Marin County’s coastline is one of California’s best places for seal watching. Just north of San Francisco, you’ll find northern elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions at different times of year. Point Reyes National Seashore is the epicenter for seal watching here, especially around Chimney Rock and Drakes Beach.
If you’re planning a weekend to spot these impressive marine mammals, timing is everything. Elephant seals show up in winter at South Beach, and you can watch them from the Elephant Seal Overlook by Chimney Rock. The overlooks keep you and the animals safe, but still give you a great view.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Want to learn more? Head to The Marine Mammal Center in the Marin Headlands. This rescue and rehab facility offers tours and activities, so you can see conservation in action. They treat injured or sick animals and, when possible, return them to the wild—a real look behind the scenes at local wildlife protection.
Best Locations for Seal Watching in Marin County
You’ve got choices. Each spot in Marin County brings something different—different species, behaviors, and scenery.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is a seal lover’s dream. Harbor seals hang out here all year, while elephant seals join in during winter. South Beach is a reliable place to see both species stretched out on the sand.
Start at Bear Valley Visitor Center—rangers there can clue you in on the latest seal sightings and which trails are open. They’ll probably hand you a pamphlet or two about marine mammals, too.
Winter and early spring mark elephant seal breeding season. Sometimes you’ll catch massive bull seals squaring off, or mothers caring for pups. Bring binoculars so you can watch from a distance without bothering them.
You might also spot seals swimming offshore near the lighthouse. And hey, if you’re lucky, you could see whales from January to April—whale watching is pretty special here, too.
Tomales Bay and Inverness
Tomales Bay is a quieter spot, with calm waters where harbor seals like to gather. Early mornings are best—they’re more active then.
Blue Waters Kayaking in Inverness runs guided tours that let you get close to seals without disturbing them. Kayaking puts you at water level, which is a totally different perspective than standing on shore. No experience needed, just a willingness to paddle for a couple of hours.
You’ll find public access points along the western shore near Inverness. Seals often rest on rocks or swim nearby, especially early or late in the day.
Seabirds flock to the same spots, so bring a camera if you like snapping wildlife. A zoom lens helps you keep your distance.
Chimney Rock and Elephant Seal Overlook
Chimney Rock is home to one of Marin’s largest elephant seal colonies. The Elephant Seal Overlook gives you a high vantage point above Drakes Bay—perfect for watching without getting in the way.
From December through March, bull elephant seals arrive first, then pregnant females come to give birth. January and February are peak pupping season. The drama here is real—territorial battles, newborn pups, and plenty of action.
Look for informational signs at the overlook. Sometimes National Park Service volunteers set up scopes for visitors, which is a nice bonus.
The hike to Chimney Rock is about 1.8 miles round trip, not too tough, and the views are pretty spectacular. Weather can change fast, so pack a jacket or two.
Bolinas Lagoon and Stinson Beach
Bolinas Lagoon is another protected spot where harbor seals hang out year-round. The shallow water is perfect for them. Just pull over at the parking areas along Highway 1 and look out over the water.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
It’s a lot more accessible than some Point Reyes spots—you can even watch from your car, which is great if you’ve got kids or don’t feel like hiking. Low tide is best, when seals haul out onto the exposed mudflats.
Stinson Beach sometimes draws sea lions, especially when herring are running. It’s hit or miss for seals, but between the possibility of marine mammals and excellent birding, it’s worth a visit.
Harbor seals are curious but skittish. If you’re quiet and patient, you’ll probably spot a few heads poking up from the water.
Wildlife Encounters and Viewing Tips
Marin County is packed with wildlife, especially along the coast. From marine mammals to birds, there’s always something to spot—if you know where and when to look.
Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, and Other Marine Mammals
Point Reyes is the best place to see northern elephant seals—especially around Chimney Rock and South Beach in winter. These giants can weigh up to 5,000 pounds (yes, really) and have those unmistakable long snouts.
You’ll find harbor seals year-round. Look for them lounging on rocks or beaches, especially at low tide in Drakes Estero and Tomales Bay.
California sea lions are hard to miss—they’re loud, social, and love to put on a show. Listen for their barking before you see them.
Gray whales migrate past the coast from December through April. The lighthouse and Chimney Rock are your best bets for seeing them spout or even breach.
If you come across an injured marine mammal, call the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. They do incredible work rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of animals each year.
Birds, Elk, and Terrestrial Wildlife
Over 490 bird species call Marin County home at some point during the year. Along the coast, you’ll see cormorants, pelicans, and gulls. Inland, keep your eyes out for red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and woodpeckers.
Top Bird Watching Spots:
- Bolinas Lagoon (shorebirds and waterfowl)
- Rodeo Lagoon (migratory birds)
- Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds (great variety all year)
Tule elk live at the Tule Elk Reserve in Point Reyes. These once-rare animals are now thriving. Early morning or late afternoon, especially in fall during the rut, is the best time to look for them.
Coyotes, bobcats, and gray foxes roam the woodlands and grasslands. They’re most active at dawn and dusk. If you’re quiet and patient, you might get lucky and spot one.
Wildlife Viewing Guidelines and Safety
Always keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Binoculars or a spotting scope let you watch without getting too close. For marine mammals, stay at least 100 feet away.
Some quick tips:
- Move slowly, keep your voice down
- Don’t feed wild animals (ever)
- Stick to about 30 minutes of viewing
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises
- Stay on trails and in designated viewing areas
Weather on the coast changes fast—bring layers. Fog is common, especially on summer mornings.
Leave pets at home or keep them leashed if allowed. Dogs can stress wildlife and mess up nesting or breeding areas. Protecting the animals comes first.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
A field guide helps you figure out what you’re seeing. It makes the experience more fun and lets you appreciate animal behavior without interfering.
Outdoor Activities and Tours in Marin County
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities here—hiking, paddling, wildlife tours, you name it. The landscapes are so varied that you could spend days exploring.
Guided Tours and Kayaking Adventures
Point Reyes Safaris runs wildlife tours led by local guides. They’ll take you to hidden spots where you can see seals, birds, and more—places you’d never find on your own.
Blue Waters Kayaking offers trips on Tomales Bay and Drakes Estero. Their bioluminescence night tours are a summer highlight. The water glows with tiny organisms—it’s pretty magical. These evening tours run from May to October and tend to fill up fast.
Families will find guided kayak tours accessible and safe. Gear and instruction are included, so you don’t need any experience.
Hiking, Horseback Riding, and Surfing
Marin’s trail network has something for everyone. The Chimney Rock Trail (about 1.8 miles) is great for seal watching in winter. Bear Valley Trail is a longer option—8.2 miles through forests and meadows.
Five Brooks Ranch offers horseback rides through Point Reyes’ scenic landscapes. Rides range from one hour to half a day, and they’re open to all skill levels.
Surfing? Point Reyes Beach (aka Great Beach) has consistent waves. Drakes Beach is more sheltered and better for beginners when the wind’s up. Water’s chilly year-round—don’t skip the wetsuit.
Always check the weather before heading out. Coastal fog can show up fast and change your plans.
Planning Your Seal Watching Trip
A little planning goes a long way for a great seal watching trip in Marin. Where you stay, how you get around, and knowing a bit about the area all make a difference.
Where to Stay and Eat
Point Reyes Station is a charming place to stay, close to top seal watching spots. There are plenty of inns and B&Bs, with prices usually between $150 and $300 a night depending on the season.
Olema, just south, has the historic Olema House and some smaller, family-run options. Either way, you’re close to the national seashore.
Seafood is a must here. Nick’s Cove in Marshall serves up oysters with a view. Station House Café in Point Reyes Station is known for its sustainable local fare. Many restaurants feature Tomales Bay oysters and fresh fish.
Stock up at the local grocery stores in Point Reyes Station—perfect for packing a picnic to take seal watching.
Transportation and Getting Around
Driving is the easiest way to get to Marin County. From San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take Highway 101 north to the Marin Headlands, or Sir Francis Drake Boulevard for Point Reyes.
You can rent a car at San Francisco International Airport. The drive to Point Reyes usually takes about an hour and a half if traffic’s light.
Public transit is pretty limited. There are weekday buses from San Rafael to Point Reyes Station, but they don’t run often.
If you’re coming from the south, the Pacific Coast Highway is stunning—just plan for a longer, slower drive.
Once you’re in Marin, you’ll need a car to reach the various seal watching spots in Point Reyes National Seashore.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Long before tourists arrived, the Coast Miwok people called this region home. If you’re curious about their way of life and how they thrived along the coast, Kule Loklo—a recreated village near the Bear Valley Visitor Center—offers a glimpse into their traditions and relationship with the land. It’s a quiet spot, but there’s a lot to take in if you slow down and look around.
Then there’s the Point Reyes Lighthouse, built back in 1870. It’s a classic landmark, perched dramatically above the ocean. Hours change with the seasons, so it’s worth checking before you go. Even if you’re not a lighthouse buff, the views and the history make it a memorable stop (and honestly, the wind up there is something else).
If you like maritime history, the Point Reyes Lifeboat Station is a must-see. It’s a National Historic Landmark that brings to life the tough, sometimes harrowing rescues that happened off these wild shores. You can almost picture the crews braving rough seas.
And tucked away nearby, the Marconi Wireless Station marks the area’s unexpected role in early radio communication. It’s a quirky bit of history that adds another layer to the landscape—reminding you that people have shaped this coast in all kinds of ways.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Angelico Concert Hall
Art Works Downtown San Rafael
Bear Valley Visitor Center
Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre
Downtown San Rafael Art District
Elk Watching in Marin County
Ember Stomp
Italian Film Festival
Marin Art and Garden Center
Marin County Fair
Marin County International Festival of Short Film & Video
Marin Shakespeare Company
Marin Symphony
Marin Theatre Company
Mill Valley Film Festival
Mill Valley Music Festival
Mountain Play
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Ross Valley Players
Sausalito Center For The Arts
Seal Watching in Marin County
The California Film Institute
The Playhouse in San Anselmo
Throckmorton Theatre
Tiburon International Film Festival
Tule Elk Reserve
Whale Watching in Marin County
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
