Looking to spend some weekend time on a bit of coast more expansive than Ocean Beach? Just an hour north is Point Reyes, home to some of the best cheese, oysters, and coastal hiking in the Bay Area. Here are some of our favorite things to do outdoors on this national seashore:
Watch the Sunset at Point Reyes Lighthouse
Make a day of it and drive leisurely up the coast to catch the sunset at the Point Reyes Lighthouse. At Point Reyes Station, you’ll take a left onto Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and follow this road all the way to the lighthouse parking lot. Park and walk the rest of the way to take in the spectacular sunset over the water. Learn more.
Inside Tip: After the sun has set, drive back to Point Reyes Station and choose from among the many excellent restaurants there for dinner before you head back to the city.
Hike to the End of Point Reyes at Tomales Point
Down for a longer hike? Hit the Tomales Point Trail, a nine-mile out-and-back path that will take you to the very northernmost point of the Point Reyes National Seashore. One of the less-trafficked trails in the area, you can easily find yourself alone on the trail—except, perhaps, for one of the many elk around. Learn more.
Inside Tip: Try to go on a fogless day or after it’s burned off. This way, you’ll get sweeping views of Tomales Bay and the rugged cliffs lining the coast.
Check Out the Nature at Chimney Rock
The easy, 1.8-mile out-and-back trail to Chimney Rock is an easy way to spend a couple hours with your camera. Year-round, this hike has some amazing views to offer, with added bonuses of wildflowers in the spring and summer, elephant seals in the winter, and migrating grey whales in the spring. Learn more.
Inside Tip: The trail can get crowded with amateur and professional photographers alike even on the weekdays. Head there early to get the place to yourself.
Kayak and Camp At Tomales Beach
What’s even more fun than driving to your campsite? Kayaking there. Taking off from west side of Tomales Bay, paddle up the shore to the campsites at Tomales Beach or Marshall Beach, stopping at Hearts Desire Beach for a breather (and a bathroom break) along the way. Start early to avoid headwinds. Learn more.
Inside Tip: Rent kayaks from Blue Waters Kayaking and stop at the Marshall Store for some oysters to go.
An easy 2.3-mile hike, the trail to Abbot’s Lagoon shows off all that Point Reyes has to offer—wildlife, marshes, headlands, sand dunes, and a seemingly endless beach. Bonus: it’s usually less crowded than other nearby trails. Learn more.
Inside Tip: Pick up picnic supplies in Point Reyes Station and have some lunch along the water. Sunny days are glorious, but cloudy ones can be, predictably, pretty chilly. Pack layers!
