Limantour Beach Parking Lot

Parking Capacity at a Glance

Main Parking Lot

The main Limantour Beach parking lot is a large gravel area with space for approximately 250 vehicles. It is the primary parking area for most day visitors.

• The beach path begins at the south end of the lot.
• The route passes three vault-toilet buildings and two picnic tables.
• The path crosses junctions with the Muddy Hollow Trail.
• The final approach climbs over a small coastal dune before reaching the beach.
• No designated oversized-vehicle spaces are listed.

The gravel surface may be uneven, particularly after wet weather. Visitors using wheelchairs, walkers or strollers should consider the separate accessible parking area.

South Parking Lot

The South Parking Lot is a small paved area with space for 15 vehicles. It is located at the east end of a short spur road branching from Limantour Road shortly before the main parking lot.

• A vault toilet is located at the east end of the lot.
• Waste and recycling receptacles are available.
• A separate path leads from the lot toward the beach.
• The limited capacity makes this lot more likely to fill during busy periods.
• No oversized-vehicle spaces or designated accessible spaces are listed for this lot.

Accessible Parking and Restrooms

A separate asphalt parking area provides two designated accessible spaces next to accessible vault toilets.

• The path begins at the south end of the accessible parking area.
• It continues through a gate and passes two picnic tables.
• The route crosses junctions with the Muddy Hollow Trail.
• The final section climbs over a small dune before reaching the sand.

Accessible parking and restrooms do not mean that the beach itself has an accessible route. National Park Service accessibility guidance states that accessible parking and restrooms are available at Limantour Beach, but there is no accessible beach access. Sand, uneven terrain and the dune crossing remain significant barriers.

Weekends, Holidays and Busy Conditions

Parking demand can be higher on weekends, holidays and days with clear or mild weather. The main lot has substantial capacity, but spaces are not guaranteed.

• Check the official parking page before beginning the final drive along Limantour Road.
• Use only marked parking areas and spaces.
• Do not park along narrow road shoulders, in front of gates or on emergency-access routes.
• Do not wait in a position that blocks moving traffic when a lot is full.
• Consider visiting on a weekday or outside the busiest middle portion of the day.

The National Park Service parking page may display an open or closed status and predicted busy times. These indicators are planning tools and should not be treated as a guaranteed real-time space count.

Check official NPS parking status and busy-time information

Check Point Reyes road closures and current conditions

Parking Rules and Overnight Restrictions

• Parking and entrance are free for normal day use.
• Park only in designated spaces.
• Do not block gates, service roads, pedestrian paths or emergency access.
• Limantour Beach parking areas do not provide designated oversized-vehicle spaces.
• Large RVs and vehicles towing trailers may be difficult to accommodate on Limantour Road and within the parking areas.
• Camping on Limantour Beach is prohibited.
• Overnight vehicle parking is prohibited unless the vehicle is associated with a valid Point Reyes backcountry camping permit.

Driving to the Parking Areas

From Bear Valley Road, turn onto Limantour Road and continue for approximately 7.5 miles toward the coast. Limantour Road is narrow, winding and hilly. Allow additional travel time and watch for cyclists, wildlife and vehicles entering from trailhead roads.

The South Parking Lot is reached from a short spur road shortly before the main lot. The main and accessible parking areas are located near the end of Limantour Road.

Parking Facilities

• Vault toilets are available near all three Limantour Beach parking areas.
• Two picnic tables are located along the approach from the main and accessible parking areas.
• Waste and recycling receptacles are available near the South Parking Lot and other parking facilities.
• There is no visitor center at Limantour Beach.
• Food, fuel and regular retail services are not available at the parking areas.
• Mobile phone reception may be limited or unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many parking spaces are available at Limantour Beach?

The main gravel lot accommodates approximately 250 vehicles. The paved South Parking Lot has 15 spaces, and the separate accessible asphalt lot has two spaces.

Is parking at Limantour Beach free?

Yes. Point Reyes National Seashore does not charge an entrance fee or a standard day-use parking fee at Limantour Beach.

Does Limantour Beach have accessible parking?

Yes. A separate asphalt lot provides two accessible parking spaces next to accessible vault toilets. The route does not provide accessible access all the way onto the beach because the final approach crosses a dune and sand.

Are toilets available near the parking lots?

Yes. Vault toilets are located near the main, south and accessible parking areas.

Can an RV or trailer park at Limantour Beach?

The National Park Service does not list designated oversized-vehicle spaces in the three Limantour Beach parking areas. Limantour Road is narrow and winding, so large RVs and trailers may be difficult to accommodate.

Can a vehicle be left overnight?

Overnight parking is prohibited unless the vehicle is associated with a valid Point Reyes backcountry camping permit. Camping on Limantour Beach itself is prohibited.

Does the NPS provide a live parking count?

The official NPS parking page may show lot status and predicted busy times, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed live count of every available space.