Limantour Beach: A Peaceful Coastal Getaway

Limantour Beach is a serene coastal escape located in Marin County, California, within Point Reyes National Seashore. Nestled between Drake’s Estero and the Pacific Ocean, this beach offers stunning natural landscapes, wide sandy shores, and rolling dunes. It’s ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a calm day by the sea.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall, when weather is mild, tides are calm, and wildlife is abundant.

📍 Location & Directions

Coordinates: 38.02889, -122.8821

From San Francisco:

Take U.S. Highway 101 north over the Golden Gate Bridge, continue about 8 miles, exit onto Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, drive through Olema, turn right onto Highway 1, then left onto Bear Valley Road to Bear Valley Visitor Center. Follow signs to Limantour Beach.

From Point Reyes Station:

From Bear Valley Visitor Center, turn left onto Limantour Road and drive approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) west to reach the main parking lot.

Public Transport:

Golden Gate Transit to San Rafael or Novato, then West Marin Stagecoach to Point Reyes Station. From there, the seasonal Limantour Beach Shuttle runs from Bear Valley Visitor Center.

🅿️ Parking & Beach Access

• Main Parking: Large gravel lot at the end of Limantour Road with ~250 spaces. Short walk to beach.
• South Parking: Smaller asphalt lot east of main lot, ~15 spaces.
• Access: Walkway is sandy and dirt; some parts are not wheelchair accessible.

🧭 Important Information

• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Entrance Fee: Free; parking $5/day
• Pets: Pets allowed only in certain eastern areas, must be on leash; prohibited west of main lot (Limantour Spit)
• Safety: Cold water, potential sneaker waves, and rip currents; exercise caution
• Nearby Amenities: Restaurants and lodging in Point Reyes Station

🌟 Summary Table