Located an hour north of San Francisco in Marin County is a vast area of protected Northern California coastline called Point Reyes National Seashore. From hiking and kayaking to taking in breathtaking views, there is plenty to do! This place is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to San Francisco or the Northern California coast.
What To Do:
Hiking
There are about 150 miles of hiking trails within Point Reyes Park. Bear Valley Visitor Center is where you are going to want to start your trip. They offer trail maps and have exhibits that provide historical context of the park.
Beach Trip
If the weather is nice, considering hitting one of the beaches located on the 80 miles of shoreline at the park. Limantour Beach and Drakes Beach are the most popular.
Point Reyes Lighthouse
My favorite spot in the whole park is a lighthouse built in the 1870s. You will need to take a bus provided at the lighthouse visitor center to begin your journey. Once at the lighthouse, you can either view it from the upper observation deck or take the 308-step staircase down to the lighthouse. Just remember: you will need to take all 308 steps back up. I promise it is worth the views!
Whale Watching
One thing on my bucket list is whale watching at Point Reyes Park. Unfortunately, during my first visit, I missed the pod by 30 minutes. You will need to plan your visit between mid-January and early May to see the gray whale migration. Late April and early May provide the best opportunity to see mothers and calves close to shore. Within the park, the Point Reyes Lighthouse will offer the best view to catch the whale migration.
Kayaking
Within the park, you can visit Blue Waters Kayaking for a kayak tour or kayak rentals. On your tour, you can expect to see plenty of wildlife and amazing views of the California coastline.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is also another popular activity at Point Reyes Park. Be sure to check out Five Brooks Ranch to participate in a guided tour.