Marshall Mellow

Tucked away in the northern part of Point Reyes National Seashore, Marshall Beach is a sandy hidden haven set along the warm waters of Tomales Bay. And you can’t get to it by car! Access to Marshall is by way of a 1-mile hike or by kayaking in (see Bonus).

In fact, Marshall is the only hikeable beach on the Tomales Bay side of Point Reyes. Hikers will drive a dirt road to a parking lot north of Tomales Bay State Park. The hiking trail itself is wide and surrounded by scenery that’s signature Point Reyes … coasting hills, wild countryside, and the shimmering Pacific.

But the big reward is Marshall Beach itself: not only picture perfect, but picnic perfect. Spread your blanket and your provisions and sprawl out. Kayakers paddle by, or paddle up to shore, waves lap, ospreys fly overhead. Spending an afternoon mellowing out at Marshall is magical.

TIP: Pick up delicious deli sandwiches and other picnic provisions at Inverness Park Market, 12301 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Inverness Park.

BONUS CAMP: Want to spend the night here? You'll have to boat in and set up camp (you cannot use the hiking trail). Rent a kayak from Blue Waters Kayaking.

To reach the trailhead parking area, take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. from Inverness, then go right on Pierce Point Rd., then go right again on Marshall Beach Rd. and drive to the very end. No dogs.