Tomales Bay State Park in Inverness, CA, has four beaches that offer excellent views of placid blue waters of Tomales Bay. Hiking trails connect all the beaches. You may also swim and kayak. The park is adjacent to Point Reyes National Seashore. The serenity of Tomales Bay is in sharp contrast to the excitement of ocean waves continually splashing against the seashore at Point Reyes.

Best Months to Visit: Late spring and summers are best for spending time at the beaches. Hikes may be done at any time of the year — all trails are shaded.

Notes:

1. Tomales Bay has four beaches: Indian Beach — Heart's Desire Beach — Pebble Beach — Shell Beach.
2. Indian Beach is the longest of the four beaches. When the tide is low, you may walk an additional half a mile along its rocky shoreline.
3. There are two beaches at Shell Beach, separated by a few hundred yards. From either beach, it is not obvious that there is another beach nearby. Simply walk further along Johnstone Trail to visit both.
4. Swimming is allowed at Heart's Desire Beach. The water is warm but there are no lifeguards. We didn't see anybody swimming in August 2010, most probably due to abundant jelly fish close to the beach.
5. Restooms are available at all four beaches. Picnic tables are abundant at Heart's Desire Beach.
6. Blue Water Kayaking in Inverness offers rentals, guided tours and classes. A sandbar is next to their office on Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
7. In August 2010, we saw jelly fish on the beach, scattered here and there. Passers by warned us not to touch them as they were poisonous.
8. Inverness is an excellent choice for romantic getaways. Check out various bed and breakfast places and The Trees by Tomales Bay (Yelp Reviews): Helen's House and Hi House.