SUNDAY DRIVE: CHICKEN RANCH BEACH

What you’ll see: The idea of a little-known, serene beach on Tomales Bay adjacent to Point Reyes National Seashore might seem impossible. But here it is for you: Chicken Ranch Beach, which gets missed by many because of no sign, no fees. It is operated by Marin County Parks, which means that unlike the nearby state and national parks, you can bring your dog (leash required) on the beach.

The drive:

The cruise out to Point Reyes is one of the Bay Area’s prettiest drives, no matter which route you choose: the primary route out Sir Francis Drake from coastal hills through redwoods (and past Samuel P. Taylor State Park), the northern east-to-west route past pretty Nicasio Reservoir; the southern twisty approach along Highway 1 with its lookouts (Muir Beach Lookout is the best) and coastal access points.

The beach:

This is a gorgeous beach with a calm, private waterfront. Inverness Ridge at Point Reyes protects the west shore of Tomales Bay from onshore winds from the ocean. That makes Chicken Ranch Beach one of the few anywhere that provides calm water for excellent swimming, bobbing around on inflatables, and launching car-top boats.

Kayak/canoe:

The water often just kind of laps at the shore here. A dock would be great, but even without that, it is a good spot to launch kayaks and canoes. Its location, north of Inverness and south of Tomales Bay State Park, makes it a great launch spot. You can paddle south into the tidal waters of the Tomales Bay Ecological Preserve, or north along Heart’s Desire Beach at the state park.

Cost: Parking, access, handlaunching boats, dogs — free.

Camping:

Boat-in campsites, $20 per site for up to six people, are available along the northwestern shore of Tomales Bay and managed by Point Reyes National Seashore; reservations required at Recreation.gov or (877) 444-6777. Rules at nps.gov/pore.