Miller Boat Launch sits on the eastern shore of Tomales Bay in Marin County, giving locals and visitors easy water access. This 4-acre spot has a handy two-lane ramp for launching all sorts of watercraft into one of California’s prettiest bays. For $5 parking, you get clean restrooms and a full day to explore the protected waters bordering Point Reyes National Seashore.
Kayakers, fishers, and boaters flock here to soak in the natural beauty of Tomales Bay. It’s right off Highway 1, just north of Nick’s Cove, making it a prime launch point for water adventures. The parking lot fills up fast on summer weekends, so if you’re not an early bird, you might be out of luck.
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From Miller Boat Launch, you can paddle to hidden beaches, spot wildlife, or reach boat-in campsites inside Point Reyes National Seashore. The bay’s calm, protected waters are great for both beginners and more seasoned boaters who want to enjoy Marin County’s gorgeous coastline without the wildness of the open ocean.
Planning Your Visit to Miller Boat Launch
If you want to get out on Tomales Bay, Miller Boat Launch makes it easy. A little planning—think equipment, permits, knowing what’s on-site—goes a long way.
Location and Access
You’ll find Miller Boat Launch on Tomales Bay’s eastern shore in Marin County. The address: 23240 California Highway 1, Marshall, CA. It’s about 6.5 kilometers north of Nick’s Cove, right on Highway 1.
Driving from the Bay Area is pretty straightforward. From San Francisco, head up Highway 101 North, take Exit 450B for San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, keep going west through Samuel P. Taylor State Park, and then north on Highway 1 toward Point Reyes.
There’s a clearly marked entrance on the bay side of the highway. The two-lane ramp works for both motorized and non-motorized boats, so whether you’ve got a kayak or something bigger, you’re set to explore Tomales Bay and the national seashore.
Hours, Permits, and Safety Guidelines
Miller Boat Launch opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, every day. Parking costs $5, payable by credit card at an automated machine in the lot.
You don’t need to reserve ahead for day use, but that lot fills up fast—especially weekends and holidays in summer. If you want a spot, come early.
Boating on Tomales Bay can be amazing, but you’ve got to stay sharp. Weather changes quickly here. Fog rolls in, especially during summer mornings, and visibility can drop in a hurry.
Always wear a life jacket and bring some way to navigate. Cell service is patchy out on the bay. If you’re boating to Point Reyes camping areas, make sure you get camping permits ahead of time from the National Park Service.
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Facilities and Amenities
The launch has a sturdy two-lane concrete ramp that handles most watercraft. The parking lot fits about 30 vehicles with boat trailers.
Restrooms are clean and usually well-kept, but don’t expect showers. There’s no fuel or repair shop, so bring whatever you need—better to be over-prepared out here.
A few picnic tables sit near the water, perfect for a lunch break with a bay view. There’s no drinking water, so pack your own.
You’ll spot signs with info about local marine life, safety tips, and navigation for Tomales Bay. No food vendors on-site, but Nick’s Cove Restaurant is just down the road and has solid dining options.
Nearby Accommodation and Camping Options
Thinking about staying overnight? You’ve got choices. Nick’s Cove, just south of the launch, rents out cozy cottages with bay views and has a top-notch restaurant.
If you’re into camping, Lawson’s Landing at the north end of Tomales Bay offers campsites with direct beach access. Book ahead—summer and weekends get busy.
Point Reyes National Seashore has unique boat-in camping along the bay’s western shore. You’ll need a permit from the Bear Valley Visitor Center, and you can only get there by boat from Miller Launch.
Other options include campgrounds inside the national seashore (Coast Camp, Glen Camp, Sky Camp, Wildcat Camp), but those require a hike. Tomales Bay State Park, a short drive south, has extra day-use areas and more beach access.
Recreational Experiences Around Miller Boat Launch
Miller Boat Launch is a jumping-off point for all kinds of outdoor fun on Tomales Bay. You’ll find great access for water sports, wildlife watching, and just soaking up the coastal magic.
Kayaking and Paddle Adventures
Kayaking’s huge here. Tomales Bay’s calm waters are perfect for paddlers at any level. You can rent gear from Blue Waters Kayaking nearby or bring your own and use the ramp.
The bay’s famous for bioluminescence, especially in summer and fall. Night paddles during the new moon can be unreal—tiny organisms light up the water around your paddle. If you’ve never seen it, it’s worth staying up late.
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For daytime trips, paddle to Marshall Beach or Hog Island. The eastern shoreline is usually calmer—great for beginners. If you’ve got more experience, you can head toward the bay’s mouth when conditions are good.
Check the weather before you go. Mornings tend to be calmest before the afternoon winds kick in.
Fishing, Swimming, and Wildlife Viewing
Fishing’s solid year-round. You can cast for halibut, striped bass, and perch from the pier or shoreline. Make sure you’ve got a California fishing license—you can grab one online or at local shops.
Swimming? It’s possible, but the water’s cold and currents can get strong. The launch area isn’t the best for swimming, but nearby beaches are better bets if you’re set on a dip.
Wildlife’s everywhere. Bring binoculars—you’ll probably spot pelicans, herons, osprey, and maybe even a harbor seal or two. Bat rays cruise the shallows sometimes.
Migratory birds pass through in spring and fall. Early mornings are your best shot at seeing animals before things get busy.
Exploring Tomales Bay and Surroundings
Tomales Bay connects to some cool places. The Phillip Burton Wilderness hugs the western shore, with pristine beaches you can only reach by boat. Tomales Beach and Heart’s Desire Beach make great day-trip destinations.
If you’re into food, you can paddle to Hog Island Oyster Co. or Tomales Bay Oyster Company for fresh seafood. Some places let you bring a bottle of bubbly from Napa to enjoy with your meal—why not?
The tiny town of Marshall is right there on the eastern shore, with restaurants and supplies. Point Reyes Station is a short drive from Miller Boat Launch and has more dining and shopping.
Want to camp by boat? There are designated sites along the western shore, but you’ll need permits—book well ahead through Point Reyes National Seashore.
Natural and Local History
Tomales Bay stretches out along the San Andreas Fault, its long, narrow form shaped by the grinding of tectonic plates. You can almost feel the earth’s story in the landscape—this place sits right where two massive plates meet, which is pretty wild if you think about it.
For thousands of years, the Coast Miwok people lived here, gathering seafood from these waters well before Europeans ever showed up. Their old shell middens still dot the shoreline, quiet reminders of a deep connection to this place.
Maritime history runs deep here too. Shipwrecks, some well-documented, lie beneath the waves. The local economy has long leaned on commercial fishing and oyster farming—traditions that got rolling back in the 1800s and still matter today.
Spanish explorers showed up in the 1500s, poking around these waters. Not too far away, Russian fur traders set up Fort Ross over in Sonoma County. During the Gold Rush, ships loaded with lumber and dairy left from here, heading out to feed booming cities like San Francisco and Monterey.
These days, folks are trying to strike a balance—protecting this fragile ecosystem while keeping the area’s working spirit alive. It’s a tricky dance, honestly, but it’s what gives Tomales Bay its unique vibe.
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