Natural swimming hole
Heart's Desire Beach (Tomales Bay)
Ocean cove · California
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Heart's Desire Beach on Tomales Bay is a calm, sandy cove with warm-ish bay water — a rarity on the Marin coast. The protected bay is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It is the go-to summer swim for West Marin locals.
Good to know
| Water type | Ocean cove |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 60s in summer |
| Depth | calm bay beach |
| Best season | June-September |
| Fees | $8 day use |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | sunrise-sunset |
| Parking | beach lot; fills on summer weekends |
| Amenities | restrooms, picnic tables |
| County | Marin County |
| Nearest town | Inverness |
| Safety notes | no lifeguard; boat traffic; stingrays possible — shuffle feet |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Heart's Desire Beach (Tomales Bay)?
Yes — Heart's Desire Beach (Tomales Bay) is listed as a natural swimming spot in California. Reported water temperature: 60s in summer. Heads-up: no lifeguard; boat traffic; stingrays possible — shuffle feet. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Heart's Desire Beach (Tomales Bay) require reservations?
No reservations are required at Heart's Desire Beach (Tomales Bay) based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Heart's Desire Beach (Tomales Bay)?
Reported fee info: $8 day use. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Heart's Desire Beach (Tomales Bay)?
The best season is typically June-September.