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54.8 °F
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54.9 °F
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54.1 °F
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54.6 °F
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56.3 °F
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55.6 °F
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55.6 °F
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55.0 °F
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54.7 °F
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56.3 °F
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56.1 °F
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56.6 °F
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55.3 °F
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54.8 °F
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55.5 °F
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55.8 °F
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54.6 °F
7:00 AM
53.8 °F
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53.4 °F
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52.6 °F
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52.5 °F
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52.3 °F
10:00 PM
52.0 °F
1:00 AM
51.0 °F
4:00 AM
50.4 °F
7:00 AM
48.3 °F
10:00 AM
48.4 °F
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49.9 °F
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51.5 °F
7:00 PM
52.0 °F
10:00 PM
52.0 °F
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52.5 °F
4:00 AM
52.6 °F
7:00 AM
53.4 °F
10:00 AM
55.7 °F
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54.5 °F
4:00 PM
53.6 °F
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53.0 °F
Overview
Located in the city of Inverness, Drakes Beach is a very small, wide, and remote beach that is a part of Point Reyes National Seashore. Drakes Beach is north of the historic lighthouse and museum Point Reyes Lighthouse – an incredible spot for photography. Drakes Beach is situated next to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center featuring many informative exhibits about the nearby area, especially Point Reyes. Please note that the lighthouse and visitor center are open from Friday to Monday only.
Amenities
Drakes Beach offers many amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, a bookstore, a lighthouse, a visitor center, and a small store with drinks and snacks. If you are looking for additional amenities, you can climb to Peter Behr Overlook located right behind the beach that provides a beautiful view of the beach and bay.
Activities
There are a couple of fun activities at Drakes Beach including birdwatching, beachcombing, and beach walking. Visitors can drive 15 minutes south to Chimney Rock that has hiking trails, a seal rookery, and is a great spot for paddleboarding.
Parking
Getting to Drakes Beach is easy – Drakes Beach’s free parking lot is situated at 1 Drakes Beach Road and is within walking distance to the beach.
Attractions
If you are looking for attractions near Drakes Beach, you can drive 55 minutes to Sonoma County Fairgrounds that offer a horse-racing track, jockey club, carnival rides, and several open-air amphitheaters. It hosts many annual events including the Sonoma County Fair, The Harmony Festival, and The Sonoma Valley Harvest Fair – a wine festival with a grape stomping contest. The famous road course Sonoma Raceway plays host to many annual racing events including the NASCAR Cup Series, the IndyCar Series, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and the American Federation of Motorcyclists series. Scandia Family Fun Center is an awesome amusement park featuring many rides including a pirate ship swing, train ride, merry-go-round swings, horse carousel, go-karts, and bumper cars. Another great attraction near Drakes Beach is Saint Teresa of Avila Church that has been the setting for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 film, The Birds.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, there are many restaurants within a 20-minute drive of Drakes Beach. The European restaurant Vladimir's Czech Restaurant features rye bread, chicken paprikash, duck, pork, ribs, a bar, and live music. Saltwater Oyster Depot is a nice oyster bar-restaurant that serves seafood, mollusks, and regional wines. Another good restaurant near Drakes Beach is Tap Room offering sushi, sandwiches, burgers, chips, burritos, fries, and beer in outdoor seating.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Drakes Beach, you can drive 45 minutes to many nearby hotels. The upscale Mediterranean-style and pet-friendly 4-Star hotel Sonoma Coast Villa features a pool, spa, restaurant, miniature golf course, and hiking tours. Bodega Coast Inn & Suites is a 3-Star seaside hotel that welcomes pets and offers canoeing, diving, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, and windsurfing tours. If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel near Drakes Beach, the 2-Star Good Nite Inn Rohnert Park Sonoma County has a nice pool.
1125 feet
Restroom Available
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Beige
Parking Available
Amenities
Barbecue
Fire Pits
Marine Life
Restrooms
Activities
Bike Paths
Hiking
Rentals
Bikes
Food
Access
Car Access
Disabled Access
Foot Access
Parking - Free
Public Bus Stop
Features
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Drakes Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.
Does Drakes Beach have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Drakes Beach a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Drakes Beach good for swimming?
Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Drakes Beach have restrooms?
Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.
Is Drakes Beach a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Drakes Beach?
No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.
What are the activities at Drakes Beach?
Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Hiking.
Does Drakes Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.
Is Drakes Beach a dog-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.
Is Drakes Beach good for surfing?
No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.
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