Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is a picturesque coastal area located in Marin County, California, approximately 30 miles northwest of San Francisco. Established in 1962, this national seashore spans over 71,000 acres and offers a diverse range of natural landscapes, including rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests.

Notably, Point Reyes Peninsula is a renowned geological marvel as it is situated on the Pacific Plate's dynamic boundary, causing it to move northward while eroding away at the same time. This unique geological process has resulted in stunning natural formations, such as the prominent Point Reyes headlands and the picturesque Drakes Bay.

Steeped in history, the area has been home to Native American tribes, including the Coast Miwok, for over 3,000 years. European exploration began in the 16th century when Spanish explorer Sir Francis Drake landed in the area, naming it "Nova Albion." Subsequently, it became a thriving dairy ranching community in the 19th century, leaving behind charming traces of its cultural heritage.

Point Reyes National Seashore is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriad of recreational activities. Visitors can embark on scenic hikes along the numerous trails, including the Tomales Point Trail, which reveals breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and chances to observe migrating whales and diverse bird species. The Chimney Rock Trail leads to a dramatic overlook, providing a perfect vantage point for spotting harbor seals and sea lions.

The national seashore is also perfect for beach lovers, with beautiful sandy stretches like Limantour Beach and Point Reyes Beach South, ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. Additionally, water activities such as kayaking, fishing, and tidepooling are popular pursuits in the area.

Aside from its natural attractions, Point Reyes National Seashore boasts several historical and cultural points of interest. The Point Reyes Lighthouse, built-in 1870, serves as a fascinating reminder of the area's maritime past and offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline. The Historic RCA Coast Station, a radio transmitting facility used during World War II, showcases the significance of technology in the region's history.

Nearby, visitors can also explore the charming town of Point Reyes Station, which provides unique shopping experiences, art galleries, and delightful dining options, including the famous Cowgirl Creamery, known for its award-winning artisanal cheeses.

Point Reyes National Seashore is located on the coastal bluffs of northern California, nestled within the beautiful Marin County. Situated about 30 miles north of San Francisco, it stretches across a magnificent peninsula that extends into the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean. Blessed with a diverse and rugged landscape, the seashore encompasses scenic beaches, dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and rolling hills. This geographical location makes Point Reyes National Seashore a unique and captivating destination, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, stunning sunsets, and endless opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.

Address & Contact

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Driving Directions
Phone: 415-464-5100
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Point Reyes National Seashore would be during the months of June, July, and August. This period experiences pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures ranging from 61°F to 63°F and average minimum temperatures ranging from 49°F to 52°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this time is very low, ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 inches. These months also attract a moderate number of visitors, which allows for a more enjoyable experience without large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Point Reyes National Seashore are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Paddling Kayaking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding

Topics

Learn about these topics at Point Reyes National Seashore: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Archeology Native American Heritage Tragic Events Fish Fire Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Trails Unique Species Wilderness Explorers and Expeditions Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Lakes Natural Sounds Waterfalls Wetlands Elk Ranches Dunes Maritime Oceans Ships and Shipwrecks Estuaries and Mangroves Catastrophic Fires Lighthouses Whales Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center

The Lighthouse Visitor Center (LHVC) offers exhibits on the Point Reyes Lighthouse, marine life, & maritime history, as well as a small bookstore. The stairs down to the lighthouse are only open when the LHVC is open and wind speeds remain below 40 mph (64km/h). The Observation Deck at the top of the stairs is open daily from 6 am to ~11:45 pm and offers a great view on a clear day.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Point Reyes National Seashore

Coast Campground

Coast Campground is nestled within a small coastal valley with easy access to the beach and tidepools. The beach is within 220 yards of the campground & tidepools are located ~720 yards to the southeast. One may access Coast Campground by foot, bicycle, or horse; not by boat, auto, or RV. The shortest approach on solid ground is via the 1.8-mile slightly uphill hike on the Laguna & Fire Lane Trails, starting at the Laguna Trailhead just east of Limantour Lodge. There are 12 regular sites & two group sites.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Permit for a Regular site), 60.00 (Small Group Permit for a Group Site), 90.00 (Large Group Permit for a Group Site)
Total Campsites: 14
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Glen Campground

Glen Campground is located deep within a wooded valley protected from ocean breezes. The closest beach is 2.5-miles away. One may access Glen Camp by foot or bicycle; not by horse, boat, auto, or RV. The shortest route to Glen Camp is via a 4.6-mile hike from the Bear Valley Trailhead. To ride a bicycle to Glen Camp start at the Five Brooks Trailhead for a 6.3-mile bike ride. No groups (parties of seven or more), horses, or pack animals are allowed. There are 12 regular (i.e., one- to six-person) sites.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Permit for a Regular site)
Total Campsites: 12
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Sky Campground

Sky Campground is located on the western side of Mount Wittenberg at an elevation of 1025 feet. In clear weather, it has a sweeping view of Point Reyes, Drakes Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is a steep 4-mile hike down to the beach. One may access Sky Campground by foot, bicycle, or horse; not by boat, auto, or RV. The easiest and shortest approach is a 1.4-mile moderate uphill hike or bicycle ride from the Sky Trailhead (elevation 680 feet) via Sky Trail. There are 11 regular sites and one group site.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Permit for a Regular site), 60.00 (Small Group Permit for a Group Site), 90.00 (Large Group Permit for a Group Site)
Total Campsites: 12
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping

Tomales Bay boat-in camping is allowed on west-side National Park beaches north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern border (i.e., north of Indian Beach and Duck Cove). These beaches are tidally influenced and generally are small sandy coves backed against steep cliffs. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. Twenty permits are available each day—9 for parties of 1 to 6 people, 8 for parties of 7 to 14, and 3 for parties of 15 to 25.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Regular Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Permit), 60.00 (Small Group Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Permit (aka Boat B "site")), 90.00 (Large Group Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Permit (aka Marshall Beach Group or Tomales Beach Group "site"))
Total Campsites: 20
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Wildcat Campground

Wildcat Campground is located in an open meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean with a short walk to the beach. One may access Wildcat Campground by foot, bicycle, or horse; not by boat, auto, or RV. It is a 6.3-mile hike from Bear Valley Trailhead or a 5.5-mile hike from the Palomarin Trailhead. The only bicycling route is via a strenuous 6.7-mile ride along the Stewart Trail from the Five Brooks Trailhead. There are five regular (1- to 6-person) sites and three group (7- to 25-person) sites.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Permit for a Regular site), 60.00 (Small Group Permit for a Group Site), 90.00 (Large Group Permit for a Group Site)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Hotels within or near Point Reyes National Seashore

Americas Best Value Inn Novato Marin Sonoma

A stay at Americas Best Value Inn Novato Marin Sonoma places you in the heart of Novato, within a 5-minute drive of Novato History Museum and Olompali State Historic Park. Featured amenities include express check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7600 Redwood Blvd, Novato, California 94945
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn

With a stay at Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn in Novato, you'll be a 4-minute walk from Pacheco Ranch Winery and within a 5-minute drive of Marin Museum of Contemporary Art. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Novato? This hotel has facilities measuring 3000 square feet (279 square meters), including a conference center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 215 Alameda Del Prado, Novato, California 94949
Web: Link

Sonoma Coast Villa

Located in Bodega, Sonoma Coast Villa is in a rural location, a 3-minute drive from Potter Schoolhouse and 7 minutes from Bodega Harbour Golf Links. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 16702 Coast Highway One, Bodega, California 94922
Web: Link

Inn Marin and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection

When you stay at Inn Marin and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection in Novato, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of The Space Station Museum and Pacheco Ranch Winery. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Novato? This hotel has 1400 square feet (130 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 250 Entrada Dr, Novato, California 94949
Web: Link

Marinwood Inn & Suites

With a stay at Marinwood Inn & Suites in Novato, you'll be a 5-minute walk from Pacheco Ranch Winery and within a 5-minute drive of The Space Station Museum. Featured amenities include express check-out, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. RV/bus/truck parking is available onsite.
Address: 275 Alameda Del Prado, Novato, California 94949
Web: Link

Bodega Harbor Inn

With a stay at Bodega Harbor Inn in Bodega Bay (Old Town Bodega Bay), you'll be steps from Bodega Harbour and 7 minutes by foot from Bodega Dunes. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1345 Bodega Ave, Bodega Bay, California 94923
Web: Link

Marin Lodge

Located in San Rafael, Marin Lodge is within a 5-minute drive of Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market and Dominican University of California. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1735 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, California 94901
Web: Link

HI Point Reyes

With a stay at HI Point Reyes in Point Reyes Station, you'll be 9.7 mi (15.6 km) from Tomales Bay State Park and 12 mi (19.2 km) from Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Featured amenities include a computer station, luggage storage, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1390 Limantour Spit Road, Point Reyes Station, California 94956
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham Novato/San Francisco

When you stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Novato/San Francisco in Novato, you'll be in the suburbs, within a 5-minute drive of Olompali State Historic Park and Novato History Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 8141 Redwood Blvd, Novato, California 94945
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Petaluma, CA

Located in Petaluma, Hampton Inn Petaluma, CA is in the historical district, a 5-minute walk from Petaluma Arts Center and 15 minutes by foot from Phoenix Theater. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 450 Jefferson Street, Petaluma, California 94952
Web: Link