Hearts Desire Beach

If you haven’t made the drive out to Tomales Bay yet, this is the spot that’ll finally get you to do it. The water here is unusually calm and protected compared to the open Pacific beaches nearby, which makes it a genuinely good option for kids who want to actually get in and splash around without getting knocked over by waves. Locals bring their kayaks, families set up for the whole afternoon, and somehow it never feels overcrowded even on a nice weekend. Keep your eyes open in the water — seal sightings aren’t unusual, and the bay has a way of surprising you.