Nestled at the southern edge of Point Reyes National Seashore, Palomarin Beach gives you a peaceful break from the city. This one-mile stretch of pebbly shoreline sits beneath rugged cliffs, making a pretty dramatic backdrop for a beach day. Palomarin Beach is an ideal spot for diving into Marin County’s wild side—think tide pools at low tide and access to the Alamere Falls trail.
You’ll find the beach at the end of Mesa Road, about 5 miles northwest of Bolinas. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. Most folks use the Palomarin Trailhead to get to Alamere Falls, one of California’s rare waterfalls that drops right onto the sand.
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When you visit, you get the raw beauty of a spot that’s way less crowded than most Marin beaches. Just remember, the tides change everything—at low tide you get those magical tide pools full of marine life, but high tide can swallow the whole beach. Bring water, snacks, and layers; coastal weather can turn on a dime out here.
Overview of Palomarin Beach
Palomarin Beach delivers a rugged coastal experience at the southern tip of Point Reyes National Seashore. The pebbly shore runs for about a mile, framed by dramatic cliffs and dotted with tide pools.
Location in Marin County
You’ll find Palomarin Beach in Bolinas, on Marin’s western edge. It’s tucked at the end of Mesa Road, roughly 5 miles northwest of Bolinas itself. The beach sits inside Point Reyes National Seashore, which is a protected slice of California coastline.
To get there, just follow Mesa Road until it dead-ends at the Palomarin Trailhead. The last stretch of the road turns unpaved and a bit bumpy, so take it slow.
Heads up: the Palomarin Beach Trail is closed indefinitely due to unstable conditions. Still, you can reach parts of the area from the Coast Trail.
Natural Features and Scenery
This isn’t your typical sandy beach—it’s all pebbles, with steep cliffs dropping right down to the shore. The whole place feels wild and untouched, which draws a lot of photographers. At low tide, tide pools show up, packed with all kinds of sea creatures.
You get sweeping Pacific Ocean views from the beach, and the rough landscape stands in contrast to Marin’s more polished beaches.
Palomarin Beach links to Alamere Falls Park, though you’ll need to hike separately to reach the waterfall. The coastal terrain here is full of native plants tough enough for the salty air.
The weather can flip fast—bring layers, even if the sky looks clear when you set out.
How to Get to Palomarin Beach
Getting to Palomarin Beach takes a bit of effort since it’s tucked away in Point Reyes National Seashore. You’ll need to drive to the trailhead and then hike along scenic coastal paths.
Directions and Access Routes
Start by driving north out of San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Take Highway 1 through Stinson Beach to Bolinas. From there, continue on Mesa Road for about 5 miles until you hit the end at the Palomarin Trailhead.
The last mile of the road is rough and unpaved, full of potholes after rain. A car with some clearance helps, but most vehicles can make it if you’re careful.
If you’re using GPS, plug in “Palomarin Trailhead” instead of Palomarin Beach—the beach itself is hike-in only.
Public transit is almost nonexistent out here. The closest bus stops in Bolinas, so you’d be stuck with a 5-mile trek to the trailhead.
Parking and Facilities
There’s a small lot at the Palomarin Trailhead that fits about 35 cars. On weekends and holidays, it fills up fast—by 9 AM in summer, good luck finding a spot.
At the parking area you’ll find:
- No parking fee
- Vault toilets near the trailhead
- Info boards with maps/trail updates
- No water (bring your own!)
You won’t find food, trash cans, or cell service at the trailhead. Pack enough water and snacks, and download maps before you go.
If the lot’s full, you might find limited roadside parking along Mesa Road, but don’t block the road or driveways.
Palomarin Trailhead Information
The Palomarin Trailhead opens the door to several Point Reyes hikes, including Palomarin Beach and the famous Alamere Falls. From the trailhead, you’ll hike about 1.5 miles on the Coast Trail to reach the beach.
It’s open year-round, sunrise to sunset, and there’s no entrance fee—nice for the budget. Dogs aren’t allowed, since this is protected land.
Trail conditions depend on the season. Expect mud in winter/spring, and drier trails but less water at Alamere Falls in summer. It’s smart to check the Point Reyes National Seashore website for updates before you go.
Hiking to Palomarin Beach
Palomarin Beach sits at the center of several hiking routes, ranging from easy strolls to tougher treks. The ocean views and wild landscapes make the effort worth it.
Popular Hiking Trails
The area’s best-known path is the Coast Trail, which links to Alamere Falls. Bass Lake Trail branches off from the Coast Trail and leads to a local swimming hole.
You can also check out the Wildcat Camp Trail, which takes you to a quiet beach campground. In spring, wildflowers and birds are everywhere.
Each trail gives you a different slice of the coastline and the hills. Grab a map at the trailhead kiosk—it helps.
Distance and Difficulty
The hike to Palomarin Beach from the trailhead is about 1.5 miles. It’s moderately tough, with some steep and uneven spots. Wear solid shoes, especially if it’s rained recently.
The full Coast Trail runs 16 miles, but most folks stick to shorter sections. Alamere Falls is about 8-9 miles round-trip, which takes 4-6 hours.
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Trail breakdown:
- Palomarin Beach: Moderate, 1.5 miles each way
- Alamere Falls via Coast Trail: Challenging, 4-4.5 miles each way
- Bass Lake Trail: Moderate, 2.5 miles each way
You’ll climb about 1,500 feet on these trails. Bring water—there’s none past the trailhead.
Coast Trail Route
The Coast Trail starts at the Palomarin Trailhead, right at the end of Mesa Road. You’ll begin in a eucalyptus grove, then head into coastal scrub with sweeping ocean views.
About 2 miles in, you’ll see the turnoff for Bass Lake. Keep going on the Coast Trail and you’ll cross bluffs, forest patches, and open meadows.
Landmarks along the way:
- Pelican Lake (2.5 miles in)
- Ocean Lookout Point (3 miles)
- Wildcat Camp junction (3.5 miles)
- Alamere Creek crossing (4 miles)
The trail’s usually easy to follow, but can get overgrown in spring and summer. Fog can roll in out of nowhere, so bring layers even if it’s sunny when you start. If you want more peace, weekdays are a better bet than weekends.
Highlights Along the Way
Even before you reach the beach, the hike to Palomarin serves up some pretty cool stops. Nature puts on a show out here, and it’s hard not to pause and take it all in.
Alamere Falls
Alamere Falls is one of those rare California waterfalls that drops straight onto the sand. It’s about 40 feet tall and, honestly, a bit of a local legend. The hike from Palomarin Trailhead is roughly 4 miles each way.
The trail’s got some steep bits, and the last stretch down to the beach is tricky—watch your step. Most people need 2-3 hours each way.
Winter and spring are best if you want to see the falls at their fullest. By summer, it can shrink to a trickle. Always check the tide chart—low tide makes it much safer to get close to the falls.
Don’t forget water and sturdy shoes for this one.
Bass Lake
Roughly 2.5 miles from the trailhead, Bass Lake is a sweet spot to take a break. This freshwater lake sits among the hills and turns into a swimming hole when it’s warm.
The trail to Bass Lake is pretty mellow, winding through coastal scrub and eucalyptus. There’s a little side path to a rope swing on the lake’s east shore—a favorite for the adventurous.
In summer, a dip in the lake feels amazing. Shady spots around the shore make for a good picnic, too.
If you like fishing, you might catch bass or bluegill here, but you’ll need a California fishing license.
Wildflowers and Scenery
Spring brings a riot of color to the Palomarin trails. Between March and May, you’ll see California poppies, lupines, Douglas iris, and more lighting up the hills.
The coastal scrub landscape gives you epic ocean views the whole way. There are a few lookout points that are perfect for photos—on clear days, you might even spot the Farallon Islands.
Wildlife is everywhere. Red-tailed hawks soar overhead, rabbits dart through the brush, and if you’re lucky, you might spot migrating whales from high up on the trail.
You’ll pass through several microclimates, each with its own plant life. If you’re into botany, bring a wildflower guide.
Flora, Fauna, and Wildlife Viewing
Palomarin Beach is a fantastic spot for wildlife watching, thanks to its diverse ecosystems. The meeting of land and sea here creates a haven for all sorts of creatures—marine life, land mammals, birds, you name it.
Common Wildlife
You’ll often spot seals and sea lions hanging out on offshore rocks or swimming nearby. Sometimes they’ll pop their heads up and watch you right back.
Check out the tide pools at low tide—they’re little worlds full of sea anemones, starfish, hermit crabs, and bright sea slugs. Please look, but don’t touch—these habitats are fragile.
Dungeness crabs and red abalone live in these waters, though you’ll need proper permits and to follow the rules if you want to collect any. The rocky shore is home to California oysters too, but you should always check for health advisories before even thinking about harvesting.
Birdwatching Opportunities
Palomarin Beach is a favorite birdwatching destination, thanks in part to being so close to the Point Reyes Bird Observatory. This research station keeps tabs on bird populations and hosts educational programs if you’re curious to learn more.
Don’t forget your binoculars. You’re likely to spot:
- Coastal species: cormorants, pelicans, gulls
- Shorebirds: sandpipers, plovers, godwits
- Raptors: red-tailed hawks, ospreys, peregrine falcons
Spring and fall migrations bring in some rare visitors, so those seasons can be especially exciting for birders. The mix of ocean, wetland, and forest habitats here means you can see a huge range of birds—over 490 species have been recorded, which is kind of wild.
You’ll have the best luck in the mornings, when birds are most active. Trails around Palomarin give you some nice vantage points for spotting both locals and migrators.
Tule Elk and Other Species
Tule elk, once nearly wiped out, now roam the Point Reyes area again, thanks to some pretty impressive conservation work. You’ll see them more often up north, but every so often, a determined hiker starting from Palomarin gets lucky and spots one.
The hills and forests nearby are home to black-tailed deer, which tend to show up at dawn and dusk. Bobcats and coyotes live here too, but they’re a lot more secretive—maybe you’ll catch a glimpse if you’re out early and quiet.
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You’ll probably see smaller mammals like raccoons, skunks, and brush rabbits. If you’re hoping for wildlife sightings, check out the restored wetlands along Lagunitas Creek, which you can reach via a spur trail (look for it in the park materials).
Safety and Trail Tips
If you’re heading to Palomarin Beach, it pays to know what you’re getting into when it comes to trail conditions and natural hazards. The trip is beautiful but does take a bit of planning and some caution.
Navigating Scrambling Sections
You’ll hit some tricky scrambling sections on the trail to Palomarin Beach and Alamere Falls, especially once you get near the falls. These spots need careful footing and sometimes both hands to keep your balance. Seriously, wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip—leave the flip-flops at home.
When it’s rained recently, things get slick and a lot more dangerous. If the ground’s wet, it’s probably smart to wait for a drier day. The unofficial shortcut to the falls? Super steep and unstable—think twice.
Hike with a buddy if you can, and when you’re on steep parts, keep three points of contact (two feet and a hand, or vice versa). Go slow, test each step, and don’t rush it.
Poison Oak Awareness
Poison oak is everywhere along the Palomarin Trail. It’s got clusters of three shiny leaves that turn reddish in the fall—memorize that look. The oils can give you a nasty rash, even if you just brush against it.
Try to stay in the middle of the trail. Long pants and sleeves help, even if it’s warm out. If you think you touched some, rinse off with cool water as soon as you can.
It’s worth tossing a little bottle of Technu or something similar in your pack. Oils can stick to your clothes or even your dog, then get on your skin later. Wash your hiking gear separately when you get home.
Camping and Nearby Accommodations
If you want to make your Palomarin Beach trip an overnight adventure, you’ve got a few camping options nearby. Reserve ahead, especially in summer or on weekends—spots go fast.
Camping Options
You can’t camp right on Palomarin Beach, but Point Reyes National Seashore offers several alternatives within hiking distance. All the official campsites need permits from the National Park Service.
To snag a spot, book through recreation.gov or call the Point Reyes visitor center. Reservations open six months out and fill up quickly from May to September.
Most sites are primitive, so plan to:
- Carry in all your supplies
- Pack out your trash
- Bring water or a filter
- Use the provided toilet facilities
Wildcat Camp
Wildcat Camp is about 5.6 miles north of Palomarin Beach along the Coast Trail. It’s a popular backcountry stop with:
- 8 individual sites (up to 6 people each)
- 3 group sites (for 7-25 people)
- Pit toilets and seasonal potable water
- Quick beach access
You’ll camp on a bluff with partial wind shelter from trees, and you’re just 1.2 miles south of Alamere Falls—makes for a convenient overnight if you’re chasing waterfalls.
Permits are $20 per night for individual sites, plus a $10 reservation fee. Book ahead—weekends fill up 3-4 months early.
Other Nearby Campgrounds
Samuel P. Taylor State Park, about 20 minutes east by car, offers a more developed camping setup:
- 60 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings
- Hot showers and flush toilets
- Sites for tents and RVs up to 31 feet
If you want something different, Steep Ravine Cabins sit above the ocean with killer views. There are 10 rustic cabins—wood stoves, but no electricity or running water.
Olema Campground is private, with full RV hookups and tent sites. It’s close to Point Reyes Station, so restaurants and supplies are handy.
Kirby Cove, farther north near the Golden Gate Bridge, has four scenic drive-up sites for up to 10 people each.
Other Nearby Attractions
Palomarin Beach is just one part of the bigger Point Reyes National Seashore, and there’s a lot more to see within a short drive. The region mixes wild landscapes with some fascinating history.
Point Reyes Overview
Point Reyes National Seashore covers a whopping 71,000+ acres of protected coastline and open space. The peninsula sticks out into the Pacific about 30 miles north of San Francisco. You’ll find beaches, cliffs, forests, grasslands—pretty much every kind of coastal habitat.
Wildlife is everywhere. Tule elk, harbor seals, elephant seals, and, of course, those hundreds of bird species. The geology is interesting too: Point Reyes sits on the Pacific Plate, separated from the rest of California by the San Andreas Fault.
There are over 150 miles of hiking trails, from easy strolls to tough all-day treks. Most are open year-round, but winter rains can make things muddy or impassable.
Visitor Center and Services
Bear Valley Visitor Center is the main hub for info at Point Reyes. It’s near Olema and open daily (except major holidays). Inside, you’ll find exhibits on wildlife, geology, and local history.
Rangers can help you plan your day and share the latest trail and weather updates. There’s a bookstore with maps, field guides, and souvenirs.
Restrooms, picnic tables, and drinking water are all available here. It’s a smart first stop before heading out to the wilder parts of the park.
There are smaller info spots too, like the Lighthouse Visitor Center and the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center at Drakes Beach. They keep shorter hours, so check online before you go.
Chimney Rock and Point Reyes Lighthouse
The Point Reyes Lighthouse sits on a rocky outcrop at the park’s far west edge. Built in 1870, it’s been guiding ships for over a century.
You’ll need to walk down (and back up) 308 steps to reach it. The climb is no joke, but you get sweeping ocean views as a reward. Whale-watching is fantastic from January to April.
Chimney Rock, nearby, bursts with wildflowers in spring. There’s a moderate 1.6-mile trail out to dramatic cliffs above the Pacific. From December to March, keep an eye out for elephant seals on the beaches below.
Parking is limited at both spots. On busy weekends and during whale season, shuttles run from Drakes Beach.
Limantour and Drakes Beach
Limantour Beach stretches almost 2 miles along Drakes Bay. The waves are usually gentle, so it’s safer for wading than Palomarin. There’s plenty of space for picnics and beachcombing.
Birders love the Estero de Limantour nearby, where herons, egrets, and migratory shorebirds hang out. Trails connect the beach to this protected wetland.
Drakes Beach has a more developed vibe, with a seasonal visitor center and café. The white cliffs make a pretty dramatic backdrop, and it’s a good spot for families.
Both beaches have restrooms and picnic tables. Limantour is usually quieter than Drakes, especially on weekdays. Neither allows pets—local wildlife gets priority here.
Mount Wittenberg
Mount Wittenberg stands at 1,407 feet, making it the tallest spot in Point Reyes. If you start from the Bear Valley Visitor Center, you’re looking at a 5-mile round trip that’s moderately tough but totally worth it for the views.
On a clear day at the top, you might spot Mount Diablo across the bay, or even the Farallon Islands way out on the horizon. The path winds through a tangle of Douglas fir, bishop pine, and California bay trees—pretty classic for this area.
In spring, wildflowers like iris and Indian paintbrush pop up along the trail. Sometimes you’ll catch a black-tailed deer darting through the brush, or hear birds you can’t quite identify.
Some stretches get steep and there isn’t much shade, so pack more water than you think you’ll need. Layers are smart too—weather here changes its mind fast, no matter the season.
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