Limantour Beach is a long narrow stretch of sand, backed by low cliffs located between Drakes Bay and an estuary. Named after Joseph Yves Limantour, a French captain who wrecked his schooner (the Ayacucho) on Point Reyes in October 1841. This salt water beach is perfect for wildlife lovers as it is home to shorebirds, ducks, harbor seals, gray whales and the snowy plover bird. Dogs are also welcome on the southeast end of this beach as long as they are on a 1.8 meter (6 foot) leash. Limantour Beach has calmer waters than other beaches nearby due to its south-facing location and shelter from the Point Reyes Peninsula thus makes a good place for family activities. This beach has limited amenities nearby, but does offer free parking and entrance as well as outhouses and bonfires by permit (purchased at the visitors centre). Limantour Beach is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore which was established to preserve and protect wilderness and natural ecosystems.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Limantour and 8,000 other beaches.