Rating: C
Only a smattering of tourists visit this remote beach, which is between North Beach and South Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. And that’s good news for the few sunbathers who sometimes go topless or nude on the warmest days, when nobody’s around. Tip: bring a windbreaker in case the weather changes.
Legal status:
Midway Beach is within Point Reyes National Seashore.
How to find it:
Starting at San Francisco, head north on Highway 101 to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Stay on Sir Francis Drake through San Anselmo and Lagunitas. At the intersection with Highway 1, head north to the National Seashore headquarters in Olema. Pick up a map and follow Bear Valley Road to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Take Sir Francis past Inverness and Tomales Bay State Park and follow the signs to North Beach or South Beach. You’ll come to the North Beach trail first. When you get to the beach, walk south along the sand. Or continue on Sir Francis Drake toward the Point Reyes Lighthouse (don’t take the road to Drake’s Beach). Just after the cutoff to Drake’s Beach, look on your right for the trail to South Beach. Follow the same directions as above, except walk north.
The beach:
A sandy patch of land that is ruggedly isolated.
The crowd:
You’ll probably be alone. Only a few naturists visit here.
Problems:
Can be cold, windy, foggy, and lonely; directions can be improved.