Pirate's Cove
If you're looking for the quintessential Northern California pocket beach, head to Marin's Pirate's Cove. Only accessible by a moderate 1.5-mile hike, this secluded haven of soft white sand is bookended by tall, rugged cliffs. And the coast-hugging trail you must take to get there is almost as spectacular as the cove itself. Starting from Muir Beach, you ascend a fire road for about three-quarters of a mile until you reach the crest of the trail, and then—wow! Your high vantage point (pictured) offers stunning views of the craggy coast all the way to Pacifica—and you'll spot the stretch of sand that's your destination. Pirate's Cove's privacy made it a great staging area for bootleggers in the 1920s. These days there's no hooch (except what you pack in your picnic basket), but there's plenty of booty in the form of salty air and solitude. Kick off your boots, dip your toes in the waves, and soak in the sun and seclusion. Argh, matey, there be treasure here!
Note: You'll have more beach if you plan your visit for low tide; click here for a tide chart. If you want to extend your trip, make your return hike a loop by exiting the cove and heading south toward Tennessee Beach. Turn left onto the Coastal Fire Road, and then complete the loop by taking this trail back to where you got onto the Coastal Trail, near Muir Beach. It's a three-mile, uphill hike, but the views—and the sense of accomplishment—are delicious. Click here for a PDF map of the area. Dogs allowed.
Directions: Take 101 north across the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit onto Highway 1 and go north about six miles. Turn left and follow the sign to Muir Beach. From the parking lot, cross the footbridge and turn left, heading up the Coastal Fire Road.
