Tomales Bay State Park

Although Tomales Bay State Park, the next door neighbor of Point Reyes National Seashore, has only been open to the public since 1952, it was favored by the Coast Miwoks some 3,000 year ago. Crank up the time machine to the 21st century and you can still find families sharing meals along Heart’s Desire Beach, people paddling on tranquil Tomales Bay and young kids splashing in water that really is warm enough to swim in.

“It will feed your soul and spirit,” Tomales Bay State park ranger Carlos Porrata said. “The Coast Miwoks lived here for thousands of years. The reason they lived here is because if there is such a thing as paradise this is it. How much better could it get?”

Families from throughout the Bay Area echo that sentiment. If you’re looking for a place to let the kids cool off while you read a book at a nearby picnic table or take a short hike to the next beach over, Tomales Bay State Park is an ideal summer destination for you. The warm waters draw families from throughout the Bay Area, especially those with young children.

“We like the fact that’s warmer,” said a father from San Francisco. “It’s more protected for the kids. It’s a great family spot.”

Tomales Bay State Park is ideal for kayakers as well. For a mere $4 parking fee, you can drive your car within 100 yards of the bay and be paddling away in a matter of minutes. Kayaking is so popular on Tomales Bay that people are driving from throughout Northern California to launch for the day.

“The weather is always nice,” said experienced kayaker Melissa Erno. “This is a great place to go. It’s really easy to get your kayak in and out of the water."

Since the ’90s, kayaking’s popularity has exploded and now there are more than half dozen kayak companies renting and offering tours; most kayakers find their way to Tomales Bay State Park even if they launch from nearby Blue Waters Kayaks in Inverness, for example.

In the spirit of the Coast Miwoks, Porrata believes he is a steward of the land he oversees. As the Tomales Bay State Park ranger for more than two decades, Porrata is an activist when it comes to the environment and was even awarded the Olmstead Award by the State Parks Department.

Porrata is also a member of the Tomales Bay Watershed Council, an organization that also includes representatives from Point Reyes National Seashore, the kayak and oyster companies, residents, ranchers, county planning and water quality. Addressing the continued use of Tomales Bay by kayakers, the council has developed a guideline for boaters on Tomales Bay, especially noting all restrooms along the coast.

“It’s wonderful to come and be with nature, but leave a light foot,” Porrata said. “We have so much to learn from the Coast Miwoks.”

Location: Follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Marin County toward lighthouse; turn right on Pierce Point Road to park entrance
Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, clamming, swimming, picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing
Info: 415-669-1140
Boat-in camping: Available north of Indian Beach to Tomales Point; contact Point National Seashore at 415-464-5149