Finding a beach in Northern California that’s good for wading and swimming can be a challenge. Our region is home to plenty of beaches, but a lot of them are just too cold or turbulent to enjoy soaking in. However, it is possible to find a great beach for lounging on. You just have to put in a little effort to find them. There’s an amazing hidden spot on the eastern side of Point Reyes National Seashore that is perfect for spending a day lounging and soaking up the sun. This calm beach boasts the perfect type of water for swimming on a hot day, and the area is absolutely stunning. You’ll definitely want to plan a day trip to this hidden gem sometime this summer.
You’ll find this gem of a beach hiding in Marin County in an area of Tomales Bay State Park. Click here to be taken to the Google Map of the location.
GoogleMaps
Let’s face it. Northern California beaches are beautiful, but they aren’t always swimmer-friendly. The water is ice cold and is often rated as too dangerous to swim or wade in. That’s not the case here at Heart’s Desire Beach.
Elsa Buendia/GoogleMaps
Heart’s Desire Beach has everything you could ever want for a fun-filled day on the beach. The sandy shores and calm waters make this a family-friendly destination for cooling off on those hot California days.
A Hernandez/GoogleMaps
The water is warmer than you’d find at most Northern California beaches. It also maintains a shallow and calm slope of water which is perfect for wading. Parents need not worry about pounding surfs endangering their children.
Jessica Merz/Flickr
On top of providing ideal swimming conditions, the beach also boasts a plethora of amenities for guests to use. The nearby picnic area provides plenty of tables and grills that look out onto the water. It’s the perfect spot to hang out and chow down on a burger or two.
carefreecruiser/Tripadvisor
If swimming isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails around the beach to explore. The trails lead you through absolutely beautiful wooded areas and take you to adjacent beaches.
Elsa Buendia/GoogleMaps
As with any Northern California beach, there are all sorts of cool things to uncover while exploring the shore.
Benj Rimorin/GoogleMaps
Take refuge in one of these unique wooden shelters that you’ll find scattered on the beach. Sometimes it really pays to travel off the beaten road, and this is one of those times.
Judy S/GoogleMaps
Boat traffic isn’t allowed in the swimming area, excluding kayaks and canoes. You’ll find that this is a great spot to launch off from for your next kayaking adventure at Tomales Bay.
Beth B/TripAdvisor
This beach is perfect for families looking to spend a beautiful day out on the water. The scenery is stunning and the water is perfect, so what are you waiting for?
elistravels/TripAdvisor
Have you been to Hearts Desire Beach before? What’s your favorite beach in Northern California? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out our list of The 12 Dreamiest Beaches In Northern California for more awesome swimming spots.
GoogleMaps
Elsa Buendia/GoogleMaps
A Hernandez/GoogleMaps
Jessica Merz/Flickr
carefreecruiser/Tripadvisor
Benj Rimorin/GoogleMaps
Judy S/GoogleMaps
Beth B/TripAdvisor
elistravels/TripAdvisor
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.