Kehoe Beach
A wild, windswept beach with dramatic bluffs and vast sands, offering a secluded escape on the Point Reyes coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Potentially warmer, less wind
Kehoe Beach
Best Time
Potentially warmer, less wind
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wild, windswept beach with dramatic bluffs and vast sands, offering a secluded escape on the Point Reyes coast.
"Another incredible Point Reyes Beach, Kehoe magnifies whatever the Pacific is offering on a given day – sunny and pristine or wild and stormy."
🧥 Dress in Layers
Even summer can be chilly! Pack a windbreaker & warm layers. :cloud:
🚗 Mind the Potholes
The road to Kehoe Beach can be rough. Drive slowly & carefully. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Sandy Expanse
The main beach area
Miles of uninterrupted sand perfect for long walks and finding your own secluded spot.
Dramatic Sandstone Bluffs
North end of the beach
Impressive sandstone formations create a striking backdrop against the ocean.
Dunes and Creek
South end of the beach
Explore rolling dunes and a gentle creek, offering a different landscape to discover.
Seaside Serenity
Throughout the beach
Experience a moment of zen with the sound of waves and the expansive ocean views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind & Weather
The Journey to Seclusion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress in Layers
Even summer can be chilly! Pack a windbreaker & warm layers. :cloud:
🚗 Mind the Potholes
The road to Kehoe Beach can be rough. Drive slowly & carefully. :car:
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Great for a beach day with your furry friend. :dog:
🚶♀️ Short Hike Required
Expect a 15-min walk from parking. Bring beach gear wisely! :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress in Layers
Even summer can be chilly! Pack a windbreaker & warm layers. :cloud:
🚗 Mind the Potholes
The road to Kehoe Beach can be rough. Drive slowly & carefully. :car:
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Great for a beach day with your furry friend. :dog:
🚶♀️ Short Hike Required
Expect a 15-min walk from parking. Bring beach gear wisely! :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Watch the Waves
Seas are often rough. Best for admiring, not swimming. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kehoe Beach is praised for its stunning, wild beauty and secluded atmosphere, offering miles of sand and dramatic bluffs. Visitors appreciate the lack of crowds and the opportunity for long walks. However, the strong winds and rough seas are frequently mentioned drawbacks, making it less suitable for swimming or sunbathing, and the drive can be bumpy.
"Barren beach which can be really windy. The beach extends a short ways to the north, and goes seemingly forever south. You could walk for miles and never run into any obstacles. Backdrop is grassy dunes (north end has cliffs), obviously no shade. There aren't a lot of rock outcroppings or anything of interest in the water, and the seas are usually rough, better for staring at the waves or long walks, vs water play or visual interest. Easier to find a secluded area with the beach extending so far. I'm not a "lounge at the beach all day" kinda guy, unless it's a warm tropical beach, so this isn't the ideal spot, but it's still quite a nice beach. Note that there's no real parking lot, just a dirt pullout, and the walk to the beach is over half a mile, 15 minutes (or longer) with kids and/or beach gear."
Allan Ruyters
"What a gorgeous beach! Small hike to get there from off the road. The drive is nice, but the road is slightly wonky (needs roadwork) so drive slow and take in the view."
M D
"Another incredible Point Reyes Beach. Facing due west, Kehoe magnifies whatever the Pacific is offering on a given day – sunny and pristine or wild and stormy – it is always a wonderful experience.
Located just short of the end of the road at the McClure's Beach trailhead, Kehoe sees a bit less traffic, making it a favorite of mine. I also love the variety of environments, with huge sandstone bluffs on the north end and dunes with a creek to the south. As a Marin family photographer, I am always trying to convince clients to make the trek out to Kehoe for their photo session!
Be careful around the water's edge as the beach is steep at times, with powerful waves right on the shore. And keep in mind that parking roadside can be tight on weekends. Dogs are welcome here. Enjoy!"
David Enloe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kehoe Beach is located at the end of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Point Reyes National Seashore. Access is via a roadside pull-off, followed by a short hike of about 15 minutes. The road can be bumpy with potholes, so drive with caution.
Parking is available as a dirt pull-out along the road near the trailhead. It can be tight, especially on weekends, so arrive early if possible.
The road leading to Kehoe Beach can be rough and has numerous potholes. It's recommended to drive slowly and be aware of the road conditions.
The hike to Kehoe Beach is relatively short but can be longer with children or beach gear. The terrain is mostly flat sand and dunes.
While GPS can guide you to the general area of Point Reyes National Seashore, it's best to follow signs for Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and look for the Kehoe Beach trailhead pull-off.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kehoe Beach is part of Point Reyes National Seashore, which typically has an entrance fee. Check the official National Park Service website for current fees and any specific requirements for beach access.
Point Reyes National Seashore is generally open year-round from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check the official NPS website for any temporary closures or specific access times.
Yes, Point Reyes National Seashore usually charges an entrance fee per vehicle. This fee grants access to all areas within the park, including Kehoe Beach.
Entrance fees are typically paid upon arrival at the park. There isn't a need to book tickets in advance for general beach access.
Besides standard park rules, be aware of potential tide restrictions or closures due to wildlife activity. Always check the NPS website before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kehoe Beach is a vast, often windy, sandy beach with dramatic sandstone bluffs on one end and dunes on the other. It's ideal for long walks and enjoying the Pacific's raw beauty.
Swimming is generally not recommended at Kehoe Beach due to strong currents, rough waves, and steep shorelines. It's better suited for admiring the ocean.
Enjoy long walks, beachcombing, photography, bird watching, and picnicking. Some visitors also enjoy crab snaring, though conditions can be challenging.
Kehoe Beach is known for being less crowded than other Point Reyes beaches, offering a more secluded experience.
There are no restrooms or other facilities directly at Kehoe Beach. You'll need to use facilities at other locations within Point Reyes National Seashore.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic sandstone bluffs, the expansive sandy shores, the rolling dunes, and the powerful Pacific waves. Sunsets can also be spectacular here. 
Yes, Kehoe Beach faces west and can offer stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean, especially when the fog cooperates.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and bluffs. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a sturdy tripod is recommended for low light or windy conditions.
Drone usage is restricted in many National Parks, including Point Reyes. Always check the official NPS regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Look for interesting driftwood, tide pools (if present), seabirds, and the unique textures of the sandstone formations. The interplay of light and fog can also create dramatic scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep a close eye on children due to the steep shore and powerful waves. Dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for families with furry members too! Consider visiting on a calmer, sunnier day if possible, though even then, layers are a must.
The drive can be bumpy, so ensure car seats are secure. The lack of facilities means packing all necessities, including snacks, drinks, and extra clothing. Despite these considerations, the secluded nature of Kehoe Beach can provide a memorable and less crowded family beach experience. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
The scenic hike to the beach adds a rewarding element to your visit, and the relative lack of crowds means you can truly immerse yourself in the coastal environment. Be prepared for the windy conditions by wearing appropriate clothing, and always let someone know your plans and expected return time, as cell service can be spotty in this area.
It's an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the raw beauty of the California coast at your own pace.🐶 Dog Owners
Many visitors mention that the people they encounter at Kehoe Beach are often there specifically to bring their dogs. Remember to bring water and waste bags for your dog, and always ensure they are under control, especially around other visitors and wildlife. The windy conditions can be exhilarating for dogs, but also be mindful of their comfort. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Winds of Kehoe Beach
This wind is a significant factor to consider when planning your visit, especially if you're sensitive to cold or planning activities like sunbathing. Packing windproof layers is essential, and understanding that the beach is more about dramatic scenery and bracing walks than lounging is key. Many visitors embrace the wind as part of the Kehoe Beach experience, finding it invigorating and contributing to the wild, untamed beauty of the location. The sound of the wind and waves creates a powerful natural soundtrack.
While it might deter some from prolonged stays, for others, it's precisely this raw, elemental nature that makes Kehoe Beach so appealing. It's a place to feel the power of the Pacific and enjoy a bracing escape from the everyday. For those who want to make the most of a windy day, consider activities that are less affected by the breeze, such as long walks along the shore or photography where the wind can add a dynamic element to your shots.
If you're planning a picnic, look for sheltered spots among the dunes or behind larger pieces of driftwood. The Journey to Kehoe Beach: A Scenic, Bumpy Ride
Upon arrival, you won't find a large parking lot. Instead, there's a simple dirt pull-off area along the roadside. Parking can be limited, particularly on busy weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable.
This combination of a slightly challenging drive and a short hike contributes to Kehoe Beach's charm. It filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who make the effort are rewarded with a more tranquil and authentic coastal experience.
It's a reminder that some of the best places require a little extra effort to reach.Kehoe Beach: A Photographer's Coastal Canvas
On the south end, the rolling dunes and a gentle creek add a softer, more serene element to the scenery. Photographers often highlight the ever-changing moods of the Pacific. Whether it's a pristine, sunny day or a wild, stormy afternoon, Kehoe Beach magnifies whatever the ocean is offering.
Sunsets here can be particularly breathtaking, with the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. The interplay of light, fog, and the dynamic ocean can create truly unique and atmospheric images. When visiting Kehoe Beach for photography, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views, a telephoto lens for potential wildlife sightings (like seabirds), and a sturdy tripod to manage windy conditions or capture long exposures of the waves.
Remember to check the weather and tide conditions, as these will significantly influence the photographic opportunities. The beach is also a fantastic spot for capturing dog portraits, as many visitors bring their canine companions. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit