Kehoe Beach

Kehoe Beach is a popular destination for pets and geology enthusiasts. Pets are permitted on leash.

NPS Photo / A. Kopshever

Quick Facts

Location:

Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore. Geo-coordinates: 38.1528, -122.9392.

Amenities

2 listed

Beach/Water Access, Pets Allowed

A 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) walk alongside Kehoe marsh and over a sand dune takes you to Kehoe Beach, which is located at the northern end of Point Reyes Beach. Once at the beach, turn left to explore a stream meandering its way into the Pacific Ocean. To the right, the drama of Point Reyes geology is on display. The rocks here are millions of years old! The first cliffs you see are the smooth Laird sandstone, which change abruptly to granite. A reverse fault displaced the sandstone against the granite upon which it was deposited, creating a continuous cliff made of very different rock types.

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.
• 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 permitted on the trail to Kehoe Beach and on the beach to the north of the trail (e.g., to the right as you face the ocean) year-round. Pets must be on a 6-foot-long (1.8-meter) or shorter leash at all times. Pets are not permitted south of the trail (e.g., to the left as you face the ocean) from March 1 through September 30 as this area is protected habitat for the threatened western snowy plover. Visit our Pets page for more information.
• Camping: Camping at Kehoe Beach 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 Kehoe. 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.