Abbotts Lagoon Beach

Sand dunes are abundant around the western end of Abbotts Lagoon.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Abbotts Lagoon Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore. Geo-coordinates: 38.1236, -122.9355.

Amenities

2 listed

Beach/Water Access, Scenic View/Photo Spot

A 2.5-kilometer (1.5-mile) walk through coastal scrub, across a footbridge over a stream between two lagoons, and over sand dunes brings you to this ocean beach. The lagoons attract large numbers of migrating shorebirds in the fall, followed by the wintering ducks. Occasionally, peregrine falcons are seen selecting their meals amongst these tasty morsels. The sand dunes backing the beach are home to the threatened western snowy plover. The eggs and young of this ground-nesting bird are easily destroyed. Be especially careful in this area during their nesting season, March 1–September 30.

Beach Safety

Never turn your back to the ocean. Due to the frequently large surf, this is not a beach at which it is safe to play close to the water's edge, much less to go for a swim. The ocean water may be as low as 50°F (10°C). Hypothermia, sneaker waves, and rip currents are just a few beach hazards of which visitors should be aware while visiting Point Reyes Beaches. Please visit our Safety Issues Associated with Beaches page for more information.

Park Regulations

• Glass: Glass containers are prohibited on all Point Reyes Beaches.
• Take only pictures; leave only footprints: Almost everything one finds at Point Reyes' beaches is protected by law, including shells, rocks, fossils, flowers, and artifacts.
• Wildlife: Do not chase or feed the gulls (or any other birds) and keep your distance from seals and sea lions. Avoid entering the dunes to the south of the westernmost lagoon during the plover nesting season. Kiteboarding and kite flying are not allowed at Abbotts Lagoon due to snowy plover nesting activity from March 1 to September 30
• Drones: Launching, landing, or operating a drone from or on lands and waters within the boundaries of Point Reyes National Seashore is prohibited.
• Metal-detectors: Metal-detectors are prohibited throughout the National Seashore.
• Pets: Pets are not permitted on the Abbotts Lagoon Trail. Visit our Pets page for more information.
• Camping: Camping at Abbotts Lagoon is prohibited. Parking your vehicle overnight at the trailhead is prohibited. Visit our Backcountry Camping page for more information on camping at Point Reyes.
• Wood fires: A permit is required to have a wood fire at any beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. Visit our Beach Fires page for more information.
• Fishing: Fishing is permitted at Abbotts Lagoon Beach. Please visit our Fishing page for more information and regulations.

Visit the park's Beaches of Point Reyes page for more details.

Help Keep Your Beaches Clean!

Follow Leave No Trace Principles to reduce our impact on the places we love. Use the vault toilet at the trailhead before heading to the beach. Please help protect marine life and keep your park beaches clean by disposing of trash in the garbage cans located at trailhead. If you build any driftwood structures during your visit, please disassemble them before you leave.