Drakes Beach Trail

The Drakes Beach Hike is a must-add to your Point Reyes itinerary. Note: this trail is closed yearly from December until May to protect nursing elephant seal pups—check out the NPS website for additional information. Additionally, no dogs are allowed on this route, so you’ll have to leave them at home! The unshaded terrain along this trail provides epic views but also exposes hikers to windy conditions, so dress accordingly!

Embark on your adventure along the Drakes Beach Trail from the trailhead off Drake Beach Road. From here, hike west along the Peter Behr Overlook. The steep path will guide you up to a breathtaking viewpoint of Drakes Bay, the beach below, and the peninsula in the south. Revel in the vista and, when you are ready, head back down to merge right onto the Drakes Beach Trail at the junction.

Explore the beach, admire the grandeur and unassuming beauty of the layered cliffs looming above. Notice herons and sea birds, and if you are lucky—an elephant seal! To get back to the trailhead, simply retrace your footing the way you came.