Tennessee Beach

Some spots in the Golden Gate National Parks, like this overlook in Tennessee Valley, are wonderful for reflection.

Elizabeth Aldenderfer / Parks Conservancy

Tennessee Valley meanders for approximately two miles through serene, rolling hills down to the Pacific Ocean. The 1.8-mile, well-groomed trail to Tennessee Beach begins at the trailhead parking lot, about a mile down Tennessee Valley Road.

Sandwiched between the bluffs on either side of the cove lies a pocket beach. During low tide, it is possible to get around the southern end to reach another small, sandy beach with interesting rock formations, but beware of hazardous surf. Swimming is not recommended.