Kehoe Beach in Inverness is worth the drive if you want a quieter coastal walk with your dog. The approach is straightforward: a half-mile trail that winds past a marsh and over sand dunes before opening onto a long beach. Your dog will get plenty of interesting smells and terrain changes during that walk alone.

Once you reach the sand, you have options. Head left and you can follow a small stream down to the Pacific, or go right into the dunes where there’s room to let your dog move around. The northern section of the beach allows leashed dogs, which is where most people spend their time. South of the trailhead is off-limits to dogs year-round because it’s protected snowy plover habitat, so stay north of the marker.

A few practical things to know before you go: the trail maintenance has suffered from budget cuts, so don’t expect pristine conditions. In summer, foxtails are common in the vegetation—they’re worth watching for since they can get into your dog’s paws and ears. There’s no water available anywhere on the property, so you’ll need to bring everything your dog might need to drink. Even on cooler days, the walk can be dehydrating.

The beach itself is relatively empty compared to more famous spots, which means your dog won’t be dealing with crowds, but it also means you’re more likely to see wildlife. Keep your dog leashed and stay aware of what’s around. The combination of marsh, dunes, and open beach makes this feel more remote than it actually is—you’re only about an hour north of San Francisco, but it feels like you’ve left all that behind. If you’re okay with the walk in and modest facilities, Kehoe gives you a nice slice of Marin coast without the chaos of busier beaches.