Point Reyes National Seashore is a coastal gem about an hour north of San Francisco. This wild peninsula packs in 80 miles of rugged shoreline, sandy beaches, and 150 miles of hiking trails. Some of California’s most beautiful landscapes come together here—dramatic cliffs, peaceful forests, and windswept beaches—all protected as a national park.
Visiting Point Reyes, you might spot elephant seals, paddle a kayak on calm waters, or wander through the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel. The park’s mood shifts with the seasons, so every visit feels a little different.
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Point Reyes lets you escape into nature without leaving civilization too far behind. Outdoor adventure and local culture mix together—perfect for a quick day trip or a longer getaway. Whether you’re hiking, watching for whales, or grabbing a bite in town, it’s classic California minus the big city crowds.
Planning Your Visit
Thinking ahead pays off at Point Reyes. Timing, directions, and packing smartly will help you make the most of your trip.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March-May) means wildflowers and migrating whales. Summer (June-August) often brings fog, but weekdays are quieter. Fall (September-October) usually has the clearest, warmest weather—great for hiking and photos.
Winter (November-February) is all about dramatic storms and the start of gray whale season, though some trails can get muddy or close after heavy rain.
Weekdays stay less crowded. If you’re aiming for a weekend, try to arrive before 10 AM for a shot at parking at busy trailheads like Bear Valley or Palomarin. Holiday weekends? They get swamped—maybe pick another date if you can.
Getting to Point Reyes
You’ll find Point Reyes in West Marin County, about an hour north of San Francisco. There’s no direct public transit, so you’ll need a car.
From San Francisco, take Highway 101 North, then Highway 1 at Mill Valley. Highway 1 winds through West Marin’s hills to the park. Or, take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west from Highway 101.
The main entrance and Bear Valley Visitor Center are just north of Olema. Look for a small sign on Highway 1.
Cell service is spotty. Download maps ahead of time and bring paper directions, just in case.
Gas stations are rare out here, so fill up before you leave the main roads.
Weather and What to Pack
Point Reyes weather is a bit unpredictable, and it can be much cooler by the coast than inland—sometimes by 10-15 degrees. Fog is common, especially in summer.
What to bring:
- Layered clothing (temps change fast)
- Windproof jacket (it’s windy, always)
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Binoculars for wildlife
- Printed map (visitor center has free ones)
Fog can show up out of nowhere, even on sunny days. Toss in some rain gear, just to be safe. In winter, waterproof boots and extra warm layers are a good idea.
Check current weather at the visitor center before heading out to the park’s more remote spots.
Where to Stay
When visiting Point Reyes National Seashore, travelers have a variety of lodging options to choose from. For those seeking accommodations within or very close to the park, you can find charming bed and breakfast inns, cottages, and vacation rentals nestled in the natural beauty of the area. The Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore offers lodging set within a lush 15-acre valley bordered by a calming creek between Tomales Bay and Point Reyes.
Another option within the park itself is the Limantour Lodge, which provides dormitory-style accommodations for visitors. Other popular lodging choices include the Tomales Bay Resort & Marina, Motel Inverness, and Black Heron Inn, all offering convenient access to the park’s attractions.
For those on a tighter budget or seeking more conventional hotel options, the nearby towns provide additional choices. Novato, San Rafael, and Petaluma are the closest cities with standard chain hotel options, ideal for visitors looking to cut costs. The Olema House is a boutique hotel option located near the park entrance.
When planning your visit, it’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as the most desirable accommodations near Point Reyes National Seashore tend to fill up quickly. With options ranging from rustic cabins to upscale inns, there’s something to suit every traveler’s preference and budget.
Check out our full article on hotels near Point Reyes National Seashore.
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Main Attractions
Point Reyes National Seashore is packed with stunning landscapes and a few historic sites. The best spots mix natural beauty with a peek into the area’s ecology and maritime past.
Point Reyes Lighthouse
The Point Reyes Lighthouse sits on a rocky point at the park’s far west edge. Built in 1870, it kept ships safe from the treacherous coast for over 100 years.
Getting there means tackling 308 steps, but the view at the bottom is worth every one. On a clear day, the Pacific stretches out forever. From January through April, this is also prime whale watching territory.
The lighthouse is open Thursday–Monday, 10:00 AM–4:30 PM. Go early to beat the afternoon fog that often rolls in. It’s windy, so bring a jacket—even if it’s warm up top.
Click here to learn more about Point Reyes Lighthouse.
Alamere Falls
Alamere Falls is one of California’s rare tidefalls, where freshwater plunges right onto the beach and into the ocean. The 40-foot waterfall is a bit magical as it spills over the cliffs.
You’ll need to hike about 8.4 miles round-trip from the Palomarin Trailhead to get there. The trail’s moderately challenging and winds through forests, past lakes, and over coastal bluffs.
Plan on 4–5 hours for the hike and bring more water than you think you’ll need. Always check the tide schedule—high tide can make the beach section unsafe. Winter and spring are best for strong waterfall flow, especially after rain.
Click here to learn more about hiking in Marin County.
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Visitor Centers
The park’s visitor centers offer a great starting point. You’ll find info on history, trails, and what’s happening around the park. They’re worth a stop, especially if it’s your first visit.
Bear Valley Visitor Center
The Bear Valley Visitor Center is the main hub for info. It’s close to park headquarters and has maps, trail guides, and the latest conditions to help you plan.
Inside, you’ll see exhibits on local ecosystems, geology, and the area’s human history. There’s a working seismograph since the park sits on the San Andreas Fault. Rangers can answer questions and suggest hikes based on what you’re into and how much time you have.
There’s a small bookstore for field guides, nature books, or souvenirs. Water fountains and restrooms are available. Several trails start right outside, including the popular Bear Valley Trail.
Hours change with the seasons, so check the National Park Service website before you go.
Click here to learn more about Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Kule Loklo and Miwok Village
A short walk from Bear Valley Visitor Center brings you to Kule Loklo, a recreated Coast Miwok village. It’s a good spot to learn about the indigenous people who called Marin County home for thousands of years.
The site has traditional structures—roundhouses, acorn granaries, sweathouses—and signs explaining Coast Miwok culture and their connection to the land.
The 0.25-mile trail to the village is flat and easy. It’s a nice way to get a sense of native heritage in the area.
Sometimes there are special events, like the annual Big Time festival, with demonstrations of traditional skills and crafts. Ask at the visitor center if anything’s coming up during your visit.
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Outdoor Activities
Point Reyes is a playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. There’s everything from scenic hiking to water sports and camping. You’ll find plenty of ways to connect with nature here.
Hiking Trails
With about 150 miles of trails, you’ll never run out of options. The Chimney Rock Trail (1.75 miles round trip) is great for beginners and rewards you with ocean views and spring wildflowers.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, the Mt. Wittenberg Trail climbs 5 miles round trip to one of the park’s highest points at 1,407 feet. The view of the Pacific is top-notch.
Want to reach a remote beach? Wildcat Beach is a 5.5-mile trek from Palomarin Trailhead, passing Bass Lake and coastal scrub before you hit sand. Sometimes, you’ll catch Alamere Falls flowing right onto the beach.
The Earthquake Trail, near Bear Valley Visitor Center, is a short, accessible 0.6-mile loop that shows off the San Andreas Fault’s impact on the landscape.
Click here to learn more about hiking in Marin County.
Kayaking and Water Sports
Tomales Bay’s protected waters are perfect for kayaking. Local outfitters in Point Reyes Station rent gear and offer guided trips.
Best spots for kayaking:
- Inverness: Calm, good for beginners
- Marshall Beach: Access to hidden beaches
- Heart’s Desire Beach: Family-friendly paddling
In summer, you can join bioluminescent night tours and watch the water glow with tiny marine life. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Morning is usually calmest for paddling, before the afternoon winds pick up. Always bring a life jacket and let someone know your plans and when you’ll be back.
Click here to learn more about Marin County’s beaches.
Camping Experiences
Point Reyes has four hike-in campgrounds for a true wilderness vibe. You’ll need to reserve spots ahead of time on recreation.gov.
Popular campgrounds:
- Sky Camp: On a ridge with killer sunset views
- Wildcat Camp: Close to the beach and Alamere Falls
- Coast Camp: In a coastal valley, easy beach access
- Glen Camp: Tucked away in a wooded valley
Sky Camp sits at 1,025 feet and is famous for sunsets. Its 11 sites book up fast, especially in summer. All campgrounds have pit toilets and food lockers, but you’ll need to bring your own water or treat what you find.
No campfires allowed at any backcountry site—use a camp stove for cooking. Be ready for fog and quick weather changes.
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Wildlife Watching
Point Reyes is a hotspot for wildlife. The park’s mix of habitats means you can spot all kinds of animals—often when you least expect it. Every season brings something new to see.
Tule Elk and Elk Preserve
The Tule Elk Preserve at Tomales Point is home to one of California’s largest elk herds. These animals, once nearly extinct, now roam freely in this protected area—pretty amazing, honestly.
The Tomales Point Trail, about 9.7 miles round-trip, is your main access point and a solid bet for elk sightings. Early morning or late afternoon, when things are quiet and the elk are out and about, is your best window.
(Photo Courtesy of ItchyFeet)
Bulls put on quite a show during the fall rutting season (August-October), bugling and sometimes even locking antlers in dramatic battles for mates. If you catch that, it’s unforgettable.
Definitely bring binoculars. Keep at least 100 feet back—for your safety and theirs. These elk are wild, and they need their space.
Click here to learn more about Tule Elk Reserve.
Whale Watching
Gray whales cruise past Point Reyes on their annual migration between Alaska and Mexico. The Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock are classic whale-watching spots, if you can brave the wind.
Migration season runs January through April, with peak numbers mid-January and again in March. Sometimes you’ll see mothers and calves hugging the shoreline in spring.
Humpback and blue whales occasionally show up offshore in summer and fall. If you spot a spout on the horizon, that’s your cue to look closer.
Bring binoculars, and try for a clear, calm day. The lighthouse can be cold and blustery, so layers are a must—even if it looks sunny.
Click here to learn more about Whale Watching in Marin County.
Elephant Seals and Other Wildlife
Elephant seals haul out at beaches near Chimney Rock from December through March. The males are massive—up to 5,000 pounds—and their big, floppy noses are hard to miss.
Breeding season brings noisy brawls between males and plenty of action as mothers care for pups. Park docents usually set up viewing areas and answer questions.
Abbotts Lagoon is a haven for bird watchers. Keep an eye out for western grebes, pie-billed grebes, and black-shouldered kites near the water.
You might spot bobcats, coyotes, or even river otters around the park. Tomales Bay and Limantour Estero are both good for harbor seals and shorebirds when the tide’s low.
Click here to learn more about seal watching in Marin County.
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Beaches and Coastal Destinations
Point Reyes National Seashore has some of the most stunning and varied coastal spots in Northern California. The Pacific shoreline stretches for miles, with sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs that pull in visitors all year.
Limantour Beach
Limantour Beach runs nearly 2 miles along a skinny spit between Drakes Bay and an estuary. It’s a gentle, sloping beach—great for long walks and beachcombing. At low tide, you can poke around tidepools full of sea stars, anemones, and little crabs.
The water’s usually calmer here than at other Point Reyes beaches, so wading is doable, but it’s still cold. Swimming isn’t really advised—currents are strong and there aren’t any lifeguards.
Limantour has some solid amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic tables
- Wheelchair-accessible boardwalk
- Plenty of parking
Bird watchers love this beach, especially in winter and spring when thousands of shorebirds swing through.
Click here to learn more about Limantour Beach.
Drakes Beach and Drakes Bay
Drakes Beach sits below tall, white sandstone cliffs that block the wind. The wide, sandy stretch serves up big views of Point Reyes and the bay named for explorer Sir Francis Drake.
This is one of the park’s easiest beaches to reach, with amenities like:
- Visitor center
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Café (seasonal)
Drakes Bay waters are a bit more sheltered but still cold year-round. In winter, you might catch gray whales migrating offshore.
Spring and summer bring elephant seals to the beach. Park rangers often lead talks about these giant marine mammals.
Sometimes, heavy rains close the road to Drakes Beach, so check conditions before heading out.
Click here to learn more about Drakes Beach.
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Local Towns and Communities
The Point Reyes region is dotted with charming towns, each with its own quirks and character. They make great home bases for exploring the seashore—and you’ll find plenty of local dining, shopping, and culture along the way.
Point Reyes Station
Point Reyes Station sits at the southeast entrance to the seashore. Once a railroad town, it’s now the main visitor hub. Downtown is a cluster of Western-style buildings along Highway 1, packed with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Toby’s Feed Barn is kind of the anchor here—it’s a general store, art gallery, and hosts the farmers market. Food-wise, try Cowgirl Creamery for cheese or Bovine Bakery for fresh pastries. Station House Café is a go-to for farm-to-table meals with local ingredients.
On Saturdays (summer through fall), the Point Reyes Farmers Market brings local produce, crafts, and prepared foods. You’ll find most essentials here: grocery, bank, gas station—easy to get around on foot.
Olema and Inverness
Olema sits where Highway 1 meets Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, making it a gateway to Point Reyes. It’s a tiny hamlet with a few historic buildings, including the Olema Farmhouse from 1865.
Several inns and B&Bs offer cozy stays among redwoods. The Farm House restaurant at The Olema serves California cuisine with local flair.
Inverness hugs Tomales Bay’s western shore, giving you killer water views. It’s a quiet place, perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding on the bay. The old Point Reyes shipwreck, beached on Tomales Bay, is a favorite for photos.
For food, there’s the Inverness Park Market for sandwiches and Vladimir’s Czech Restaurant—a local institution.
Click here to learn more about Tomales Bay State Park.
Nearby Towns: Stinson Beach and Bolinas
Stinson Beach draws crowds with its three-mile stretch of sand. The place really comes alive in summer when the fog burns off. The main village has casual eats, a grocery, and surf shops if you want to rent boards or wetsuits.
Hiking trails link Stinson Beach to Mount Tamalpais State Park, with some of the best coastal views around. In summer, you’ll sometimes find beach volleyball tournaments or other events.
Bolinas, just north of Stinson, keeps its independent streak. Locals famously remove road signs to keep things low-key—gives it a hidden, artsy vibe. Downtown has the Bolinas Museum, Coast Café, and Smiley’s Saloon, which claims to be one of California’s oldest bars.
The Bolinas Lagoon between the two towns is a birding hotspot, with over 245 species recorded in this unique habitat.
Click here to learn more about Stinson Beach.
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Food, Dining, and Local Businesses
Point Reyes is a food lover’s spot, with fresh, local ingredients, loads of seafood, and plenty of artisanal treats. The region’s all about quality and flavor—nothing too fussy, just really good food.
Oysters and Seafood Experiences
Tomales Bay is legendary for its oyster farms. You can slurp the freshest shellfish right by the water. The Marshall Store is a local go-to for grilled or raw oysters on a deck over the bay—the oysters come straight from just offshore.
Want to shuck your own? Try Tomales Bay Oyster Company or Hog Island Oyster Co. Both have picnic tables so you can dig in with a view.
Seafood isn’t just oysters. Nick’s Cove serves up local fish with seasonal sides, and most restaurants here source from nearby waters and farms. You’ll taste the difference.
Local Favorites: Cowgirl Creamery, Nick’s Cove, and Heidrun Meadery
If you love cheese, Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station is a must. Their Mt. Tam triple cream is famous, and you can watch the cheesemaking process or sample a bunch of varieties in the shop.
Nick’s Cove offers waterfront dining in a rustic setting. The menu is comforting and local, with a strong cocktail list. Their cottages make it tempting to stay the night.
Heidrun Meadery makes sparkling meads from single-flower honeys. The tasting room and garden in Point Reyes Station are a fun stop—you can really taste the differences between each flower’s pollen.
Café Reyes is a solid pick for wood-fired pizza on the garden patio. For breakfast or brunch, Side Street Kitchen does tasty, hearty plates that’ll fuel your day.
Click here to learn more about Marin County Restaurants.
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History and Culture
Point Reyes National Seashore is steeped in history, from indigenous settlements to European explorers and old maritime lore. The coast is dotted with sites that tell the story of people and this wild landscape.
The Coast Miwok and Indigenous Heritage
The Coast Miwok people lived in the Point Reyes area for more than 5,000 years before Europeans arrived. They built villages all over the peninsula, living closely with the land and sea.
These communities were skilled basket weavers and hunters. They fished, harvested shellfish, and ate a diet heavy on acorns, fish, deer, and wild plants.
Archaeological sites reveal shell middens, tool-making spots, and old village sites. You can get a feel for Coast Miwok culture at the Kule Loklo village reconstruction near Bear Valley Visitor Center—sometimes there are cultural demos during special events.
The Park Service works with Coast Miwok descendants (now part of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria) to help preserve and share their heritage.
Sir Francis Drake and Exploration
Europeans first made contact with Point Reyes in 1579, when Sir Francis Drake likely landed at what’s now Drakes Bay. His ship, the Golden Hinde, needed repairs during his trip around the world.
Drake claimed the land for England, calling it “Nova Albion.” He spent 36 days here and wrote about meeting the Coast Miwok. A brass plate supposedly left by Drake was found in 1936, but turned out to be a hoax.
Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaíno mapped the area in 1603, naming it “Punto de los Reyes” (Point of the Kings) after arriving on January 6, the Feast of the Three Kings.
The Spanish mission system eventually moved in, changing indigenous life and starting ranching traditions that still shape the region today.
Historic Sites and Landmarks
Point Reyes National Seashore keeps alive a handful of fascinating historic structures. The Point Reyes Lighthouse, built way back in 1870, guided ships through some pretty treacherous waters. If you’re up for it, you can check out this restored landmark—just be ready for the 308-step climb down (and back up, of course).
The area’s dairy roots go all the way back to the 1850s, and honestly, you can still feel that heritage today. Old ranches like Pierce Point Ranch let you peek into the region’s agricultural story. These places are still working, thanks to special deals with the National Park Service.
Marconi Wireless Station opened in 1913 and, at the time, was a real marvel of communication tech. In emergencies out at sea, this place connected ships with the shore—pretty wild to imagine now.
The wreck of the S.S. Point Reyes at Inverness is a favorite among photographers. It’s falling apart, sure, but it’s a striking reminder of the area’s maritime past and why the lighthouse was so essential.
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Geology and Natural Features
Point Reyes gives you a front-row seat to California’s ever-changing geology. Tectonic forces and a patchwork of ecosystems have shaped this place, and honestly, they’re still working their magic.
San Andreas Fault and Earthquake Trail
The San Andreas Fault runs right along the eastern edge of Point Reyes National Seashore. Not many places let you stand right on such a famous fault line. It’s the dividing line between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, and the whole peninsula actually creeps northwest about two inches each year. Weird to think about, right?
If you want to see all this up close, the 0.6-mile Earthquake Trail near Bear Valley Visitor Center is your best bet. You’ll spot a fence that got shifted during the 1906 San Francisco quake—a real, physical sign of the earth’s power.
Along the way, signs explain how Point Reyes started forming nearly 29 million years ago and somehow traveled more than 300 miles to get where it is now. The trail’s flat and easy, so pretty much anyone can enjoy it.
Redwood Forests and Ecosystems
Though Point Reyes doesn’t have the biggest redwood groves in Northern California, the ones here are still impressive. The coastal weather is perfect for these giants.
You’ll mostly find redwoods tucked away in valleys and canyons, where the fog brings much-needed moisture. The Pioneer Tree Trail near Bear Valley winds through a quiet redwood forest—some trees here reach 200 feet or more.
These woods are alive with wildlife like spotted owls, woodpeckers, and the occasional banana slug. Redwoods actually pull moisture from the fog and drip it down, making their own little rainstorm for the plants below.
Keep an eye out for ferns, sorrel, and huckleberry growing in the filtered light under the redwoods—it’s a whole world down there if you stop and look.
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Nearby Parks and Destinations
Point Reyes National Seashore sits among a bunch of other gorgeous natural spots. Each one has its own vibe and scenery, and if you’re already out here, it’s worth poking around beyond the main park.
Marin Headlands and Muir Woods
The Marin Headlands sit about 45 minutes from Point Reyes. Here, you get jaw-dropping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. If you’re into history, check out Battery Spencer or the Nike Missile Site—they’re pretty fascinating, honestly.
Trails twist through the coastal hills, opening up to big ocean views. The Point Bonita Lighthouse is a quick walk, with a tunnel adding a bit of adventure. And Rodeo Beach? Those colorful pebbles make it a surprisingly nice spot to just chill for a bit.
Muir Woods National Monument lies about 40 minutes away. This old-growth coastal redwood forest shelters trees soaring over 250 feet and, believe it or not, some have stood here for 800 years.
The main boardwalk loop runs about a mile and stays flat, so pretty much anyone can enjoy it. If you want a bit more of a workout, you can jump onto the Ben Johnson or Dipsea trails—they’ll take you up into Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Heads up: both spots fill up fast on weekends. If you can, try to go early or pick a weekday to dodge the crowds.
Click here to learn more about Marin County’s amazing parks.
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