Fickle, windswept beachbreak on the far western edge of Marin County, Point Reyes (north) rewards patience with occasional punchy peaks when the coast cooperates. It needs W to NW swell and E to SE wind to hold any shape, a combination that aligns most reliably from June through October. Size window is waist-high to overhead, with anything bigger tending to close out on the shifting sandbars. Intermediate to advanced surfers will find the most return here, and the crowd stays manageable simply because the wave rarely fires. Bottom: sand. Season: June-October. Consistency: low to moderate. The honest warning upfront: great white sharks are a documented presence in these waters, not a rumor, so early mornings and dawn sessions carry real risk that every surfer here accepts and should weigh carefully.
The lineup is spread out and welcoming. On the rare day it fires, expect more faces than usual, but no heavy localism culture. Shoulder burn is light. Traveling surfers are generally received without friction. Respect the regulars, read the rotation, and there are no issues.
Drive west of Point Reyes Station and park directly at the beach. Access is straightforward. Facilities are minimal, so bring water, food, and a change of clothes. The water runs clean. Wetsuits are non-negotiable year-round: water temps in this part of Northern California rarely push above 16C even in summer.
If Point Reyes is blown out or flat, Bolinas to the south picks up swell at a similar size and can be more sheltered in NW winds. Stinson Beach is another beachbreak option in the same region when conditions line up differently.
Forecast by Windy.app
