Pirate’s Cove

not sure if i’d call this a «cove» per se, but it was definitely one of the many vista points we saw during our day spent in mill valley/​marin county. we drove to muir beach and hiked 1.7 miles from the parking lot/​beach area to this vista point, and definitely got a good workout since the first ½ mile or so was straight up hill… i was definitely huffing and puffing as i made my way up what seemed like a mountain! this vista point offers a view of the ocean, the coastline, and the natural habitat that lives in this part of the bay. there were just a few other visitors here when we arrived, so not very crowded, and not very noisy, which allowed us to enjoy some peace and quiet while taking in the view. it was quite windy when i came though, so i didn’t stand at the vista point too long, for fear of being blown away! i think i was expecting a bit more, so i left pirate’s cove feeling a bit empty-​handed, but it made for a good 3.4 mile hike.

Pirates cove is a little side trip of the loop from Tennessee Valley to Muir beach. If it is a sunny day it is well worth the extra steps down to take a break and chill out on this cool little beach.
This whole area is getting way more popular so I highly recommend getting here early on the weekends to find parking.

Great hike to Pirates Cove. It’s up and down with the terrain. Bring water, stop along the marked trail and take in the amazing California Coastline. Look close and you’ll see lizards, snakes, birds, butterflies along your hike. It’s a great hike, however I would say it’s pretty hairy going down the rocky hillside to get to the secluded beach. It’s rewarding when a seal comes up to shore and gives a look around and then decides to take a nap along the rocks and pays no bother to you. From the Muir Beach parking lot to Pirates Cove it took us about 70 minutes… mind you, we stopped here and there to view sights and catch our breath. Going back was a bit quicker. I also would advise to leave the kids behind unless they are experienced and capable to climb down last section getting to beach.

A day at the beach recharges me.
We happened upon this place after a perfect day at Muir Woods.
The beach was relatively empty. I considered this a much welcomed respite from the touristy activities we had planned. There was a lot to explore and there were plenty of secluded little areas. This. This is my idea of a great beach. It was soothing and cool, almost cold since the sun was starting to set. There were maybe two other couples, but we felt that we had the beach to ourselves. It was peaceful and exactly what I seek from a beach day.

This is a tiny little beach that takes a relatively short (~30min) hike to get to. The hike gives you a very scenic overlook of the pacific — high on a ledge, but sheltered enough by bushes that it’s not overly windy (still a little windy, though.
The beach itself is small, and probably only suitable for one or two groups — but it’s rare for it to be extremely crowded. It’s deep in a cove that takes some stairs to get down to, so quite private. Waves are sizable.

For all of you Unilocalers that like to find something beyond ! This place is beautiful i read the Unilocal below and thought i had to try this out myself! Its a bit of a walk but if your well prepared its work the hike! Me and my friends brought snacks, drinks and a speaker for music ! When you get to muir beach look at the map you will see «pirates cove «follow the roads that lead there ! I must warn you the first 15 minutes or so are tough at one point my husband said i dont think this place exists lol but then you start coming across one of the most beautiful views that the muir beach does NOT show you !
You know your there when you see it! Its amazing and beautiful ! And dont worry the walk back is much easier :)!! Once you get through the steep part :) wear closed non slippery shoes

Need a quick escape into open space? Pirate’s is a great little hike. Not strenuous at all but gradually climbs high enough for beautiful views of the hills and ocean. The trail follows along the coast and then you scramble down into a small little cove aka Pirate’s Cove. If you don’t go on a weekend you might even have the place to yourself for extra solace. Yes, please!

We walked the coastal path from Muir Beach to the hill overlooking Pirate’s Cove, and back over the fire road. This is a great hike, and not too busy (though by no means quiet). Get there early because the Muir Beach parking lot fills up quickly on sunny weekend days (though most people go to the beach, not to the hike). A star off because we didn’t actually make it to Pirate’s Cove itself — the descent is steep and difficult due to excessive gravel an loose rocks. But we had a lovely picnic at the top.

As a resident of Northern California for the past 11 years is having the chance to discover so much beauty. I have always passed by Muir Beach, but my curiosity was waned once I saw the amount of cars heading to the small parking.
On Sunday, my boyfriend suggested we hike the area. Since we’ve never been.
The hike to Pirates Cove is 1.1 miles from the «crossroads» entrance to the beach. The initial climb up is literally that. Wearing running shoes was a big no-​no as there are a lot of gravel areas and not so many pockets to sink your feet in. The hike itself seems long and the trail is narrow, but the end point is completely worth it all.
Be forewarned the hike to Pirates Cove is steep and very rocky. Be careful and wear durable and nonslip shoes. Again the end result is a pocket and a private beach that captures spectacular sounds of crashing waves and that peaceful maritime ambiance.

Beautiful coastline with waves crashing on the rocks below. If you are adventurous and up for a 5 – 6 mile run/​hike, start at Muir Beach. Go up Middle Green Gulch, take a right at the top and then a left on to the Coastal Trail. This loops and you will eventually take a right to get to Pirate’s Cove.
I really enjoyed the views but during mid-​day there are a lot of people on the trails.

This is an amazing pocket beach just south of Muir Beach.
Take the Coastal Trail and follow the signs for Pirates Cove. The first half mile is really steep, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view all the way to Pacifica. Follow the trail on the cliffs for the next mile until steeply descending to the small beach. We planned it badly and arrived at high tide, so made due by sitting on some high rocks. I’d check the chart if I were you. The jagged rocks make for beautiful scenery, and you’ll find there will be few there to share the beach with. Great outdoorsy date!
Story goes it got its name because it is so secluded that it was used by bootleggers to smuggle booze in during Prohibition. I wouldn’t suggest drinking the hooch down there, not sure if you’d make it back up!