Nick's Cove
Marshall, CA

Nick's Cove pairs a historic restaurant and inn with public access to a pier and a small sandy cove beach on Tomales Bay. It's as much a destination for a meal as it is for the beach, a genuinely different kind of stop than the wilder Point Reyes coastline nearby.
The historic restaurant and inn give it real character beyond just another bay access point, though it's a small cove more than a real beach day destination.
How we score beachesBook ahead if a meal is part of the plan, the restaurant here is popular enough that walk-ins aren't a sure thing on weekends.
Free parking is available near the cove.
The path from parking to the sand isn't documented in detail, so allow extra time on your first visit.
Dogs are welcome on leash at this dog-friendly waterfront resort and its small beaches on Tomales Bay.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of this stretch of coast, with water staying cold year round.
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