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Park preserve in California, United States
Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Point Reyes National Seashore is a United States national seashore that is one of the Bay Area's overlooked treasures, with more than 100 square miles of coastal wilderness area. Located at the westernmost tip of Marin County, it is a reasonable day trip from San Francisco, but also worth visiting as a destination on its own.
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The historic lighthouse is on the rocky promontory of the Point Reyes Headlands. The 300 steps that lead down to the Lighthouse are 0.4 miles from the parking area. After descending the stairs, the lighthouse is an excellent place to observe marine life. The Lighthouse Visitor Center is open Th-M 10AM to 4:30PM. The stairs and exhibits are open from 10AM to 4:30PM, weather permitting, with the lens room open as staffing and weather conditions permit. All facilities are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The park's primary Visitor Center provides an orientation of the park's roads, trails, and human and natural history. The interior exhibit space provides a glimpse of the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of the park. Audio-visual programs, shown in the auditorium, are available upon request. Ranger-led programs are offered on weekends. Natural history books, cards, and posters are for sale in the bookstore. Permits for backcountry camping, as well as beach fire permits, may be obtained here.
Located at beautiful Drakes Beach, the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center contains exhibits that focus on maritime exploration in the 1500s, marine fossils, and marine environments. A minke whale skeleton is suspended from the ceiling. Allow 20–30 minutes to view exhibits. Park- and ocean-themed books, guides, and postcards, and maps, along with coffee and packaged snacks are for sale in the PRNSA bookstore adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.
This renovated ranch dates back to 1858 and is representative of the agricultural heritage of this area. A short, self-guided trail guides visitors through the historic complex. The ranch, located at the end of Pierce Point Road on Tomales Bay, is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
South Beach and North Beach make up an incredible expanse of over 10 miles of undeveloped ocean beach to roam also known as "Point Reyes Beach." If you are looking for the drama of heavy surf this is the place to be. Drive-up access from North Beach or South Beach turnoffs. Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash on this beach. Dogs are not permitted north of the North Beach entrance as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snowy plover. Please be very cautious near the water as "sneaker waves" have been known to drag unwitting victims out to sea.
(0.6-mile/1-km round-trip). A short paved loop explores the San Andreas Fault Zone. Interpretive signs describe the geology of the area. The trail begins in the Bear Valley Picnic Area.
(1.0-mile/1.6-km round-trip). A short path leads up to a replica of a Coast Miwok Indian village. Interpretive signs briefly describe Coast Miwok culture and history and the structures in the village. The trail begins just outside of the front doors of the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
(0.7-mile/1.1-km round-trip). A beautiful loop explores local forest and meadows, with interpretive signs describing some plants and animals you may see. The trail starts at the Bear Valley Trailhead.
(1.2-mile/2-km round-trip). A spectacular hike with views of Drakes Bay and the Pacific Ocean, great for spring wildflowers! From January through May, look for migrating whales from the point. The trail begins at the Chimney Rock Trailhead, near the Lighthouse.
(1.2-mile/2-km round-trip). A flat trail through Kehoe Marsh and out to Kehoe Beach. Dogs are permitted on leash, but are not allowed in the beach area south of the trail in order to protect the snowy plover. Look for elusive brush rabbits, bobcats and mountain lions which are occasionally sighted in this area. The trail begins on Pierce Point Road.
(1.2-mile/2-km round-trip). A rugged trail descends 300 feet (90 m) down a ravine to the ocean and through a beautiful cove backed by rocky cliffs. The trails starts at the end of Pierce Point Road.
(3.2-mile/5.1-km round-trip). A casual stroll through mixed Douglas fir forest and along Bear Valley Creek to an open grassy meadow. Several benches along the way offer great resting spots in the shade, and Divide Meadow is a nice picnic area in the sun. The trail begins at the Bear Valley Trailhead.
(5-mile/8-km round-trip). A steep climb to the highest point in the park (1407 feet), with panoramic views of the Seashore and Olema Valley. The trailhead is O.2 miles (320 m) up the Bear Valley Trail.
(5-mile/8-km round-trip). An easy walk through coastal scrub and grassland with breath-taking ocean-views. Keep your eyes open for hawks and shorebirds. The trail begins 15 minutes driving time from the Bear Valley Visitor Center, off Limantour Road at Laguna Parking Lot.
(3-mile/4.8-km round-trip). An easy stroll through open and coastal scrub, with good spring wildflowers and excellent birdwatching, especially in fall and winter. The trailhead is 25 minutes from the Bear Valley Visitor Center on Pierce Point Road; the trailhead is clearly marked.
(22-mile/35-km round-trip). The best trail in the area for walking a dog, with views of Olema Valley. If you choose to continue beyond the first few miles, you will enter the redwood forest and eventually the chaparral. Turn around and retrace your steps whenever you are ready. The trail begins 5 minutes driving time from Bear Valley Visitor Center, on Sir Francis Drake Highway.
(8.2-mile/13.3-km round-trip). Probably the single-most popular trail in the park, the Bear Valley Trail is the most direct walk to the ocean from Bear Valley Visitor Center. This is an excellent trail for a hot day, because it runs along a creek, and because most of it is shaded. The destination, Arch Rock, is an overlook point along the coast; there is no beach access at the end of the trail. The trailhead is at the end of the Bear Valley Parking Lot.
(6-mile/10-km and 11-mile/17.6-km round-trips). The south end of Coast Trail begins with spectacular ocean views from far above the surf. Bass Lake is unofficially the best swimming at Point Reyes, but access can be challenging and there are no lifeguards-swim at your own risk! If you choose to continue to Wildcat you'll be rewarded with ocean and lake views and a beautiful beach! The trail starts at Palomarin Trailhead at the end of Mesa Road.
(10-mile/16-km round-trip). This open trail through the Tule Elk Range offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it is remote and the tule elk are enclosed in this reserve. The first 3 miles/4.8 km to Lower Pierce Point Ranch are well marked and maintained, but the last stretch can be overgrown with bush lupine and other shrubs, so long pants and long sleeves are a good idea. The journey all the way to the point is worth it, for the view is unparalleled. The trail starts at the end of Pierce Point Road.
Rentals (single & double kayaks) available for 2 hours ($30/$50), 4 hours ($45/$65), full day ($60/$85), 24 hours ($90/$120), 36 hours ($125/$160). Guided trips are also available.
Rentals (single & double kayaks) available for 2 hours ($30/$50), 4 hours ($45/$65), full day ($60/$85), 24 hours ($90/$120), 36 hours ($125/$160). Guided trips are also available.
Naturalist led kayaking tours on Tomales Bay and Drakes Estero. Kayak camping, classes, private individual and group tours. Open year round.
Guided western-style trail riding. Family-run. Reserve in advance by phone or through their website. Beginners are welcome.
A big selection of freshly baked cupcakes, morning buns, savory scones, and other goodies, as well as various pizzas.
A cute bread shop right in the heart of Point Reyes Station. There is a lovely outdoor space but only a few tables. Heads up: if you're looking for a loaf of bread, they can run out fairly early in the day.
The Boat Oyster Bar offers outdoor dining on Tomales Bay. The Hog Shack sells shellfish, local seafood, and picnic supplies to-go. Both have the freshest oysters possible, directly from the farm.
The Tap Room has patio and indoor dining, and offers sandwiches, tapas, and burgers. The deli offers hot breakfast items as well as specialty and classic sandwiches, plus burgers and other things from the grill. Also daily dinner specials (check website).
The menu was completely revamped in August 2023, and reviews have been better since then. Traditional table service has been replaced - it's now "walk up, order, pay, and sit down". Consider trying the "Fries with Eyes" ($10), whole smelt battered and served with tartar sauce, or, for dessert, Straus soft-serve ice cream in a taiyaki fish cone. On a day with good weather, eating outside on the water is hard to beat.
Farm-to-table dining, featuring "slow-cooked meats, juicy spice-rubbed rotisserie chicken and artfully prepared organic vegetables." Heated patio, indoor dining, and take-out (pick up at the take-out window).
In June 2023, the restaurant returned to its original building, now completely restored and with a new kitchen. Seasonal menu, from local producers. Live music Thursday and Sunday nights.
Owned by the Hog Island Oyster Company, the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining. Live music Sundays 5-7PM.
formerly the Marconi Conference Center
45 guest rooms. Located inside the Marconi Conference Center State Historic Park, which is 62 acres just outside the town of Marshall, this resort opened in late summer 2023 after $8 million of renovations, with more planned through 2024.
formerly The Lodge at Point Reyes
24 rooms, including two cottages, on four acres. In October 2020 the hotel was named the best in the nation by Condé Nast Traveler readers for its views and top-notch dining services.
Serene getaway. Only two quiet rooms with queen beds and private baths. Japanese farmhouse inspired design with modern conveniences. Innkeeper is Certified Practitioner of CranioSacral balancing sessions. See website for details. Highest rated lodging in West Marin.
Located off of Limantour Road. The only lodging available within the park. Prices for dorm beds (8 to 10 beds per room) start at $24 per night, and four private rooms that accommodate families or groups up to five people are available for $82 to $120 per night. The hostel is open 24 hours a day for individual travellers.
12 individual sites, 2 group sites. Coast Camp is nestled within a small coastal grassy valley with easy access to the beach and tidepools. The beach is within 200 meters (200 yards) of the campground. The shortest approach to Coast Camp is via the 2.9-km (1.8 miles) slightly uphill hike on the Laguna and Firelane Trails, starting at the Laguna Trailhead just past the hostel. Sites 1-7 are in a small semi-protected canyon. Campers must obtain a camping permit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
12 individual sites. Glen Camp is a quiet and secluded camp deep within a wooded valley protected from ocean breezes. The shortest hike to this camp is a moderate 7.4-km (4.6 miles) from the Bear Valley Trailhead. To access Glen Camp by bicycle, which requires a strenuous 10.1-km (6.3 mile) bike ride, start at the Five Brooks Trailhead. It is a 4-km (2.5 mile) strenuous hike to the beach at Wildcat Camp. No groups, horses, or pack animals are allowed at Glen Camp. Campers must obtain a camping permit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
11 individual sites, 1 group site. Sky Campground is located on the western side of Mt. Wittenberg at an elevation of 310 meters (1025 feet). In clear weather, it has a sweeping view of Point Reyes, Drakes Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. The easiest and shortest approach is a 2.2-km (1.4 miles) moderate uphill hike or bicycle ride from the Sky Trailhead (elevation 210 meters (680 feet)) on Limantour Road. It is a steep 6.4-km (4 miles) hike down to the beach. Eleven individual sites and one group site. Campers must obtain a camping permit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
5 individual sites, 3 group sites. Wildcat Campground is located in an open meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean with a short walk to the beach. It is a 10-kilometer (6.3 miles) hike from Bear Valley or an 8.8-kilometer (5.5 miles) hike on the Coast Trail from Palomarin with access to Bass Lake. The only bicycling route is via a strenuous 10.7-kilometer (6.7 miles) ride along the Stewart Trail from the Five Brooks Trailhead. Three of the individual sites only hold up to four people. Campers must obtain a camping permit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
A smallish general bookstore that's right at home in Marin, with significant collections on wilderness adventures, local wildlife, environmentalism, and gardening.
The park is open daily (with overnight camping available by permit only) from sunrise to sunset throughout the year.
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