Palomarin Beach

At the southern tip of Point Reyes National Seashore, Palomarin Beach feels like a tucked-away secret—half bluff-top drama, half tidepool treasure chest. The descent to the beach is short but steep, almost as if the park service is reminding you that the best things in life require a little effort.

Once on the sand, you’ve got front-row seats to the endlessly changing Pacific. The real show, however, lies at your feet. At low tide, a gallery of tidepools reveals starfish, anemones, crabs, and the occasional scurrying octopus. It’s Point Reyes in miniature—wild, colorful, and full of surprises.

The eucalyptus groves and salty air along the way lend a fitting prelude to the shoreline. Palomarin is proof that small outings can deliver big rewards. Just don’t forget to check the tide chart—nature sets the schedule here.