Our life in California was filled with breathtaking mountains, stunning coastline, and LOTS of people. Escape the crowds at Northern California’s best hidden beach: Point Reyes National Seashore. Here is our guide to enjoying this lovely, under-rated gem just outside San Francisco.
Point Reyes has it all – giant beaches that are never crowded, free parking, hiking trails, an elk herd, and gorgeous views everywhere you look! It is about an hour North of San Francisco, past the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Muir Woods National Monument. If you drive in from Eastern California instead, there are rolling hills and farmland that make you want to stay there forever!
Our favorite beach in this area is Limantour Beach, accessed by Limantour road (follow directions to the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Point Reyes then follow Limantour road to the end). This beach faces the south and is between Drakes Bay and the Limantour Estero estuary, with seemingly endless coastland and scenic dunes. Because the beach is so large, it doesn’t have the same issues with overcrowding seen in most of California.
While the water is cold, it is usually safe for swimming because of protection by Drakes Bay. We usually brought extra layers with us so that we could alternate between bathing suits and long sleeves when the wind picked up. Walk the coast and look for elephant seals sunbathing or bring a picnic and enjoy a day of complete tranquility on these sandy shores! For the more adventurous, take one of the many trails surrounding the beach, including the Coast Trail.
If you would like to spend the night, we would recommend the Point Reyes Hostel about a mile from Limantour Beach. Be sure to book ahead and plan early, as this fills up quickly! If you’re interested in a more rugged lifestyle, campsites are also available and can be booked online. If you would like to car camp, there are campground options just outside of the National Seashore area.
We always end our days here with a scenic drive through the rolling hills. Parts of the landscape look other-worldly (think Iceland but warmer), and driving by the wild elk herd is particularly magical. The views offered at the Elephant Seal Overlook also never disappoint. Whatever you do, we guarantee you will enjoy your time here! This budget-friendly trip is a must-see for anyone visiting Northern California.
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We hope this helps you plan your travels! Feel free to reach out if you’re planning to get out there!
Summer & Jackson
OutThere Travels
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