Point Reyes National Seashore is a beautiful, breathtaking park that offers so many incredible things to see and do. There are beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife galore. It’s also an excellent spot for camping and biking.
Visitors can also explore one of the most scenic lighthouses on the west coast, see dramatic coastal cliffs that are perfect for sunsets or whale-watching, enjoy panoramic views from Mount Wittenberg near Bolinas Ridge Trailhead, or hike to majestic Tomales Point.
Whether you’re looking to go on a hike, enjoy a scenic drive, or take in the views from the lighthouse, Point Reyes has something for everyone! In this blog post, we will discuss 20 of our favorite things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore.
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Things to Do in Point Reyes National Seashore
Below, you’ll find our favorite things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore. The list includes everything from spectacular wildlife watching to scenic drives and epic hikes.
1. Visit the Bear Valley Visitor Center
Bear Valley Visitor Center is a great place to start your adventure in Point Reyes. The Bear Valley Visitor Center is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers ranger-led programs, exhibits, and a short film about the park. The visitor center hours may change on holidays.
Park rangers here are also available to assist with any questions or trip planning expertise. There are also some short hikes near the visitor center.
2. Go Backpacking
What better way to experience this glorious national seashore than spending a night listening to the rushing waves? Backcountry camping is a great way to get away from the crowds and truly enjoy all that Point Reyes has to offer. There are several campgrounds to choose from. Reservations for each are required and can be made online.
For drive-in campgrounds outside the park, look in the nearby communities of Point Reyes Station, Inverness, or other locations in Marin County. There are options in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, closer to San Francisco, or various California State Parks.
Coast Campground
This campground is located on the ocean side of the park and offers stunning access to the Pacific. Small hills and dunes provide relief from ocean breezes, but campers will still sleep along with the sounds of ocean waves crashing to shore.
Facilities include potable water, vault toilets, and food storage boxes.
There are a couple of ways to get to Coast Campground. The shortest is a 1.5-mile walk along the coast, beginning at Limantour Beach. You could also begin on the Laguna Trailhead near the Point Reyes Hostel for a 1.8-mile hike that includes an uphill trek over a ridge. For a completely flat route, backpackers may prefer the 2.8-mile Coast Trail. Bicycles are also permitted on the Coast Trail, if preferred. Anyone interested in a longer hike could begin at the Sky or Bear Valley trailheads.
Glen Campground
This campground is located in a forest and is great for those who want to get away from it all. You’re also protected from strong ocean winds here, as the beach is 2.5 miles away.
Facilities include potable water, vault toilets, and food storage boxes.
The shortest route to Glen Campground is a 4.6-mile hike from Bear Valley Trailhead. You can also cycle to Glen Campground from the 6.3-mile Five Brooks Trailhead.
Sky Campground
This campground is located on a ridge near Mount Wittenberg. At an elevation of 1,025 feet, it offers views of the Pacific Ocean, Drakes Bay, and surrounding mountains and valleys.
Facilities include potable water, vault toilets, and food storage boxes.
From the Sky Trailhead, it’s about 1.5 miles to reach this campground via Limantour Road. From the Bear Valley Trailhead, it’s a 2.7-mile hike that includes climbing over Inverness Ridge.
Wildcat Campground
This campground is located in the hills above Drakes Bay and is a great place to see wildlife. Like Coast Campground, Wildcat is only a short walk from the beach.
Facilities include potable water, vault toilets, and food storage boxes.
This is one of the more remote campgrounds in Point Reyes. It is a 6.3-mile hike from Bear Valley or a 5.5-mile hike from the Palomarin Trailhead. This is the closest campground to Alamere Falls for anyone looking to make the trek to this unique waterfall, one of the most popular things to do in Point Reyes.
3. Look for Elephant Seals
One of the most amazing things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore is admiring northern elephant seals. These bumbling creatures rest on the shorelines in the winter months before breeding and calving. One of the best places to see them is the Elephant Seal Overlook. Other popular spots include Drakes Beach and the Historic Lifeboat Station. At times, you may see them at Limantour Beach as well.
Note: During the winter months, certain park areas may be closed due to the elephant seals. Remember to never approach wild animals.
4. Take a Scenic Drive
There are several scenic drives in Point Reyes National Seashore. One of the most popular is the drive down Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. This road winds along the coast and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Drakes Bay, and Point Reyes Lighthouse. You’ll also pass the cypress tree tunnel along this route.
Another great drive is Pierce Point Road. This road travels through pastoral valleys and offers great views of the Pacific Coast, Tomales Bay, and Inverness Ridge. The road leads to Tomales Bay State Park, Pierce Point Ranch, Tomales Point Trail, and the Tule Elk Reserve along with multiple beaches.
5. View the Historic Point Reyes Lighthouse
The Point Reyes Lighthouse is a must-see attraction in the park. This beautiful lighthouse was built in 1870 and retired from service in 1975.
Hiking out to the lighthouse observation deck allows for many other scenic vistas, including splendid views of the pacific coastline along Point Reyes Beach.
The Lighthouse Visitor Center and stairs leading to the lighthouse have limited hours. Check the official website to see if they’ll be open during your visit. Even if they aren’t open, visitors can still view the lighthouse from above.
The observation deck there is also a great place for whale watching! The walk to the viewing platform will also lead to these stunning trees, growing crooked over the path due to the strong ocean winds.
6. Take a Bike Ride
Biking is a great way to explore Point Reyes National Seashore. There are plenty of trails and roads to choose from.
Within Point Reyes National Seashore, bicycles and class I e-bikes are only permitted on the following trails (taken from the official website):
- Abbotts Lagoon (from the trailhead to the footbridge) – No e-bikes
- Bear Valley Trail (from the Bear Valley Trailhead to its junction with the Glen Trail)
- Bull Point Trail
- Coast Trail (from the Coast Trailhead on Laguna Road to Coast Campground)
- Estero Trail from the Estero Trailhead to its junction with the Drakes Head Trail
- Drakes Head Trail
- Sunset Beach Trail
- Inverness Ridge Trail (from Limantour Road to Mount Vision Road)
- Kule Loklo Trail (from the visitor center north to Bear Valley Road)
- Lighthouse Service Road from the gate to the Visitor Center
- Marshall Beach Trail
- Olema Valley Trail
- Sky Trail (from Limantour Road to Sky Campground)
- Stewart Trail
- Glen Trail (from its junction with the Stewart Trail to its southern junction with the Glen Camp Loop Trail)
- Glen Camp Loop Trail (from its southern junction with the Glen Trail to Glen Campground)
7. Relax on the Beach
There are several beautiful beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore. Some of the most popular are Drakes Beach, Limantour Beach, Point Reyes Beach, and Kehoe Beach. All offer great opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, fishing, and whale watching.
8. Send Messages with Morse Code
Morse code is an old communication system that uses dots and dashes to spell out messages. It was once used extensively by the military and maritime communities. Within what is now Point Reyes National Seashore is Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless telegraphy transmitting and receiving station. Some equipment dating back to World War II is still located here and functional.
You can still send Morse code messages by visiting the KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station. Typically, this is only open on Saturdays. Check the official website for updates.
9. See the Cypress Tree Tunnel
A group of Monterey cypress trees planted around 1930 frame a roadway leading to the Point Reyes Receiving Station. This photographic spot is located on Sir Francis Drake Blvd and is one of the most popular things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore.
10. Watch for Whales
Point Reyes National Seashore is a great place for whale watching. Gray whales are the most common, but humpback and blue whales have also been spotted. The best time of year to see them is usually January through April. A popular viewing area is the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Make sure to bring your binoculars!
11. Go for a Hike
One of the best things to do in Point Reyes is exploring on foot. The small park offers a variety of trails. Some will take less than one hour, others may take days. Either way, there is certainly an option for everyone. Below are some of our favorites.
Alamere Falls
Alamere Falls is a unique waterfall located in Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s one of the most unique waterfalls along the coast as it flows directly into the ocean. The falls are approximately 40 feet high and can be reached by multiple trails.
At a minimum, you’ll need to walk 13 miles roundtrip to complete this hike. The best and safest way to reach Alamere Falls is by hiking to Wildcat Campground. From here, you can walk on Wildcat Beach. Staying at the campground will allow you to reach Alamere Falls earlier in the day before more and more hikers arrive at this overcrowded attraction.
Chimney Rock
The Chimney Rock Trail is short with a gradual climb to a spectacular view of the ocean. If you’re visiting Point Reyes in winter, you may be treated to the calls of elephant seals below as you hike your way to the top. This is also a great hike for whale watching and seeing wildflowers.
Earthquake Trail
Step back in time and learn about the geology of Point Reyes as you walk along the San Andreas fault line. Along this easy hike, you’ll see a fence that was displaced 16 feet after the 1906 earthquake that rocked San Francisco. The trail begins near the Bear Valley Visitor Center and is a paved loop.
Tomales Point
Named one of the best hikes in our national parks, Tomales Point is a great hike for those hoping to see Tule Elk. It’s also great for wildflowers, birdwatching, and learning about the park’s ranching history at Pierce Point Ranch. Those hoping for a shorter hike can also visit McClures Beach.
12. Become a Junior Ranger
Point Reyes National Seashore offers a Junior Ranger program for children aged six and older. As a Junior Ranger, kids will learn about the park’s history, ecology, and culture.
To become a Junior Ranger, they’ll need to complete a series of activities in a Junior Ranger booklet. You can pick one up from a park ranger in the park’s visitor centers or download them online. Once completed, a park ranger will check the work and present a junior ranger badge.
13. Visit the Tule Elk Reserve and Tomales Point
The Tule Elk Reserve is located in the Point Reyes National Seashore and is home to one of the largest herds of tule elk in North America. The reserve is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.
Tomales Point is a scenic area located in the park that offers great views of Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean. There are many great hikes and attractions here, including the Pierce Point Ranch and McClures Beach.
14. Go Tidepooling
The best time to tidepool is during low tide. This is when the water level is at its lowest and allows for more marine life to be seen. Point Reyes National Seashore has great tidepooling locations, including Sculptured Beach and Duxbury Reef.
Sculptured Beach requires about a one-hour walk from the parking lot at Limantour Beach.
Duxbury Reef is best for kids as the return of high tide is gradual. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the reef from Agate Beach County Park.
15. Look for Wildflowers
Point Reyes National Seashore is known for its wildflowers. From January to May, the hills and meadows are full of color. There are over 600 different species of wildflowers in the park, so there’s certainly something for everyone.
Some great places to look for wildflowers include Chimney Rock Trail, Earthquake Trail, and Tomales Point.
16. Try Horseback Riding
Point Reyes National Seashore offers horseback riding on over 25 miles of trails. Rides are available for all experience levels and include a guide to help you navigate the park’s many trails.
You can either bring your own horses or take guided trips with the park’s concessionaire. Reservations with Five Brooks Ranch are required and can be made by calling (415) 663-1570.
17. Attend a Ranger Program
Point Reyes National Seashore offers a variety of ranger programs throughout the year.
Topics range from park history to animal tracking to tidepooling. Most ranger programs are free and open to the public.
You can find a schedule of ranger programs online or at one of the park’s visitor centers.
18. Visit Inverness and Point Reyes Station
Inverness is a small town located near Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or dinner and has a variety of restaurants and shops. Make sure to stop at the Point Reyes Shipwreck, one of the most photographed sites in the area.
Point Reyes Station is also located near the park and is home to a grocery store, bakery, bookstore, and several restaurants. Some popular things to do in Point Reyes Station include a visit to the Cowgirl Creamery, Bovine Bakery, and more.
19. Go Birdwatching
Point Reyes National Seashore is a great place for birdwatching. There are over 280 species of birds that can be found in the park, including bald eagles, brown pelicans, and American kestrels.
The best time to go birdwatching is during the spring and fall when migrant birds are in the area.
20. Kayak in Tomales Bay
Tomales Bay is a great place to kayak. Its calm waters and diverse landscape make for a great experience. It’s also the largest unspoiled embayment in coastal California.
Other great spots for kayaking include Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour. This is only permitted from January 1 to February 28 in order to protect harbor seals during their crucial pupping season.
There are several places near the park where you can rent kayaks, including Point Reyes Station and Inverness. You can also bring your own kayaks, but be sure to check with the park rangers first.
When to Visit Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is open year-round, but some areas are only open during certain times of the year. Closures may be in place during mating or breeding seasons for some wildlife.
The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and there are a variety of activities available. Winter and spring are also best for wildlife watching, including elephant seals, harbor seals, whales, and birds.
The park can be quite busy during the summer, so if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, try visiting in the winter.
How to Get to Point Reyes National Seashore
The best way to get to Point Reyes is by car. Point Reyes National Seashore is located in Marin County, California. It’s about an hour and a half drive from San Francisco. Once you arrive in the park, you can get to certain areas via the park shuttle. Otherwise, public transportation is limited.
Tips for Visiting Point Reyes
Fog is a common occurrence in Point Reyes National Seashore. Be sure to dress in layers and bring a jacket. Most mornings are foggy, but the fog typically dissipates by the end of the day.
Be prepared for wind and rain. The weather can change quickly in the park, so come prepared for all types of weather.
There are several areas in the park that are only accessible by foot or bike. If you’re not comfortable hiking or biking long distances, be sure to plan your route ahead of time.
There are no gas stations in the park, so make sure to fill up before you arrive.
There are several other national parks and sites managed by the National Park Service near Point Reyes, including Muir Woods National Monument. Check out the full list of national parks in California.
What to Bring to Point Reyes
Packing for a trip to the Pacific can be tricky. Depending on the time of year, temperatures can range from over 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to 50 degrees once the sun goes down. If you’re visiting in the winter, it may rain every day. Here’s a list of things you may need, with some items varying based on the season you decide to visit.
General Packing List
- A reusable water bottle
- Moisture-wicking Layers: You’ll want short- and long-sleeve shirts to wear underneath your jacket. In the summer, you may also want a tank top. Choose polyester over cotton.
- Jacket: I always have a packable down with me on trips. I also love this new jacket I got a few months ago, as it’s very light yet warm. Synthetic is a good alternative to down if you’re worried about rain or snow.
- Hiking Pants or Shorts: My favorite hiking pants can be found here. As a taller woman, I also love Columbia’s pants because they offer long sizes.
- Hat: Depending on the season, you’ll need a winter hat or summer hat.
- Gloves or Mittens: Gloves are critical if you’re visiting in the winter.
- Wool Socks: Smartwool is my favorite brand for wool socks. Make sure to get wool so your feet stay warm and dry.
- Camera: I had my trusty Canon Rebel T5i, my Canon Powershot SX620, and a GoPro with me on my most recent trip to Point Reyes.
- Tripod: If you’re hoping to take decent photos of sunsets or wildlife, I’d strongly recommend carrying a tripod with you.
- Hiking Boots and Sandals: I love my Keens, and will never choose another brand for my everyday boots. I always camp in Crocs because they’re comfortable and lightweight.
- Backpack: I recommend this simple North Face pack, but you may also want this water-resistant Patagonia pack if you’ll be doing a lot of water-based activities. Check out my post on the best daypacks for women for more options.
Every hiker should always carry the ten essentials with them. These include:
- Navigation systems: map, compass, and/or GPS
- Sun protection: sunscreen and/or ballcap
- Insulating layers: synthetic or down jacket, rain jacket, hat, gloves, and leggings
- Illumination (flashlight or headlamp)
- First-aid kit
- Something to light a fire: lighter, waterproof matches, and/or fire starter
- Repair kits and tools: pocket knife, duct tape, screwdriver, and/or scissors
- Emergency shelter: tent, bivy, tarp, and/or space blanket
- Nutrition: food for both meals and snacks
- Hydration: water bottle, water treatment (LifeStraw or SteriPen), and water
For Camping: The Basics
- Tent
- Tarp or ground cover
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Camp pillow
- Light source: flashlight, lantern, or headlamp
- Cook set, stove, utensil, and fuel
Where to Stay Near Point Reyes
Pin the Best Things to Do in Point Reyes
There are so many incredible things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
