Heart’s Desire Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California
As mother to a three year old, this is what I would like in a beach: calm water, a relatively small beach so I can keep my eye on her, no wind, some (harmless) wildlife, restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables and a bbq. And I found all of that at a beach in Point Reyes aptly named Heart’s Desire.
Calm waters. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bad_music_laine/3648941404/
Located over the Inverness Ridge on Tomales Bay, Heart’s Desire is protected from the wind and the huge surf for which Point Reyes beaches are famous. Unlike many Northern California beaches, this little bayside cove is actually protected for swimming. The shallow water is warmer than one would expect, and the swimming area is bordered by buoys to keep larger boat traffic away. This is also a liked place to deposit in kayaks and canoes, which can be fun for the kids to watch. Older kids and adults might choose to swim out to the anchored raft.
Bayside Beach. http://www.flickr.com/photos/moomoo/1010277352/
Because the water is warm(ish), there are often jellyfish floating at the water’s edge. Not to worry–they are harmless. The area is also home to migrating shorebirds in the fall, peregrine falcons and the endangered snowy plover. Be careful as the snowy plover is a ground-nesting bird; their nesting season is June 1st – September 15. In addition, deer roam freely, and grant that you’re lucky, you might spot a fox.
To get there, drive past Inverness on Sir Francis Drake Blvd., then bear right onto Pierce Point Road. Continue on Pierce Point Road until you see the sign for Tomales Bay State Park, then fabricate a right turn into the park. Unlike the quietness of Point Reyes National Seashore, this is a State Park, so you’ll have to pay a $6 vehicle entry fee at the ranger station. It’s worth it, though. Pack some oysters for the bbq, more Goldfish crackers for the kids, a bunch of sand toys and some towels, and have a nice, warm, relaxing day at the beach!