Duxbury Reef
Bolinas, CA
Duxbury Reef is one of the largest shale reefs on the Pacific coast, exposed at low tide into a genuine tide pooling destination near Bolinas. The Bolinas Overlook nearby adds a wider view of the reef and coastline for anyone who wants the scenery without getting down on the rocks.
One of the best tide pooling spots on this stretch of coast, genuinely worth timing a trip around, though it's essentially useless as a destination outside of low tide.
How we score beachesTime your visit tightly around low tide, this reef is only worth the trip when the water's well out, and it changes fast as the tide comes back in.
No fee, though the CCC records no formal parking area; check current signage.
A path leads from parking down to the reef.
Dogs are allowed off leash at Duxbury Reef, part of Agate Beach County Park, with leashes required only in the parking lot and on the access trail.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of the Marin coast, with water staying cold year round.
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