Magical McClures

McClures Beach in Point Reyes

07.15.2020
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. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Camp and Kayak at Utica Reservoir in Stanislaus National Forest

    Sleeper Hit

    It's all about the water, and the camping, at Utica Reservoir in Stanislaus National Forest, a High Sierra reservoir perfect for kayak explorations and pitching your tent with the lake in the background.

    View
  3. Hiker in the forest at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

    San Francisco's Middle Earth

    No need to travel to New Zealand to visit Middle Earth. San Francisco’s Mount Sutro Open Space is practically Hobbiton—a hidden “shire” in the middle of the city. Okay, maybe not quite as magical, but still an incredible place to take a hike in city limits.

    View
  4. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Many years ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Two people smiling for a selfie on Santa Cruz Island Channel Island National Park

    Island Ahoy!

    Take to the seas on a weekend adventure to remote Santa Cruz Island (the largest among Channel Islands National Park) and an idyllic campsite coupled with a rugged 8-mile (round-trip) trek to a hidden beach.

    View
  2. woman on rocks at Salt Point State Park Sonoma Coast

    Sweet and Salty

    Located on Highway 1 about 18 miles north of Jenner, Salt Point State Park is wild, scenic, and one of the most beautiful places to do some classic coastal camping.

    View
  3. Woman biking the Ventura to Ojai bike path in Ventura County

    Ojai There!

    If a substantive and super scenic bike ride is right in your wheelhouse, do the 30-mile (round-trip) Ventura-to-Ojai bike path that begins (and ends) near the Ventura shoreline, pit-stopping in delightful Ojai for food and drinks.

    View

  4. Masterpiece Marshland + Beers

    San Dieguito Lagoon is one of the biggest wetland habitats in America. Uncover the magical marshland masterpiece on a gentle 3-mile out-and-back urban hike with a pit stop at a brewery.

    View