Drakes Beach

Welcome to Drakes Beach, a stunning natural feature located within the breathtaking Point Reyes National Seashore in Point Reyes Station, California. With approximately 80 miles of diverse shoreline, our beaches offer a unique blend of rocky areas perfect for tidepooling and vast sandy stretches ideal for a leisurely walk. Before visiting, we recommend checking our Current Conditions page for any potential closures or advisories.

Please be aware that not all beaches are suitable for swimming or wading, particularly for young children, due to cold ocean temperatures, which can reach as low as 50°F (10°C), and potential hazards like hypothermia, sneaker waves, and rip currents.

At Drakes Beach, we encourage all visitors to adhere to park rules and Leave No Trace principles. This includes respecting the prohibition of glass containers near water bodies to ensure visitor safety and reduce litter. Additionally, all natural finds such as shells, rocks, fossils, flowers, and artifacts are protected by law, and we ask you to refrain from disturbing wildlife, including birds, seals, and sea lions.

Please note that the use of drones and metal detectors is prohibited within the National Seashore, and pets are only allowed on certain sections of Kehoe, Limantour, and Point Reyes Beach, where they must be leashed at all times. Camping is restricted, with some exceptions on Tomales Bay's west side, and wood fires are only permitted on park beaches with a valid Beach Fire Permit.

Fishing is welcome along most park beaches, except on Drakes Beach and the western end of Limantour Beach. For a complete list of regulations and guidelines, please visit our Park Regulations page.

We take pride in maintaining some of California's cleanest beaches and encourage you to help protect marine life by disposing of trash and recycling appropriately. Join us in keeping our beaches pristine by participating in cleanup efforts during your visit or on California Coastal Cleanup Day in September.

For any observations of sturgeon carcasses, researchers request you report them via email. For more information about the park, directions, visitor center hours, or to speak with a ranger, please call 415-464-5100. Note that park staff may not be available to answer calls between 4:30 pm and 10 am.

We hope your visit to Drakes Beach is both safe and enjoyable, and we look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful part of California’s coastline.