and solidarity make it totally worth it.

Kelham Beach was the destination for my boyfriend and I's Point Reyes hike. It is about 5 miles…read moreone way from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to get to this beach. Once you see the sign for the Kelham Beach Trail, go down the several steep steps to the beach. Once you reach the beach, you will be treated to a nice sandy beach with not too many people. When we were there, there might have been only a few other groups there. It feels very remote and secluded. It is defiantly a nice place for a romantic picnic. The beach also a small waterfall which was a nice surprise. If you have never been to Point Reyes before, hiking to Kelham Beach is a good starting point. The terrain wasn't too challenging and the beach was easy to find. I would defiantly recommend checking it out if you are able to.

Could not find any trail down from the road or up from the beach, and anyone who says to use the…read moretrail to Palomarin Beach must not have walked it recently. Totally overgrown, basically inaccessible--rope ladder is not easy to use if you are carrying bags. Nice beach once you're there, at least during low tide when you have some solid stone to walk on (which creates a few tidepools), but most of the beach is covered with small rocks. Skip this beach unless you plan on wearing long clothing to protect from ticks, wasps, tall brush, and climbing on your hands and knees between the rope ladder and the other rope section.

RCA beach, so named because of the (former) RCA communications facility on the bluff above the…read morebeach. The hike from the parking area to the beach is a long one. You have to go past the radio building, then south for a long ways before you find the trail down to the beach. Once on the beach, it is very nice. There are plenty of rock formations to explore, tide pools, etc. RCA beach is traditionally clothing optional, and you may encounter nude people there. However, the weather and water is usually so cold, being nude isn't the most comfortable way to explore it. When it does warm up, it is great to enjoy the beach the way God intended- As long as some liberal prude doesn't hate you for it. The hippies will go out of their way to make you uncomfortable. The good news is, there is seldom anyone else around. No gawkers have been seen in my many trips to RCA beach. Safe to let your kids play. There are no crowds of people on RCA beach, mostly a surfer or two is about all you will see. Weekends are a little busier.

Review #140 - 2020…read more After our quick stop over at the Cypress Tree Tunnel, I wanted to make a quick stop over at the lighthouse; but the kids were too hungry, so I decided to just find a place to pull over so we could eat. I picked up some Thai/Lao food from my sister's restaurant before heading over, so we had plenty of good food for the starving kids. I had no idea that we were heading to the beach when I made the turn onto this road, but I guess we got lucky & ended up here! We showed up at around 6:15 PM on Thursday, July 16th. Much to my surprise, there was a lot of cars in the parking lot for a Thursday evening. It was actually pretty cold & breezy, but nobody minded the weather since they were so hungry. Plus, it was such an awesome view to enjoy our meal! The younger kids were super happy to be out on the sand, while the older kids & adults enjoyed our meal. It was way too cold for me to even consider setting foot in the water. We saw a group of youngsters with their horse on the beach, that was pretty cool! The kids wanted to get a closer look, but I didn't want to go down so they just looked from above. Thankfully, the bathroom here is pretty nice and clean. There's plenty of parking as well! I'd definitely consider coming back when it's nice and warm.

Seeking a refuge that costs no more than a drive? Longing for the sound of crashing waves, the…read moresmell of salted air, and cry of seabirds? Tired of sitting at home, staring at the four walls, wondering when this pandemic is going to end? Look no further: North Beach is your answer! For those who need respite; for those whose needs can only be filled by nature; for those who long for the voice of the sea, this is it! Social distancing can be had here whether you stay in your car and roll down the windows or find space on the beach. The crowds are not large here and the beauty is as bountiful as the sunshine. This is your retreat, your pandemic get-away! Go.