Magical McClures

McClures Beach in Point Reyes

McClures Beach Point Reyes National Seashore

McClures Beach is a seductive little spot: small, beautiful, and quiet. It’s easy to while away an afternoon-turned-sunset at this pocket cove in Point Reyes. Near the northern tip of the park, McClures Beach is bookended by huge rocks, making a magical and exciting little beach that’s reached by a short and somewhat steep 0.4-mile downhill hike.

Person surveying the beach at McClures Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore

Hiker sitting and looking out to the waves at McClures Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore

Person standing at McClures Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes has over 80 miles of protected shoreline, and this is one of its most remote. On your drive in to the McClures Beach parking lot you might see the mighty tule elk—this northern part of the park is a tule elk reserve. Relaxing at McClures Beach after a hike out to Tomales Point makes for a fantastic day in the park. Bring your picnic supplies and chill out, watching the massive waves crashing on shore. Mmmm … McClures.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Exclamation Point!" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their explorations of Point Reyes and being at McClures Beach for sunset.

The parking lot for the trailhead to McClures Beach is at the northern end of Pierce Point Rd. No dogs at the beach.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View
  2. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View
  3. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View
  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View
  2. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

    View
  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View