Point Reyes National Seashore is located over an hour north of the city of San Francisco and just under an hour south of beautiful Bodega Bay.
This serene protected land offers 150 miles of hiking trails, 80 miles of beautiful shoreline, 70,000 acres of biodiversity, close to 300 historic structures, and insanely gorgeous views everywhere you look!
Heading to PRNS with kids?! Check out our fun Point Reyes National Seashore Scavenger Hunt - [ Ссылка ] and keep your kiddo(s) engaged as you explore the shore!
Discover 10 incredible places to explore within Point Reyes National Seashore:
1) Bear Valley Visitor Center - Here you’ll find wonderful exhibits, along with helpful rangers who are eager to educate you on the local area and help you plan your visit. If traveling with kids, be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet while at the visitor center.
2) S.S. Point Reyes Shipwreck - What used to be one the most photographed features within Point Reyes is now dilapidated ruins thanks to a photographer who accidentally set this shipwreck on fire while trying to get a nighttime shot with pyrotechnics. Winter storms have further damaged what remains and it won’t be long until the national park service has it removed completely, if they haven’t already.
3) The Cypress Tree Tunnel - A quick stop on your way out to the western most tip of the seashore. The Monterey Cypress you’ll see here is one of the few tree species adaptable to the salty, windy conditions of Point Reyes. If time allows, walk all the way to the end of the tunnel and check out the Historic KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station.
4) Chimney Rock Trail - An easy 1.75 mile roundtrip hike leading out on to a narrow peninsula, offering outstanding views of the rugged coastline and Drake’s Beach.
5) Drake’s Beach - A seasonally wide stretch of shoreline backed by dramatic sandstone cliffs. The waves here are usually much smaller than those on the west-facing beaches, so it's a popular beach for families to explore along the water's edge.
6) Point Reyes Lighthouse - This lighthouse holds the title of the windiest and foggiest place on the entire west coast, with an average of 200 foggy days per year. If the winds are greater than 40 mph, the 313 stairs leading down to the lighthouse will close as a safety precaution. The lighthouse and accompanying visitor center is open just a few days a week, so if this is on your list, be sure to check opening times while planning your visit.
7) McClure’s Beach - Hike just over a half mile down a moderately steep ravine on well-trodden path to this stunning beach.
8) Pierce Point Ranch - This former dairy ranch was established in the 1860s and was in operation until 1973. Imagine what ranch life was like as you walk through the complex, where interpretive signs describe the history and function of the various buildings and remnants of the past.
9) Tomales Point - Where you’re almost guaranteed to see tule elk. They were nearly hunted to extinction in the 1800s, but were reintroduced into this designated wilderness in 1978.
10) Hearts Desire Beach - A gorgeous sheltered cove that is actually part of Tomales Bay State Park, on the Point Reyes Peninsula, so it requires a separate entry fee. Because of its location on Tomales Bay, the water here tends to be much calmer and a little warmer than the ocean-facing beaches of the seashore, making it popular location for families and kayakers.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING POINT REYES:
- Food is pretty limited within Point Reyes, so fill your belly and/or pack plenty of snacks for your adventure. Check out Inverness Park Market before heading into the Seashore. IPM offers a wide array of groceries and have an excellent deli where you can grab some made-to-order sandwiches.
- There are no gas stations within Point Reyes National Seashore, so you’ll also want to fill your tank before arriving.
- Know that beaches may be closed at various times of the year to better protect elephant seals during their pupping seasons.
- Wildlife is abundant here, and can often be seen crossing the road, so use caution when driving.
- The weather is often cold, windy, and foggy, so dress accordingly. Weather-proof layers are recommended, even in the summer months. Though, if you’re lucky, the sun will make an appearance and illuminate the vibrant colors of the seashore!
Music obtained via YouTube Audio Library:
African Fella by Cumbia Deli
Glass by Anno Domini Beats
Grut by Patrick Patrikios
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