Nestled along the eastern edge of Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, Tomales Bay State Park gives you a peaceful break from the typical California beach scene. Unlike the wild ocean beaches nearby, this day-use park has gentle, surf-free shores, all shielded from the wind by Inverness Ridge. The calm, warmer waters feel safe for families with little kids—definitely a rarity along this coastline.
The blue water and quiet coves set the mood for kayaking, swimming, or just lounging on the sand. Each beach in the park has its own vibe and a distinct view of the bay, so you can bounce between them and never get bored.
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You’re only a quick drive from Marshall and a handful of small towns. It’s a great launching pad for exploring the broader Point Reyes region. Whether you’re squeezing in a day trip or tacking it onto a weekend escape, Tomales Bay State Park delivers that raw California beauty—and, honestly, way less of the tourist chaos you find elsewhere.
Overview of Tomales Bay State Park
Tomales Bay State Park brings together protected beaches, hiking trails, and mellow water activities just north of San Francisco, tucked into Marin County.
History and Significance
This park covers about 2,000 acres, preserving a rare slice of natural coastline and woodland where Tomales Bay meets the Point Reyes Peninsula.
Long before Europeans showed up, the Coast Miwok called this area home for thousands of years. They pulled seafood from the bay and relied on local plants for food and medicine.
Walking these trails, you’re pretty much seeing what Sir Francis Drake saw back in the 1500s. The state park’s creation stopped developers from paving over this wild spot. Now, it’s a place where you can get a feel for California’s coastal history while enjoying the outdoors.
Geography and Location
Tomales Bay State Park straddles both sides of Tomales Bay, a long, skinny inlet formed by the San Andreas Fault. The bay itself runs about 15 miles, with the park mostly on the western shore.
You’ll find the park about an hour north of San Francisco, out in western Marin County. Its spot on the eastern side of the Point Reyes Peninsula means it’s shielded from those chilly Pacific winds.
There are four main beaches:
- Heart’s Desire Beach – Most popular, easy to reach
- Pebble Beach – Pebbly shoreline, good for exploring
- Shell Beach – Beachcomber’s delight
- Indian Beach – Deep roots in local history
Trails wind through forests of bishop pine, Douglas fir, and oak. The mix of fresh and saltwater here creates all kinds of habitats—so you’ll spot a surprising variety of plants and animals.
Climate and Weather
Tomales Bay State Park sits in a mild Mediterranean zone, so it’s comfortable most of the year. Summers usually hover between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and even in winter, it rarely dips below 45°F (7°C).
Inverness Ridge blocks the harshest winds, so you often get warmer, calmer weather here than on the open coast.
Expect morning fog in summer, but it usually burns off by lunch. Spring brings wildflowers. Fall is warmest and clearest, while winter is the rainiest—mostly November through March.
Weather can flip fast, so check the forecast before you go. Even on sunny days, bring a jacket or two—once the sun drops, so does the temperature.
Getting to Tomales Bay State Park
Tomales Bay State Park sits in Marin County, about an hour north of San Francisco. Beautiful beaches and hiking trails line the eastern shore of Tomales Bay.
Directions and Transportation
From San Francisco, jump on Highway 101 North, then exit onto Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Follow that west through Samuel P. Taylor State Park until you hit Highway 1 in Olema. Take Highway 1 north for about 9 miles, then turn left onto Pierce Point Road. After a mile or so, you’ll see the main entrance.
Coming from the North Bay? Take Highway 1 south from Marshall toward Point Reyes Station. After you pass through the town, keep an eye out for Pierce Point Road on your left.
Public transit is pretty limited. The West Marin Stagecoach (Route 68) runs from San Rafael to Inverness, with stops near the park, but it’s not super frequent. Most folks just drive.
Parking Information
There are a few different parking areas:
- Hearts Desire Beach – Main lot, about 35 spaces
- Indian Beach – Smaller, around 15 spaces
- Millerton Point – Separate entrance, its own lot
Parking is $8 per car (as of 2025). On summer weekends and holidays, the lots fill up fast—sometimes before noon. If you want a spot, aim for a weekday or get there early.
Some tips:
- Arrive before 10am if you can
- Go on a weekday for less hassle
- Carpool if possible
- Have a backup plan in case your first-choice beach is packed
Accessibility
The park’s been working on accessibility. Hearts Desire Beach has accessible parking, restrooms, and picnic spots. There’s a beach wheelchair you can reserve if you need help getting onto the sand.
The Jepson Trail is partly accessible, with a hard-packed surface that works for some mobility devices. But not every trail is easy to navigate—nature is what it is.
If you have accessibility needs, call the park office at (415) 669-1140 before you go. The visitor center can also point out accessible areas on their maps.
Top Attractions
Tomales Bay State Park has several standout beaches, each with its own personality and activities.
Heart’s Desire Beach
Heart’s Desire Beach is the go-to spot. Calm, shallow water makes it a favorite with families—kids can splash around without the usual ocean hazards.
There are picnic tables under the trees, clean restrooms, and a good-sized parking lot. On weekends, though, that lot fills up fast—especially in summer. If you want a spot, don’t sleep in.
Swimming here is much safer than at the ocean beaches nearby, since the bay is protected from big waves and riptides. Water’s chilly, though—usually between 50-60°F.
A short trail links Heart’s Desire to Indian Beach, so you can easily check out both.
Millerton Point
Millerton Point is on the eastern shore and feels a bit different from the other beaches.
A flat, easy trail loops around the point—great for birdwatching. Herons, egrets, and all sorts of shorebirds hang out in the shallows.
You can launch a kayak from here and get a unique view of the bay. Local outfitters rent kayaks and run guided tours from launch points nearby.
The parking lot is smaller but rarely fills up. There’s a $5 day-use fee, paid at a self-registration station.
Unlike most of the park, dogs are allowed here (on leash).
Shell Beach
Shell Beach is exactly what you’d expect—a shoreline littered with oyster and clam shells. It’s a bit of a hike (about 0.7 miles) from the parking area.
The trail winds through bishop pine and coastal scrub. Keep an eye out for poison oak, especially in warmer months.
It’s quieter and more private than Heart’s Desire, so if you want some solitude, this is your spot. Shallow water stretches far out, and at low tide, you’ll find interesting tidal pools.
Bring binoculars—harbor seals sometimes lounge on nearby rocks, and you might catch an osprey diving for fish.
Indian Beach
Indian Beach is a short walk from Heart’s Desire or a separate 0.8-mile hike from the main lot.
This spot sits on a historic Coast Miwok site, and you’ll find signs explaining its cultural significance.
It’s a small, protected cove with generally calm water. Driftwood and fallen trees make for natural picnic seating.
At low tide, mudflats appear, teeming with little sea creatures—bring water shoes if you want to poke around. The forest provides plenty of shade, so it’s comfy even when the sun’s blazing.
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Outdoor Activities
Tomales Bay State Park is a playground for outdoor lovers. The beaches, hiking trails, and calm water make it easy to get outside, whether you’re into land or water adventures.
Hiking Trails
You’ll find several scenic trails for all skill levels. The Johnstone Trail (1.7 miles) links Heart’s Desire Beach to Shell Beach, with awesome bay views and a mostly easy path—great for families or anyone not looking to break a sweat.
If you want more of a workout, the Indian Nature Trail (1.2 miles) loops through bishop pine, madrone, and California bay laurel. Interpretive signs along the way share info about the local plants and animals.
The Indian Beach Trail (0.5 miles) is a short, quiet walk to a more secluded beach—perfect if you want to escape the crowds.
Wear decent shoes and bring water. Trails can get muddy in winter and spring, so check trail conditions before heading out.
Kayaking and Kayak Rentals
Kayaking is huge here. The protected bay is perfect for paddlers of all skill levels. Heart’s Desire Beach is a popular launch spot.
A few local companies offer rentals and tours:
- Blue Waters Kayaking (Inverness)
- Point Reyes Outdoors (Point Reyes Station)
- Tomales Bay Expeditions (Marshall)
If you’re up for something different, try a bioluminescence night tour (spring through fall). Watching the water light up is pretty magical. These tours run a few hours, and you’ll need to book ahead.
Morning paddles are best for wildlife spotting—harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, shorebirds. Binoculars come in handy.
Always check the weather before heading out. Conditions can change quickly.
Boating and Miller Boat Launch
Miller Boat Launch near Marshall makes it easy to get small boats into Tomales Bay. It’s a public launch managed by California State Parks.
The bay’s long and narrow, so it’s usually calm—great for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Motorboats have to keep it under 5 mph near swimming areas and beaches, which keeps things safe and quiet.
Fog can roll in out of nowhere, so bring some navigation gear. Cell service is spotty.
On busy summer weekends, parking at the launch can fill up, so get there early. Check tide charts too—low tides can make launching tricky.
Fishing and Oysters
Fishing here is pretty good—you’ll find halibut, striped bass, and leopard sharks. The bay’s mix of salt and fresh water creates great feeding grounds. Don’t forget your California fishing license—you can get one online.
Clamming is allowed in certain spots at low tide. You’ll mostly find littleneck, Manila, and Washington clams. Always check current limits and seasons.
Tomales Bay is famous for oysters, though you can’t harvest wild ones. Several oyster farms welcome visitors:
- Hog Island Oyster Company (Marshall)
- Tomales Bay Oyster Company (Point Reyes)
- The Marshall Store (Highway 1)
Many let you buy oysters to shuck and eat right there. Bring gloves and an oyster knife if you have them. Some places have barbecue pits for cooking up your haul.
Weekdays are best for fishing and oyster tasting—less crowded, more relaxed.
Wildlife and Natural Environment
Tomales Bay State Park is a haven for nature lovers. The mix of habitats here—forest, shoreline, tidal flats—means you’ll spot plenty of wildlife if you slow down and look around.
Wildlife Viewing
Tomales Bay State Park is home to a surprising variety of mammals. Early mornings or evenings, you might catch black-tailed deer grazing in the meadows. Coyotes and gray foxes sometimes hunt in open spaces, though they’re a bit shy and generally prefer the low light at dawn and dusk.
Smaller mammals are all over the place—raccoons, chipmunks, and gray squirrels dart around without much concern for people. If you’re lucky (and quiet), you might glimpse a bobcat, badger, or weasel, but those tend to keep to themselves. And if you spot a pile of sticks in the woods, chances are a wood rat built it.
Best times to look:
- Early morning: 6-8 AM (most mammals are up and about)
- Evening: About 1-2 hours before sunset
- Spring: Wildlife seems a bit more active
Bring binoculars if you have them, and definitely give the animals their space.
Habitats and Ecosystems
The park’s got four main ecosystems, each with its own set of characters. Forested hillsides on Inverness Ridge are thick with Douglas fir, bishop pine, and coast live oak, creating a haven for woodland animals (see more here).
In spring, coastal prairie meadows burst with wildflowers. Butterflies show up, and deer wander in to graze. These open meadows also attract predators like bobcats and coyotes looking for a meal.
Down by the bay, salt marshes serve as nurseries for marine life and buffets for shorebirds. Eelgrass beds underwater are teeming with creatures—honestly, it’s a whole world down there.
Freshwater streams wind through the park, linking uplands to the bay. Amphibians rely on these watery corridors, and bigger mammals come by for a drink.
Birdwatching
If you’re into birds, Tomales Bay State Park is a goldmine. Over 160 species have been spotted here—honestly, it’s kind of wild. Ospreys and red-tailed hawks cruise the skies above the ridge, while great blue herons and snowy egrets stalk the shorelines for fish. Come spring or fall, the place fills up with migrating waterbirds.
A few birds you’ll want to keep an eye out for:
- White pelicans (winter)
- Great egrets (all year)
- Marbled godwits (fall migration)
- Buffleheads (winter)
- Acorn woodpeckers (year-round in the oaks)
Heart’s Desire Beach is a sweet spot for birdwatching, especially where forest meets water. The Indian Beach trail cuts through different habitats, so you might see both woodland and shoreline species on the same walk.
Picnicking and Day Use
Tomales Bay State Park is just about perfect for a picnic—gorgeous beaches and shaded forests make it easy to find your own patch of paradise for a few hours.
Picnic Areas and Facilities
Heart’s Desire Beach is the go-to picnic spot. There are picnic tables scattered across a grassy area near the sand, many shaded by big old trees—great for those hot days.
What you’ll find:
- Barbecue grills (bring some charcoal)
- Drinking water
- Restrooms
- Trash and recycling bins
Indian Beach and Pebble Beach have a few picnic spots, but they’re more bare-bones. Fewer people, though, if you like some quiet. Just be ready for a short walk from the parking lot.
Larger groups can reserve the group area at Heart’s Desire Beach—fits up to 50 people, with plenty of tables and a big grill.
Rules and Regulations
Picnic tables are first-come, first-served unless you reserved for a group. The park’s open for day use from 8 AM to sunset.
A few things to keep in mind:
- No overnight parking or camping
- Fires only in park grills
- Take your trash with you
- No glass containers on the beach
- Dogs aren’t allowed on trails or beaches
You can have alcohol at picnic sites, but not on the sand. On busy summer weekends, parking fills up fast, sometimes by mid-morning, so getting there early helps.
There’s an $8 day-use fee per vehicle. They take credit cards at the entrance kiosk, but honestly, bring some cash just in case.
Swimming and Water Recreation
Tomales Bay’s waters are calm and gentle, making them great for families. The park’s four beaches offer surf-free swimming, so you can splash around without worrying about rough waves.
Best Swimming Spots
Hearts Desire Beach is the main swimming hangout. The cove is protected, so the water stays calm and shallow—a relief if you’ve got kids. The slope into the water is gradual, so you can ease in.
Indian Beach and Pebble Beach are a bit more out of the way (details here), but if you don’t mind a short hike, you’ll find peaceful swimming with fewer people around.
Shell Beach sometimes has warmer water in summer since it’s more sheltered. All the beaches have sandy stretches, sometimes with pebbles, so water shoes aren’t a bad idea.
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Swimming’s best in summer and early fall when the water’s not freezing.
Water Safety Guidelines
Check the weather before you swim—fog can roll in fast and make it tricky to find your way back.
No lifeguards here, so you’re on your own. Bring a buddy and don’t swim alone.
Water temps run about 50-65°F, depending on the season. If you’re not a fan of cold water, a wetsuit can make a big difference.
Boat traffic can be an issue, especially near launch points. Stick to swimming zones if you can.
Watch the tides—incoming tides can create strong currents, and tide schedules are usually posted at the park entrance.
There aren’t any vendors or rentals at the beaches, so bring whatever you need: water, snacks, towels, sunscreen.
Camping and Accommodation Options
If you want to stay overnight, Tomales Bay has a few options, both on the water and nearby. You can go for a unique boat-in camping adventure or stick to regular campgrounds in the area.
Boat-In Camping
Boat-in camping along the bay’s eastern shore is a pretty special experience. You’ll need to paddle in—no road access to these sites. Camping is only allowed on designated Tomales Bay beaches, not the ocean side.
You have to reserve in advance through Point Reyes National Seashore. Weather and tides matter a lot out here, so double-check the forecast before you set off.
It’s a real wilderness vibe—expect wildlife sightings, maybe even elk or leopard sharks if you’re lucky. You’ll need to pack everything out and follow Leave No Trace.
Facilities are basically nonexistent—no running water, no bathrooms—so be prepared.
Nearby Campgrounds and Lodging
There aren’t any campgrounds inside Tomales Bay State Park itself, but there are some good options nearby.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Lagunitas is about 20-25 minutes away and offers standard camping. Sites run $35 a night ($7 for cyclists) and make a solid base for exploring.
Olema has more camping options not far from the park.
RV folks have a few places to choose from:
- Marin Park
- Casini Ranch Family Campground
- Spanish Flat Campground
- Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground
If camping’s not your thing, Point Reyes and Marshall both have lodges, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. You’ll find plenty of comfy places to stay close to the park’s natural highlights.
Cultural and Historic Highlights
Tomales Bay State Park is steeped in cultural history—it’s seen thousands of years of human life, from indigenous peoples to early explorers.
Coast Miwok Heritage
The Coast Miwok lived along Tomales Bay for over 8,000 years, building villages near the water for easy access to food.
They harvested shellfish, hunted deer, and gathered acorns and plants. You can still spot old shell middens in the park—remnants of their meals.
Miwok baskets were famously intricate, and they traded with neighboring tribes. Their knowledge of local plants for food and medicine was impressive.
The park features interpretive displays honoring this heritage. Some trails even follow ancient Miwok routes, letting you literally walk in their footsteps.
Francis Drake and Early Exploration
Sir Francis Drake probably stopped by Tomales Bay in 1579 during his trip around the world. His ship, the Golden Hinde, needed fixing, so he sheltered on the coast.
Drake claimed the area for England, dubbing it “Nova Albion.” His meetings with the Coast Miwok were among the first between Europeans and native Californians.
Spanish explorers came later, and things changed fast. By the early 1800s, disease and the mission system had devastated the Coast Miwok.
The land passed through Mexican hands before California became part of the U.S. Early settlers set up dairy farms and fishing operations—some of their remnants are still visible.
Tomales Bay isn’t just a pretty place—it’s a spot where you can feel the weight of California’s layered history.
Nearby Destinations
Tomales Bay is surrounded by cool places to check out. If you want to stretch your day or weekend, there’s plenty nearby.
Exploring Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore sits right next to Tomales Bay State Park and covers a whopping 71,000 acres of protected coast. There are 150+ miles of trails winding through all kinds of landscapes—forests, beaches, grasslands.
The Point Reyes Lighthouse is a must-see, perched at the tip of the peninsula. It’s a trek down 308 steps, but the view is worth every one.
Drakes Beach has striking white cliffs that look a bit like England’s Dover coast. It’s a great spot for beachcombing and wildlife watching.
Tule elk roam freely up at Tomales Point Trail—sometimes you’ll see whole herds grazing right by the path.
The earthquake trail shows where the San Andreas Fault runs through—there’s even a spot where you can see how far the land shifted during the 1906 quake.
Visiting Marshall
Marshall is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town on Tomales Bay’s eastern shore, about 15 minutes north of the park. People come here for the seafood.
Hog Island Oyster Company serves up some of the freshest oysters around. You can even reserve a picnic table and shuck your own with a view of the bay.
Marshall Store is famous for smoked oysters and clam chowder. Their deck is the ideal spot to watch boats drift by while you eat.
Tony’s Seafood Restaurant, newly renovated, mixes classic recipes with a modern twist—try the crab if it’s on the menu.
Marshall’s just a quiet, one-road town, but its old buildings and maritime vibe give you a taste of local history.
Adventures in the Bay Area
The greater Bay Area wraps around Tomales Bay, packed with all sorts of things to do—most just a quick drive away. You can usually get to these spots in about an hour or two, depending on traffic and your luck.
San Francisco is about 50 miles southeast. It’s hard to beat the city’s classic adventures: cable cars, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge—yeah, the whole postcard scene.
East of Tomales Bay, Napa and Sonoma call out to wine lovers and foodies. You can hop between famous wineries, dig into fresh local meals, or just chill in a mineral hot spring. Not a bad way to spend a day.
Muir Woods National Monument—now there’s a place that feels almost enchanted. The redwoods shoot up 250 feet, and the cool, shadowy trails are a nice break from the busier beaches nearby.
If you want a classic beach day, Stinson Beach is the spot. It’s bigger and a bit livelier than Tomales Bay, with a long, sandy stretch that draws swimmers and sunbathers when the fog decides to take a break.
Point Reyes Station is a tiny town but full of character. You’ll find great food markets, quirky bookstores, and the Cowgirl Creamery cheese shop (worth a stop, honestly).
Planning Your Visit
Getting ready for Tomales Bay State Park? A little planning goes a long way. This corner of Marin County, California, is known for gorgeous beaches and outdoor fun all year.
Best Times to Visit
Spring and fall? Pretty much ideal. April and May bring wildflowers and gentle weather, while September and October mean clearer skies and warmer water.
Summer (June through August) gets busy, especially on weekends. Expect morning fog that usually burns off by lunchtime. If you can swing a weekday, it’s way less crowded.
Winter (November to February) is a bit of a wildcard. You might get rainy, green landscapes and empty beaches, though some facilities cut back their hours.
Thinking about tidepools? Check tide charts and aim for low tide—it’s worth it if you’re curious about what lives in those little pockets.
If you’re coming on a summer weekend, try to get there before 10am. Parking fills up fast.
What to Pack
Layers are your best friend here. Even when it’s sunny, the wind can sneak up on you.
Don’t forget:
- A windbreaker or light jacket
- Sunscreen and a hat
- At least two water bottles per person
- Good walking shoes
- Beach blanket or chairs
- Picnic stuff (there’s no food for sale in the park)
- Binoculars for spotting wildlife
- Camera
Planning to get in the water? Toss in:
- Towels
- Extra clothes
- Waterproof bag for your phone and wallet
Cell service is sketchy, so a printed map is handy. And bring some cash for entrance fees unless you’ve got a California State Parks pass.
Safety Tips
Put water safety at the top of your list when visiting Tomales Bay. The bay might look peaceful, but those currents can surprise you. Always keep kids close—right within arm’s reach—when you’re near the water.
Don’t ever turn your back on the ocean. Even if it looks calm, a rogue wave can sneak up on you.
Check the weather before you head out. Fog can show up out of nowhere and make trails or roads tricky to navigate. If you’re hiking close to sunset, a flashlight isn’t a bad idea.
If you spot wildlife, give them space—at least 100 feet. It’s tempting to get closer, but it’s just not worth the risk. And yeah, stash your food properly unless you want unexpected animal guests at your picnic.
Cell service? Pretty hit or miss in the park. Let someone outside your group know your plans, just in case.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
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