If you’re looking for a getaway from San Francisco, a day trip to Point Reyes should definitely be on your list. Have you heard of Point Reyes but never actually made the one-hour trip north from San Fransisco? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! I think you’d be surprised to know how few people who live in SF have visited the quaint seaside and forest towns scattered through the rolling plains and redwoods.
Point Reyes National Seashore, part of the National Park Service, is the western-most portion of Marin County, just 30 miles northwest of San Francisco. The Peninsula is a large landmass bounded by Tomales Bay and Bolinas Lagoon. Its history goes back for thousands of years, which is still visible in several museums throughout the protected landscapes.
The area offers visitors the chance to see over 1500 species of plants and animals. There are about 40 species of land mammals, including one of the largest populations of tule elk. Bird watchers have found nearly half of all North American bird species in the Point Reyes area. Between January and April, Point Reyes is also one of the best places to see the California gray whale migration as nearly 21,000 whales pass within 1-mile of this Seashore.
A trip to Point Reyes isn’t complete without some camping, hiking, or water adventures. There are numerous backcountry campgrounds in the area to choose from, some that can only be accessed by foot or bike. Tomales Bay is also well-known for its boat-in campgrounds that can only be reached by water, such as Duck Beach, Jacks Beach or Elk Fence Beach.
Here’s my list of the top sights to visit during your day trip to Point Reyes:
Table of Contents
1. ALAMERE FALLS
One of the most iconic sights in the Point Reyes National Seashore is the Alamere Falls, a gorgeous 30-foot waterfall that cascades through Wildcat Beach into the Pacific Ocean. While the view is an absolute gem, be prepared to hike at least 13 miles round-trip to reach the falls. There are a couple hiking trails to choose from; the Palomarin Trailhead provides the shorter route but is also the most populated.
2. POINT REYES LIGHTHOUSE
Probably the most iconic stop on your day trip to Point Reyes is the Point Reyes Lighthouse, located 10 miles down a single lane road at the tip of the Headlands. The drive is at least 45 minutes from the Bear Valley Visitor Center down single lane roads, but the views are breathtaking (even on a cloudy day). From the parking lot, it’s about a 10-15 walk to get to the Lighthouse Visitor Center, which has historical photos and information to view. To reach the Lighthouse and gallery rooms, you must descend down 308 stairs. Between December and April when the whale migration is in full-effect, it’s possible that you may have to catch a shuttle from Drake’s Beach in order to visit.
Note: The Lighthouse Visitor Center and the steps leading down to the Lighthouse are only open Fridays through Mondays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It can be extremely windy and cold as there’s nothing but sea for miles around, so make sure to bring a windbreaker and warm sweater. Also, the closest gas station is in Point Reyes Station, 20 miles away, so make sure you have sufficient gas before departing.
3. CYPRESS TREE TUNNEL
I guarantee you’ve seen pictures of this tree tunnel in movies or on Instagram, but never realized you too could visit on just a day trip to Point Reyes. The Monterey cypress trees were planted in 1930 to line the road to the KPH Maritime Radio Station (the white building in the background). This place is now called the North Distribution Operations Center, and can be found 9.5 miles down Sir Francis Drake Blvd. You can’t miss it as it’s the only batch of trees for miles around.
4. POINT REYES STATION
With a population of 350 and an elevation of 33, Point Reyes Station has the largest commercial district in the area due to the railroad that ran through for 59 years (ending in 1933). From thrift shops to book shops to cheese shops, this community will give you that small town feel with zesty local flavors. It’s the perfect pitstop to fill the tank and your tummies during your day trip to Point Reyes.
Stop by Cowgirl Creamery located in the big brown barn at the Station, to watch the cheesemongers at work and grab yourself a gooey deli sandwich from The Cowgirl Cantina. The shop is opened Wednesday through Sunday 10am-6pm. If you happen to be visiting on a Friday, make sure to sign up a couple weeks in advance for the $5 cheese tasting and 60-min tour of the facility.
5. HOG ISLAND OYSTERS
Marine biologists by day, oyster farmers by night is the story behind the two men who founded the famous Hog Island Oyster Co. in 1983. They started out with only 5 acres to grow and harvest oysters. They now lease 160 acres in the Tomales Bay and sell over 3.5 million oysters, clams and mussels annually.
If you’re a shellfish fan, you’ll definitely not want to miss this hotspot on your day trip to Point Reyes! Pass through Point Reyes Station and head north on US 1 for about 10 miles to reach the seaside joint in Marshall, CA. You have 3 options for eating your oysters, but be sure to make a reservation at least one month in advance as spaces fill up super fast.
- Make a reservation for The Boat Oyster Bar, their official outdoor restaurant with service at communal tables
- Make a reservation at the Shuck-Your-Own picnic tables. You book the table, they provide the oysters, grill and tools, and you bring all the snacks and drinks to accompany the experience.
- Shellfish-To-Go from The Hog Shack at the front entrance.
NOTE: There are a bunch of fabulous rental properties right on Tomales Bay near the Hog Island Oyster Co. for you spend the night at, like this adorable cabin hanging over the water.
6. BIOLUMINESCENCE IN TOMALES BAY
One of the best kept secrets of the region is the bioluminescence that can be seen at night in Tomales Bay. Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by tiny, living organisms, in this case dinoflagellates, when agitated or disturbed. In high concentrations, they light up the water with a sparkling glimmer when disturbed by a paddle or wave.
Although the bioluminescence can be seen year-round, the best time to visit is between May and November. Blue Waters Kayaking runs 4-hour night kayaking trips from Miller Boat Launch next to Nick’s Cove, a great place to eat some seafood or spend the night in a seaside cottage as well.
7. STINSON BEACH
As you make your way back to the city, why not take the longer scenic route through West Marin? Stinson Beach is a great spot to dig your toes in the white sand and catch some rays as your day trip to Point Reyes concludes. You’ll see plenty of surfers, kayakers, and hang gliders around the area. This is a popular area for families to go camping or rent a house for the weekend backing up to the beach.
If you’re looking for some grub, I highly recommend the indoor/outdoor beach cafe, Siren Canteen (pictured above), which sits right on the sand. You can’t beat the views or the prices. I had the diablo shrimp burrito and a margarita (of course) and it was delicious.
8. GREEN GULCH FARM ZEN CENTER
My last recommendation is to make a quick stop at the Green Gulch Farm Zen Center on your way back to SF, hidden in the West Marin mountains. As a Buddhist practice center in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition, Green Gulch offers training in Zen meditation to awaken the spirit of kindness and helpfulness in all of us. On Sundays starting at 8:15am, they offer a public program including meditation, talks, tea, and lunch, all donation-based.
As a note, cell service is extremely sparse once in the National Park so make sure to print off maps or stop by the Visitor’s Office before heading out on your adventure.
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Wow! I’ve visited San Francisco hundreds of times and never knew this area existed. I’m planning a visit to SF soon and Point Reyes will be included in the itinerary.
Love your pictures and your descriptions of this beautiful areA. I had no idea that there was so much to do. I’m really looking forward to night kayaking and seeing the sea light up. Wow! What an amazing weekend
This looks like such a great adventure! Your pictures are beautiful. We wanted to stop through here when we were in California recently. Looks great!
Well now I know what I want to do on vacation: eat oysters! But seriously, you’ve done a great job at painting a picture of what it would be like to go to Point Reyes! Not to mention I may check out the Kayaking and other activities other than eating! I think I’ll ask my husband to go here on vacay!
Author
Thank you. It’s easy to write an overview when there’s so many great sights to explore.
I’ve been to San Fran but have never heard of Point Reyes! This place looks awesome!! Great ideas for things to do.
I love seeing all that water. The walk to the lighthouse would be so worth the view.
I love these pictures! I really want to visit here now 🙂 I can’t believe I never heard of such a beautiful place like Point Reyes
Author
It’s even more fantastic in person!
Oh my goodness what a beautiful looking place to get to go and visit, it sounds like they have so much to do and see and some absolutely stunning beaches.
I’m planning a trip to the Bay Area later this year with family. We’re going to have to add this to our itinerary because it looks amazing!
Author
It’s only 30min north and absolutely worth the day trip, different vibe than Bay Area. The family will love it 🙂
I can’t believe I missed this when I was in San Fran! If I’m ever back there I’ll have to make sure I go! Thanks for sharing 🙂
From the looks of your pictures, I must say that they have fresh seafoods. I haven’t tried entering in lighthouse, I hope it’s allowed in here. 🙂 This place is so relaxing.
Oh this is my kind of place. How stunning. I would love to take my kayak there and spend a week or two.
This would be a great weekend getaway, seems so relax! And fresh oysters?! Count me in
Xo, Sondra
Cuisineandtravel.com
wow! love all the pics. I think its a great place to visit and having fun there. I would like to go there
Love these pictures! Sounds like you had a great time! Thank you for sharing your experience. It’ll be really helpful on my next trip there!
All that food you mention is making me curious. I am trying pescatarianism so this seafood options is up my alley especially the Shuck-Your-Own-Picnic.
Author
You must check it out, especially with your dietary needs. It’s a fun experience for sure!
. Bioluminescence In Tomales Bay is a view i will like see firsthand. The emission of light am sure will be a wonderful sight.
Author
It’s absolutely magical. There are several other locations throughout California that also have bioluminescence, like at Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego
Wonderful views. The quaint seaside and forest towns in SF are truly breathtaking.
I love that you can see so many species of plants and animals there. It really is a beautiful place to visit.
Author
It’s incredible all that nature has to offer and how few people have discovered it! (Which is probably a good thing so it’s not overcrowded!)
Did I already share with you how much I enjoyed this post. It seems like such a beautiful place to visit and enjoy.
Author
Thank you! I’m glad you think so! It really is a breath-taking place. It’s such a huge landmass so close to San Francisco yet it’s shocking how few people even know about it!
Wow looks like it was an eventful day trip!
People love expending time at river or lake side as it the most quiet place to think to rehab and to relax your mind. Thanks for sharing.