Santa Maria Beach sits in Point Reyes National Seashore on Drakes Bay, a quiet stretch of coastline you reach by hiking south from Coast Camp. The walk itself is pleasant—you’ll pass through coastal scrub and grassland before the beach opens up, with Santa Maria Creek flowing through a green valley and into the sand. It’s the kind of place where you might see only a handful of other people, even on weekends.

Dogs are welcome here, which is worth noting since Point Reyes has some restricted areas. Your dog can roam the beach and wade in the creek, though the water’s cold year-round. The sandy shore is wide enough that even if someone else shows up, there’s plenty of space. On clear days the views across Drakes Bay are excellent, and the creek provides fresh water if you’re carrying a collapsible bowl.

The hike from Coast Camp to Santa Maria Beach is roughly two miles one way, so plan for at least a half-day outing. The terrain is mostly flat and straightforward—no steep elevation changes—which makes it manageable for older dogs or those not used to serious hiking. Spring and early summer are best because the creek usually has water and the wildflowers are blooming. By late summer it can get quite dry.

Bring layers. The wind picks up in the afternoon, and fog can roll in even when it’s sunny inland. The beach itself has no facilities, so pack water, snacks, and bags for cleanup. There’s no cell service out here either, which is part of its appeal. If you’re camping at Coast Camp, this is an easy day hike from your tent. If you’re day-tripping from Point Reyes Station, the drive to the trailhead takes about thirty minutes, and you’ll want to arrive early since the parking area fills up on nice days.