This summer, trade crowded, kid-infested beaches for a little slice of heaven all your own.
It’s just a short hike to get to these stunning, secluded Bay Area beaches from Santa Cruz to Sonoma.
Tennessee Beach, Marin Headlands (3.5 miles out-and-back)
(Courtesy of @thenoahtarnow)
Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands is well known for its rolling hills and sweeping views. Follow the trail that runs through it all the way to the end and you’ll find something even better: a beach with more seagulls and swallows than people. Leave the car at the trailhead parking lot near the Miwok Livery Stables. The approximately 30 to 40 minute long, 1.75-mile trail out is almost completely flat, making it pretty easy to carry everything you’ll need for a full day lounging in the sun.
// 591 Tennessee Valley Rd. (Mill Valley), alltrails.com
Fern Grotto Beach, Santa Cruz (2.4-mile loop)
(Courtesy of @instagrommets)
It’s been called one of the best-kept secrets in the greater Bay Area, this lush, dripping cave on the ocean’s edge at Wilder Ranch State Park—but you won’t find any gatekeeping here. The aptly named Fern Grotto Beach is a mile to a mile-and-a-half down the Old Cove Landing Trail, depending on whether you choose to hike clockwise or counterclockwise from the parking lot at the trailhead. A second beach, Sand Plant, is also accessible by the same trail and is slightly closer if you go counterclockwise (though it’s a little more plain Jane than its neighbor). Either way, the trail is blissfully flat and easy to tackle.
// 1401 Coast Rd. (Santa Cruz), parks.ca.gov
Limantour Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore (5.2-mile loop)
(Courtesy of @jessiemahoneymd)
The longer the hike, the fewer the people you’ll find when you finally reach the beach. That’s just one of the reasons Limantour Beach on the Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin makes for an ideal day trip—you know, in addition to its soft sand and cool sea breezes. Limantour is smack in the middle of a 5.2-mile loop through the wetlands at Muddy Hollow. With minimal ups and downs and a trail made up mostly of old roads, maximalists wouldn’t have much trouble pulling a wagon filled with supplies as long as it was outfitted with some rugged wheels. Otherwise, pack up your towel, picnic, and plenty of water in a backpack; it’ll be lighter on the way back.
// Muddy Hollow Rd. (Inverness), nps.gov
Shell Beach, Jenner (0.5 miles out-and-back)
Red Hill above Shell Beach at Jenner
(Courtesy of @sonomaopenspace)
If “secluded beach” sounds more appealing than “hike to a,” you want Shell Beach. Part of Sonoma Coast State Park, it’s only about a quarter of a mile from the Shell Beach parking lot to the water’s edge but, fair warning: the trail is steep and can get slippery (i.e., wear solid shoes). Despite the relatively quick access, Shell Beach and its tidal pools are almost always nice and quiet since there are another half dozen beachy pockets nearby with easier access. Invite your dog to come along!
// Hwy 1 (Jenner), parks.ca.gov
