Top Things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore
Things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore, United States including Tule Elk Preserve, Point Reyes Hiking Trails, Sculptured Beach, Woodward Valley Trail, Mount Wittenberg, Tomales Point Trail, The Great Beach, Point Reyes Beach North, Tomales Bay State Park, Drakes Estero.
1. Tule Elk Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By merb00 - Maui, United States
We traveled with 3 small kids - only made it about 2 miles into the hike. But it was glorious! A *very* foggy morning. Saw two small groupings of elk on the drive in, and saw another at the 2 mile mark before we turned around. Even with thick fog, it was a really beautiful experience. We were lucky enough to run into a ranger we could bombard with questions. We arrived on a Friday about 8:15 am and were the only group there. By the time we left (11:30ish) there were maybe 2-3 parking spots left.
2. Point Reyes Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By fdb572 - Hayward, United States
Earthquake Trail is an easy, level six-tenths of a mile, half-hour loop with Interpretive signs about the San Andreas Fault Zone, which it traverses, which infamously shook San Francisco in 1906. The Trail starts from the Bear Valley Visitor Center parking lot; picnic tables (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) and restrooms with sinks and flush toilets at the parking lot. No earthquakes near this trail for over 100 years! Take water on any of the following hikes; do not drink water from streams or springs. Unless you're sure you know how to identify poison oak and stinging nettle, stay on trails and you'll be fine. All of the trails mentioned in this review are broad and easy to follow. Delight in a gentle hike on my favorite trail in the whole world, Bear Valley Trail from Bear Valley Visitor Center to either Divide Meadow, a 3.5 mile round trip on a broad trail, with restrooms and limited sunny picnic tables (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) or to the Sea ( 8.4 mile round trip, informal picnicking, not hiked this month, but have hiked it many times in the past). Bear Valley Trail mostly follows a brook, with a feast for the senses: The babble of the brook, the breeze meandering through the trees, the chatter of the birds, and the rich scents from bay laurel trees and moist earth will keep you busy gazing here and there and sniffing the fresh air. The banks of the creek are overgrown with ferns to a height of ten feet, while the thousands of ferns, shrubs and trees provide so many shades of green that they provide sharp contrast to the bluest sky anywhere (or to the grayest sky on cloudy days). Most of the trail is cooled by shade and partly sheltered from the wind. Take water or beverages. Bikes are allowed past Divide Meadow, as far as the intersection with Glen Loop Trail. Another favorite of mine is Sky Trail from the summit of Limantour Road at Sky Trailhead to Sky Camp and back, about 4 easy miles.One climbs a couple hundred feet on this old ranch road, which opens up vistas of Drake's Estero and beaches on both sides of the Point Reyes peninsula all the way out to the distant point. Wander around Sky Camp about 1,000 feet above the sea, where it seems like this lofty perch lets one see all the way to Asia on clear days, but that may be just hyperbole! Bikes are allowed as far as Sky Camp. You can hike along Limantour Beach in either direction for a mile or more from the parking lot, with modest beachcombing along this sandy beach with gentle surf. Similar hiking along Drake's Beach, with a longer drive to get there but the reward is fewer people on the beach, and some shelter from the wind provided by the nearby cliffs. In contrast, the beaches on the exposed northwestern shore of the peninsula are totally different, with chaotic surf and strong undertow which makes entering the water quite dangerous. These beaches are much windier than Limantour Beach or Drake's Beach on the sheltered side of the peninsula, yet still provide miles of hiking with fewer people and a wilder experience and better beachcombing. Easy access from parking lots near North Beach and South Beach; in contrast, one must hike from 0.4 to 1.8 miles from the parking lots to the beaches at McClures, Kehoe, and Abbott's Lagoon, all on the exposed shore facing northwestward. These are just my favorites. For official info on the 150 miles of hiking trails, the herd of elk always visible from Pierce Point Road, and the reservable hike-in campgrounds, go to Point Reyes National Seashore’s official site online, or to the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
3. Sculptured Beach
4. Woodward Valley Trail
5. Mount Wittenberg
6. Tomales Point Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
This is a fairly easy trail to hike. It starts at an old Ranch area, which is rather interesting, in itself, to walk around and look inside the buildings. You then walk on the trail with stunning views of the ocean and cliffs almost the entire hike. No worries, there is plenty of land between the trail and the cliff edge. There are herds of elk on both sides of the trail and they are apparently quite used to people – as they didn’t seem the least bit worried, in particular the males with the full antlers. One mail elk was standing on the trail and we had to make a wide circle around it, as it didn’t seem the least bit interested in moving. We also had the luck of seeing a coyote not too far from the trail, which was a nice treat too. Near the end of the trail, it becomes a little more challenging, as the path is mostly soft sand and you need to hike that uphill. But it’s worth the hike to see the views from the top of the hill and all the seabirds on the rocks below. Be sure to bring a mask, as it was crowded the day we were there. Also, bring a jacket, as it could get quite cold against the ocean. Also note that there are no restrooms along the trail. If you arrive and need to go to the restroom, you can walk or drive down to the lower parking lot, downhill to the left of the old Ranch house area.
7. The Great Beach
8. Point Reyes Beach North
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By sonofdragon - San Jose, United States
After Limantour Beach, we decided to explore Point Reyes Beach and got to the northern access point which is the North Beach. The South Beach access was closed due to road construction. Point Reyes Beach or the Great Beach is an incredible stretch of over 11-miles undeveloped ocean. Although it’s open to the public, exploring this rugged part of the country warrants some safety common sense. Here, the tides are exceptionally powerful and unpredictable. Definitely stay clear of the shore as sneaker waves, as the name implies, can appear suddenly and drag anyone out to sea. Cold water, dampened weather and strong waves make swimming not ideal. No lifeguard. Perhaps, a surfer haven for serious surfers looking for some challenge and high drama surfing fun. However, be cautioned, as we were told, that like sneaker waves, rogue waves can also appear like a wave train without warning and may drag or knock down unwitting surfers unconscious. Ok to walk barefoot, but again, stay clear of the shore. Dogs on leash are allowed for the most part, except north of the North Beach entrance where habitats for the threatened western snowy plover birds are protected. Free parking space and restroom. Check weather outlook, road condition, and beach closure before visit. Be aware of elephant breeding season. as beach may be closed.
9. Tomales Bay State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Encompasses beaches, a majestic forest, leisure hikes and wild animals.
Reviewed By erichansb
Great nature trail about indigenous people also at this very attractive beach. The nature trail leads to another beach even quieter. Pictures of quieter Indian Beach.
