It’s mid-summer and many people are thinking about spending a day at the beach. Point Reyes Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore has plenty of space. It’s Marin’s longest continuous beach with 10 miles of sandy shoreline.

Parking lots at North Beach and South Beach provide easy access. These two parking areas are large, paved, and provide restrooms and picnic tables. They are located right at the edge of the beach and do not require a hike to reach the sand. You can park with a front-row seat to the roiling ocean surf and enjoy birding, whale watching or people watching from the car. This is handy to know if you have a family member who has difficulty walking in sand.

When planning your day at Point Reyes Beach, do not include wading and swimming on the agenda. The full force of the Pacific Ocean pounds this west-facing beach. The powerful waves create strong rip currants unsafe for water play. The great expanse of sand is great for walking, jogging, birding, kite flying, beach games and picnicking.

Binoculars are handy for watching shore birds and ocean ducks. It’s not unusual to spot seals swimming in the swells or see a whale spout beyond the waves. Brown pelicans fly and glide just above the tops of the waves with a grace that may be unexpected for a bird their size. Gulls may be gathered in large groups patrolling the beach.

A two-mile walk south of the South Beach parking lot provides a view of the Point Reyes Head with the lighthouse perched on the rocky tip of land. Look inland to see buildings on the bluff that were part of the Lifeboat Station that was in service from 1890 to 1927.

Walking north, the beach stretches for miles. You can walk as far as you wish and let your mind ponder the beauty of the sea and surf. Nature provides surround sound with waves crashing followed by the hiss of water swishing up the beach and retreating. Wind often lifts misty spray right off a wave’s curl and sends it dancing skyward in a disappearing act.

Weather is changeable on the coast. It can be cold and windy or sunny and hot all in one day. Be prepared by taking sun protection and layers of clothing.

To reach North Beach or South Beach parking lots at the Point Reyes National Seashore, follow Sir Francis Drake Highway through Inverness and continue toward the Point Reyes Lighthouse; watch for the signs.

Tacy Dunham is the author of several trail guide books. For more information about her books, e-mail cottonwoodpress4ca@hotmail.com. For past columns and maps, go to www.marinij.com/outdoors.