McClures Beach Point Reyes
A secluded Northern California beach with dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and a rewarding hike, perfect for wave watching and beachcombing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Gentle wind, beautiful views
McClures Beach Point Reyes
Best Time
Gentle wind, beautiful views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded Northern California beach with dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and a rewarding hike, perfect for wave watching and beachcombing.
"Lonely & strikingly gorgeous, dramatic NorCal ocean & red cliffs all around."
🧥 Pack Layers!
It's cold and windy here year-round. Bring a jacket, sunglasses, and a hat.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Water shoes are great for the shells and cold water. The hike back up is a workout!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Sandy Expanse
McClures Beach
A half-mile stretch of sand framed by dramatic cliffs, perfect for relaxing and wave watching.
Rocky Outcrops & Tidal Pools
North and South ends of McClures Beach
Explore fascinating rock formations and discover marine life in tidal pools during low tide.
Scenic Trail to the Shore
Trailhead to McClures Beach
A rewarding, albeit steep, downhill hike through a lush valley to reach the secluded beach.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Tidal Treasures & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Pack Layers!
It's cold and windy here year-round. Bring a jacket, sunglasses, and a hat.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Water shoes are great for the shells and cold water. The hike back up is a workout!
🌊 Respect the Waves
The ocean is powerful and cold; not ideal for swimming. Be cautious if crab snaring.
🦀 Beachcomber's Paradise
Abundant shells and marine life. Keep an eye out for sea lions too!
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Pack Layers!
It's cold and windy here year-round. Bring a jacket, sunglasses, and a hat.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Water shoes are great for the shells and cold water. The hike back up is a workout!
🌊 Respect the Waves
The ocean is powerful and cold; not ideal for swimming. Be cautious if crab snaring.
🦀 Beachcomber's Paradise
Abundant shells and marine life. Keep an eye out for sea lions too!
🗑️ Leave No Trace
This beach is pristine. Please pack out everything you pack in.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McClures Beach is praised for its stunning natural beauty, secluded atmosphere, and dramatic coastal scenery, offering a peaceful escape. Visitors appreciate the beachcombing opportunities and wildlife sightings. However, the very cold water and the strenuous uphill hike back from the beach are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"Great little beach at Point Reyes, very much like most other Northern California beaches. Cool, breezy, cold water, rocky outcrops, steep cliffs, and best of all, not crowded. Rocky points guard the north and south ends of the beach, which are about a half a mile apart. It's a great place to come watch the waves and relax. We were able to climb up the rocks at the south end which brings you out over the water, where you can really feel the power of the ocean waves! Bring a jacket, sunglasses, and a hat and you're set! A bit of a walk downhill to the beach, but most people should be able to make it without problems."
Allan Ruyters
"this isnt a beach i would swim at as the water is freezing cold even in the summer, but the views are stunning. the hike down is a breeze aside from some spots of mud (be careful) and then the hike back up will take all the energy out of ya. i walked from the north side all the way to the south side which that alone took me an hour. this must be where seagulls breed and eat because the whole beach is covered in crabs and other shells, perfect for beach combing. i recommended getting some water shoes to walk this beach since the water is cold, covered in carcasses and seagulls poo, and helps you stay on top of the sand. there are toilets at the beginning of the trail as well. there was absolutely ZERO trash on this beach so please keep it that way. bring your trash with you."
Claire Martinez
"Fun place lots of wildlife saw a sea lion that me and my family called Barney"
Brady duke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McClures Beach is accessible via a short, steep trail from the parking lot. The hike down is scenic, but the climb back up can be strenuous. Consider it a moderate hike with a rewarding destination.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the trailhead for McClures Beach. It can fill up, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
No, you cannot drive directly onto McClures Beach. Access is via a walking trail from the designated parking area.
From San Francisco, drive north across the Golden Gate Bridge and follow Highway 101. Take the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit towards Point Reyes Station. Continue on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard until you reach the park entrance, then follow signs for McClures Beach. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, there are restrooms located at the beginning of the trail leading down to McClures Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
McClures Beach is part of Point Reyes National Seashore, which typically has an entrance fee per vehicle. Check the official NPS website for current fees and any potential reservation requirements.
Point Reyes National Seashore is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always best to check the official NPS website for any specific closures or updated hours.
Point Reyes National Seashore charges an entrance fee per vehicle. This fee covers access to all areas within the park, including McClures Beach.
Yes, if you have a valid America the Beautiful Pass or other recognized National Parks Pass, it will cover the entrance fee for your vehicle at Point Reyes National Seashore.
While generally open, be aware of tide times and ocean conditions. Dogs are not permitted on McClures Beach to protect wildlife.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The water at McClures Beach is very cold, even in summer, and the waves can be rough. It's generally not recommended for swimming.
You might spot sea lions, various seabirds, and if you're lucky, Tule elk near the trails. The beach itself is often covered in shells and other marine life.
The hike down is relatively easy, but the hike back up is steep and can be tiring. It's considered a moderate effort.
Bring layers of clothing, a jacket, sunglasses, a hat, water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Water shoes are recommended for walking on the beach.
McClures Beach is known for being less crowded than other Point Reyes beaches, offering a more secluded experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic cliffs, the expansive sandy shore, and the powerful ocean waves. Tidal pools offer unique macro photography subjects.
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) can offer beautiful light, but be mindful of the wind and cooler temperatures. Midday can provide clear views of the dramatic landscape.
The rocky outcrops at the north and south ends provide elevated perspectives of the beach and ocean. The trail itself also offers scenic glimpses.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and cliffs. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Protect your gear from sand and sea spray.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks. Check the Point Reyes National Seashore's official website for current drone regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
The dramatic cliffs, expansive sand, and powerful ocean waves provide a stunning natural landscape for photography and quiet contemplation. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including Tule elk and various bird species, which are often spotted in the area. 📸 Photographers
Tidal pools at low tide present opportunities for macro photography, revealing intricate details of marine life. Remember to protect your gear from the elements, as sea spray and sand are common. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails to McClures Beach
For those looking for a longer exploration, the trail from Kehoe Beach to McClures Beach offers a more extensive coastal walk, perfect for electric bike adventures if permitted and conditions allow.
This route provides a different perspective of the Point Reyes coastline, showcasing its rugged beauty. Always check trail conditions and any specific regulations before embarking on longer hikes or using specialized equipment like e-bikes.Understanding the Ocean Dynamics at McClures Beach
This dynamic environment makes it a challenging but potentially rewarding spot for activities like crab snaring, though success depends on casting far beyond the breaking waves. [^R] The rough surf also contributes to the beach's natural beauty, creating a dramatic backdrop for photography and contemplation.
It's crucial to respect the ocean's force and stay aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring the rocky points or venturing near the water's edge.Wildlife Encounters and Beachcombing
It's important to remember that this is a natural habitat, and visitors are encouraged to observe wildlife from a respectful distance. The pristine condition of the beach, with 'absolutely ZERO trash' noted by one visitor, highlights the community's commitment to preservation.
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