Tennessee Beach, Sand beach in Marin County, California
Tennessee Beach is a dark sand beach wedged between rocky cliffs in Marin County where the Pacific Ocean meets the shoreline. The beach expands at low tide, revealing pools of water trapped among the rocks and various stone formations along the shore.
The beach takes its name from the SS Tennessee ship that ran aground in 1853 with all 500 passengers safely evacuated. This shipwreck left a lasting mark on the local area and remains a central part of how people remember this stretch of coast.
This stretch of coast belongs to a larger network of trails in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area where hikers and outdoor enthusiasts regularly pass through. Local visitors view it as a gateway to longer coastal adventures and wilderness exploration.
Access requires a two mile walk from the Tennessee Valley trailhead since no vehicle access exists to the beach. Bring sturdy footwear and watch the tide times, as rocky areas become unreachable during high tide.
During the lowest tides of each month, iron remnants of the SS Tennessee become visible scattered along the sand. These metal pieces tell the story of the shipwreck and can be explored by visitors when water levels drop.
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