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Description
Drakes Beach, located about an hour and a half north of the Golden Gate Bridge, is a scenic destination known for its long, flat, and narrow beach that stretches for miles below sandstone cliffs. The beach faces southeast and offers drive-up access, a small café (not always open), and a visitor center, making it a pleasant day trip. While it can get crowded on weekends, the crowds thin out as you move away from the parking lot. You can enjoy beautiful views of Drakes Bay and the Point Reyes Lighthouse from the top of the cliff. The lighthouse is open Thursday through Monday and offers views of harbor seals, sea lions, and a variety of coastal birds. Mountain bikers also frequent the trail.
The cliffs at Drakes Beach were named Nova Albion by Sir Francis Drake, who thought they resembled the white cliffs of Sussex. These cliffs provide shelter from the usual northwest summer winds and are part of the Drakes Bay formation, a large body of sandstone deposited 10-13 million years ago. Erosion has revealed the striations in the cliff faces, creating a series of cliffs and valleys.
Paragliding at Drakes Beach is rarely possible due to the unusual wind direction required. The wind must be from the southeast, which typically only happens in the winter. If conditions are right, you can ridge soar along the cliffs, but be cautious of the rotor and mindful of the tides. Flying is permitted north of the parking lot and prohibited south of it. There is a paved trail leading to the top of the cliff.
Before flying at Drakes Beach, you must register with the Dispatcher's Office at the Bear Valley Visitor Center in the Point Reyes National Seashore. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week, and it's advisable to call ahead at 415.464.5100 to ensure someone is available to give you permission. The dispatcher's office is located in the first building on your right as you enter the Visitor Center compound. A P3/H3 rating is required, and registration is valid for one year. You don't need to sign in each day you fly, but you should carry a photocopy of your signed registration form.
For more information, visit:
- [Fly Zephyr - Drakes Beach](http://www.flyzephyr.com/drakes-beach.html)
- [Bay Area Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club - Drakes Beach](http://www.bhgc.org/sites/#site_drake-s-beach-point-reyes-ca)
- [NOAA Weather Forecast for Drakes Beach](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.026835&lon=-122.962681&site=rev&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text#.Y1j8cz1Bypo)
- [NPS Weather Information for Point Reyes](https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/weather.htm)
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