Location: Inverness
Top Things to do in Inverness
10 Things to Do in Inverness That You Shouldn't Miss
Inverness is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in western Marin County, California. Inverness is located on the southwest shore of Tomales Bay 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northwest of Point Reyes Station, at an elevation of 43 feet (13 m). In the 2010 census, the population was 1,304. The community is named after Inverness in Scotland by a Scots landowner.
Restaurants in Inverness
1. Point Reyes Safaris
Overall Ratings
5 based on 267 reviews
Point Reyes Safaris is a company dedicated to wildlife viewing and photography safaris in Point Reyes National Seashore. Itineraries are custom to the desires of the group. Groups are limited to 4 persons to keep the experience intimate and personal. 85 species of mammals and over 50% of North America's birds make this seashore home. It is an amazing place to view and photograph wildlife.
Reviewed By Jeff H
Daniel took my mother and me out for a day of wildlife viewing and photography. Beyond the animal encounters (we saw otters, foxes, coyotes, elk, frogs, many species of bird, a bobcat, a badger, and probably others I'm forgetting) we appreciated his passion, his knowledge, and his principled approach. Even though I'd visited Pt Reyes dozens of times previously, I learned an enormous amount about the region's history, natural and otherwise. And though my mother is an experience photographer, Daniel was able to give her a lot of great tips and help her get some truly magnificent shots. From an operations standpoint, Daniel was exceptionally friendly and courteous, and the day went really smoothly (punctual, well organized and planned out, but flexible). As a bonus, the little touches were also great: delicious lunch and coffee, clean comfortable vehicle, great loaner binoculars because I forgot mine. REALLY, I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH.
2. Tule Elk Preserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By Pinders - Fairfield, California
We drove as far as we could through the Tule Elk Preserve area of Point Reyes and ended up at the trailhead to McClure's Beach. There was only one other car in the parking lot. We headed on down the trail and ran into an older couple. They claimed it was steep and that they turned around. We continued on the trail, and it wasn't bad at all. A few uphills and downhills, and lots of wildflowers. Heard the buzzing of bees before we got there and avoided them. What a nice path ... and it led to a deserted beach. It had been sunny and warm inland, and it was foggy here. We sat on the beach and enjoyed the views for a bit and then made our way back to the vehicle. In the meantime, about a dozen people showed up ... it was nice having it to ourselves!
3. Tomales Bay State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Encompasses beaches, a majestic forest, leisure hikes and wild animals.
Reviewed By AlaskansinOR - Ashland, Oregon
Lots of gorgeous beaches, some one accessible by hiking in. Since they are on Tomales Bay they are great for swimming, especially for kids. Took a nice hike. Wish we had had more time to spend there. Very uncrowded mid-week in Oct. even though it was a sunny, warmish day.
4. Marin French Cheese Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By jessicams25 - Janesville, Wisconsin
On vacation to Point Reyes my family and I stopped off at this amazing little briery! If you love Brie this is your place! It was so tasty we had to stop back the next day to purchase more! They have garlic jalapeño, truffle, breakfast, triple cream, and many other Brie like cheeses! Additionally they have super tasty goat cheeses! The friendly and helpful Vianette let us sample a few and was very informative! I highly recommend the stop!
5. Blue Waters Kayaking
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Just an hour north of San Francisco in the Point Reyes National Seashore, wilderness kayaking experiences await you. Our Inverness site on Tomales Bay is a short paddle from pristine beaches and protected waters where unspoiled nature and wildlife viewing abound. Naturalist-led tours, oyster tours, overnight camping, events and parties for individuals and companies, weeklong youth camps, beginning and advanced classes are just a few of our offerings. Take a break from "civilization" and explore the natural world with us by kayak. Since 1984 Blue Waters has also led trips to Baja, Mexico including Sea of Cortez island expeditions and incredible whale watching from Laguna San Ignacio base camp.
Reviewed By J H - London, United Kingdom
We booked a guided trip of Tomales Bay with BWK on the 4th July weekend. We've never used them before or kayaked in the area before but we've kayaked quite a bit in the bay area with other companies. We checked into a hotel the night before so we could be there ready for the 9.30 start time without having to get up super early. When we arrived the car park was already full and a member of staff helped us find a spot to park. Then we tried to find our guide and group for the morning. The staff didn't have a manifest of who was turning up for what trip and they had several on the go at once. We found out that they seemed to be overbooked or at least not expecting such a big group for the Tomales Bay tour. Because of the mix up it took until 11am to actually get into the water!
The staff did their best under the circumstances but it was all very disorganised. Even when we did finally get into the water many people hadn't had their PFD's checked at the time of putting them on, so while we were in the kayaks on the water staff were trying to tighten people's PFD's. The group were all over the place at times while kayaking across the bay, not together in a tight group and overall we actually did very little paddling. The gear was fine though not great quality.
Other people that had kayaked with BWK before said they are usually much better than they were that day and the staff did try hard to get everyone out on the water. Even so, I wouldn't book another trip with them as this was the worst day of paddling we've ever had and the staff weren't clear or commanding enough for such a big group.
6. Five Brooks Stables
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
In addition to guided horseback rides along 120 miles of trails, other fun activities such as hay wagon rides and beach rides at the Point Reyes National Seashore are available.
Reviewed By Atkinson - Sacramento
Few stables will let you get your horse out of first gear and a "trail ride" is just a slow walk through the woods. Well, here they let you get into second and even third gear (loping is the usual term.) I have never experienced that gait at any other stable and it was a genuine thrill to see what it is like. Dave, our trail guide, provided plenty of instruction and guidance so I never really felt myself in any jeopardy. Truth be told, most every part of my body hurt the next day but it was well worth it. Take the two hour ride and try to get in Dave's group. He talks incessantly but is never boring.
7. West Marin Food & Farm Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 107 reviews
Come savor sustainability...Explore beautiful Point Reyes on a gourmet guided tour! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tastings of the area's best wines, cheeses, breads, pastries, produce, grass-fed meats, oysters and more! Learn about artisan food production, local history, sustainable agriculture and enjoy a locavore picnic on the shores of beautiful Tomales Bay. A foodie's dream!
Reviewed By cfgoodwin - San Francisco, California
We had an absolutely amazing time on the Cheese Lover's Tour; Elizabeth is so knowledgable about the region and I learned a ton about the history and sustainable farming practices that Marin is championing! In addition to learning, you get a chance to eat a...MoreThank you for your kind words - I'm so glad you had a good time!
8. Drakes Estero
Overall Ratings
5 based on 25 reviews
This small waterway is a popular destination for paddlers.
Reviewed By mamahare - San Jose, California
4 miles of varied (and lovely) scenery, ending with a fabulous view. Just be prepared to deal with the cows that occasionally block the path. And the very end is overgrown with poison oak on both sides -- but you get the same view if you skip that last tenth of a mile!
9. Tomales Bay Oyster Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By DMulan - Austin, Texas
Buy a bag of fresh oysters ($25 a dozen), lemon,sauce and shucking knives; and BYOB for a great day outdoors. They also sell clams and mussels - everything is fresh and delicious. The picnic area is closed now but there are a few benches around and picnic areas nearby.
10. Point Reyes Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By Cali4niahiker - Merced, California
I've hiked various trails in Point Reyes over the years. There is so much variety. If you've never walked the Earthquake Trail near the visitor center - that's a must do!
The trail I keep coming back to - and I haven't even seen it with wildflowers in bloom - is the Chimney Rock Trail in the lighthouse region. You're walking on top of the land, between the open ocean and Drake's Bay, at times you can see both.
The real treat here is the fantastic cliff formations. There is a small side trail toward the start of the main trail where the view is a little slice of heaven! Toward the end of the main trail on the right side you might get lucky and see seals baking in the sun on a beach below. It's a good idea to bring binoculars.
What sun? Ah, the weather can be unpredictable at any time. In the middle of the summer it can be cold and foggy, so be prepared and dress in layers! By the same token, just because the visibility at the lighthouse is zilch, and strong winds may have trouble clearing the fog, that doesn't mean conditions are the same a few miles away at Chimney Rock!
Please obey the signs and don't venture onto closed off trails. The cliffs are unstable and very high. The rocks below, the ice cold ocean water, and the cool year round climate could prove to be a deadly combo!
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