Shell Beach   

End of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1140

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It's not easy to find -- you have to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and then pass through the village of Inverness on Route 1 (Sir Francis Drake Highway). Make a right turn on El Camino and drive until you can't drive anymore. Then take your picnic blanket, bucket of fried chicken and ice chest, and walk down the zigzag path until you come to the first beach. But don't stop! Keep walking across the first beach until you see another path. Climb up a small knoll and down the other side until you arrive at Shell Beach #2. There you'll see a large wooden float, perhaps a hundred yards from shore, tied up permanently in the bay. You're already wearing your bathing suit, so jump into the (surprisingly warm) water and swim to the float. Haul yourself up. The sun will dry you off as you lay on the deck, taking time to observe the deserted coves of Tomales Bay and the kayakers paddling serenely in both directions. By the time you swim back to shore your family will have eaten up the fried chicken, but you won't care. -- Doug Konecky Amenities: At the end of the beach is an open pit toilet. Crowds are usually minimal, except on the rare, sunny holiday weekend, so people change clothes behind a towel. There are no lifeguards, nor rentals -- just water and sand. Added Attractions: The float is a wonderful place to relax. It takes perhaps two minutes to swim out to, in water well over one's head, and there is a swimming-pool style stair with which to climb up to the deck. The float can hold several dozen people, but few actually ever bother to swim out to it. Admission and Parking: Admission is free; parking is in a small lot, and back along both sides of El Camino Street. Where to Eat: Before arriving, stop in the nearby town of Point Reyes Station and buy lunch and pastries at the excellent Bovine Bakery. Point Reyes Station is twenty minutes from Shell Beach. Lifeguard on Duty: No Fido Friendly? People bring dogs, but keep them on leashes. Water dogs have a great time splashing here, but only away from people. Insider Info: Be prepared to walk a distance to the trailhead, from where you may have to park on busy weekends. The path to the beach is downhill, and uphill coming back (when picnic baskets are empty).