Point Reyes is the rural region of Marin County, consisting of open space, rolling hills, agriculture, winding roads, wilderness, and coastal views...nature at its best alongside the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Point Reyes is not only a lifestyle, but an experience that should take some time to enjoy. The area is reminiscent of a European countryside village, set up alongside the coast. There are a variety of activities to keep you busy during your stay here...from exploring beaches and wildlife, to biking, hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding, as well as agri-tourism tours and seminars. Most importantly, West Marin is considered by some to be the birthplace of the organic food movement in this country. Today this area continues to be on the cutting edge of the trend towards producing and consuming sustainably organic foods. Scattered throughout this area are organic delectibles and interesting finds in their eclectic, but charming shopping and dining venues.
Prior to starting your daily activities, you are encouraged to stop by the Bear Valley Visitors Center, located off Highway 1, about 0.5 miles west of Olema on Bear Valley Road.
Bear Valley Visitors Center
Located off Highway 1, 0.5 miles west of Olema,
CA along Bear Valley Road
415-464-5100
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
Before exploring the Point Reyes National Seashore, a visit to the Bear Valley Visitors Center is in order. The Center provides an orientation to the park's roads, trails and general history. It also offers ecological and historical exhibits including a seismograph, weather station and auditorium for films and educational programs. The Bear Valley Visitor Center was designed to blend in with the historically significant ranching culture of this area and is located in the heart of the Olema Valley. Reservations and permits for back-country camping can be obtained here. The Visitor Center is open year around and closed on Christmas. Hours of Operation: Weekdays from 9:00am - 5:00pm and on Weekends and Holidays from 8:00am - 5:00pm.
The West Marin Chamber of Commerce has opened a Visitor Center in downtown Point Reyes Station that is currently opened from 11:00am to 5:00pm, weekends only.
West Marin Chamber of Commerce
60 4th Street
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-9232
Email: info@pointreyes.org
www.pointreyes.org
Beaches | Biking | Bird Watching | Camping | Dining | Environmental | Golfing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Kayaking
Shopping | Whale Watching & Sea Lions | Wildflowers
Beaches in West Marin
Marin has a variety of beaches, great for beachcombing, tide-pooling, wave-watching, bird watching, sun bathing, kayaking, and boating. The weather at these beaches can change considerably during the course of the day. Wear layers that you can add and remove as the temperature drops and rises.
Swimming conditions vary by location. Prior to entering the water, please check with park rangers, park personnel, or lifeguards about conditions and always obey the posted warnings.
Agate Beach Park
This 6.6 acre park is located near Bolinas along the Pacific coastline. It provides access to almost two miles of shoreline at low tide and is a wonderful area to explore tidal pools. Go to: http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PK/Main/pos/pdagatebch.cfm for more information.
Chicken Ranch Beach
Chicken Ranch Beach is a small and peaceful beach on Tomales Bay enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It is a dog-friendly beach (leashes required) with pleasant views across the bay. A visit to this beach can be combined with a kayaking outing at Blue Waters Kayaking and/or Thai Thepmonnggon restaurant, which are adjacent.
Take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard all the way, 1 mile past Inverness on the way to the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Point Reyes National Seashore
415-464-5100
http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/beaches.htm
Point Reyes National Seashore was established to preserve and protect wilderness, natural eco-systems, and cultural resources along the diminishing undeveloped coastline of the western United States. Located just an hour's drive from a densely populated metropolitan area, the Seashore is a sanctuary for myriad plant and animal species and for the human spirit — for discovery, inspiration, solitude, and recreation — and exists as a reminder of the human connection to the land.
Point Reyes is located approximately 30 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1 along the west coast of California. Travelers may approach the park from the winding scenic Highway 1, either northbound or southbound. You can also reach the park via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or the Point Reyes/Petaluma Road.
Operating Hours & Seasons:
The park is open daily from sunrise to midnight throughout the year. Overnight camping is available by permit only. Visitor Center hours are as follows:
Bear Valley Visitor Center
0.5 miles from Olema along Bear Valley Road
Olema, CA 94950
415-464-5100
The Bear Valley Visitor Center is open on:
Weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lighthouse Visitor Center
The Lighthouse Visitor Center is open: Thursday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Lighthouse stairs, the exhibits in the lower Lighthouse chamber, and the Equipment Building are open (weather permitting): Thursday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Lens Room is open (as weather & staffing permit): Thursday through Monday, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All Lighthouse facilities are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
All Visitor Centers are closed December 25. Visitor Centers may close at 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Call 415-464-5100 for hours of operation on these holidays.
Overview of Beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore:
Abbotts Lagoon Beach: This is a great place for bird watching. The sand dunes backing the beach are home to the endangered snowy plover.
Drakes Beach: This is the nicest beach at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The tall cliffs provide shelter from the usual northwest summer winds. There is a visitor center, cafe and memorial to Drake here. The annual sand sculpture contest is held the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.Kehoe Beach: A half-mile walk alongside a marsh and over a sand dune takes you to Kehoe Beach. Once at the beach, turn left to explore the stream meandering to the Pacific Ocean. To the right, giant dunes make explorations fun.
Kehoe Beach: A half-mile walk alongside a marsh and over a sand dune takes you to the northern end of the Great Beach, called Kehoe Beach. Once at the beach, turn left to explore a stream meandering its way into the Pacific Ocean. To the right, giant dunes make explorations fun. Follow the beach further north to see the dramatic juxtaposition of rocks. The first cliffs you see are the smooth Laird sandstone, which change abruptly to granite. A reverse fault displaced the sandstone against the granite upon which it was deposited, creating a continuous cliff made of very different rock types. Dogs are allowed on a 1.8-meter (6-foot) leash on this beach to the north of the trail. Dogs are not permitted south of the trailhead as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snow plover.
Kelham Beach: A 4.8-mile trek from the Bear Valley trailhead brings only hardy hikers to this quiet, secluded beach north of Arch Rock. This trail from Coast Trail is currently closed due to erosion of the cliff. Currently the cliff is unstable and we advise visitors not to hike down to the beach from this point.
Limantour Beach: You can take long walks on Limantour Beach, over a mile in each direction; you can also wade, watch the birds, beach comb, or picnic. The nearby Estero de Limantour is a favorite for bird watchers for its variety and number of birds.
Pt. Reyes Great Beach (North and South Beaches): North and South Beach make up an incredible expanse of over 10 miles of undeveloped ocean beach to roam - also known as "Point Reyes Beach." If you are looking for the drama of heavy surf this is the place to be. Dogs are allowed on a 6' leash on this beach. Dogs are not permitted north of the North Beach entrance as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snowy plover. Please be very cautious near the water as "sneaker waves" have been known to drag unwitting victims out to sea.
Sculptured Beach: Tide pools, rock formations, a blowhole where the sea really does "blow through," birds, passing whales and dolphins (bring binoculars), incredible sunsets, and great sand are just some of the things you'll see here.
Wildcat Beach: Wildcat Beach is south of Limantour Beach, near Alamere Falls. It is a 5.5-mile hike from the Palomarin trailhead in the southern part of Point Reyes. It is one of the most beautiful, remote white sand beaches in California and a popular place for horseback riding.
Tomales Bay State Park
Star Route
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1140
www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex
The 2,000-acre day-use park features four gently sloping, surf-free beaches, protected from winds by Inverness Ridge, the backbone of the Point Reyes Peninsula. The park has hiking trails and is a popular place for picnics, swimming, clamming and boating. Make sure to visit Heart's Desire Beach, a nice sheltered cove on Tomales Bay that is excellent for families with small children. The ocean water tends to be a little warmer at this beach.
Biking & Mountain Biking
West Marin has a network of road, mountain and transit biking paths.
Point Reyes Outdoors
11401 State Route 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8192
www.PointReyesOutdoors.com
Point Reyes Outdoors offers mountain bike rentals and tours in the Point Reyes National Seashore and surrounding areas. Either pick up a bike and set off from downtown Point Reyes Station, or join us for a guided tour. We currently offer two tours. One exploring the bishop pine forests, meadows, and along Limantour Beach, rated easy to moderate. The other exploring the sandstone cliffs near Drakes Estero and out to stunning views of Drakes Bay and the Pacific Ocean, rated moderate.
Two examples of mountain biking trail rides follow:
Samuel P. Taylor Park - Ridge Trail to Mt. Barnabe
The 7 .4 mile trail takes you from Samuel P. Taylor Park up a steep climb to the top of Mt. Barnabe. From the Barnabe Peak Ridge trail cyclists get spectacular views of wilderness and a view of Mt. Diablo to the east, Mt. St. Helena to the north and Tomales Bay to the west. This spectacular trail takes you from a thick redwood forest to open grassland hills. The elevation change is 1400 ft. Riding time is 1 ½ to 2 hours. The ride is moderately difficult.
San Geronimo Ridge - Pine Mountain Loop
Starting on Bolinas Road in Fairfax, the Pine Mountain Loop is Marin County’s most remote ride. It incorporates some narrow sections of trail as you cycle up rocky, steep fire roads. At the ridge top you can view Bolinas Ridge, Kent Lake, Tomales Bay and Mt. Tamalpais to the south. The trail takes you through the Kent Lake watershed and along Kent Lake across streams and through riparian habitat. Distance: 13.4 miles; riding time 2 to 2 ½ hours. The elevation change of this strenuous trail is 1,900 ft.
Bird Watching
The Point Reyes National Seashore offers some of the finest bird watching in the United States. The Park’s 70,000 acres of habitat are host to almost 490 avian species, both in the park and on adjacent waters. The park’s coastal location and unspoiled habitats attract many migrating and wintering birds. The Point Reyes area consistently reports one of the highest tallies in the county every year during the Christmas bird count.
Some of the best places to view birds in the park are: Five Brooks Pond, Estero Trail, Muddy Hollow Trail, Abbotts Lagoon, the Lighthouse rocks and cliff areas and Bear Valley. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/pore.
Researchers at the Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO) catch and band birds daily from April 1 to November 30. The most likely times to find birds are during the breeding season in June and July. Visitors are welcome to visit all four of PRBO’s centers in Marin. For directions, please visit www.prbo.org.
Camping in Marin County can be a novel, exciting experience. You may roll out your sleeping bag on a mountain, in a redwood forest, beside teh ocean or even on an island. All Marin County campsites are located in scenic areas that are perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. State Park campsites can be reserved from two days or up to seven months in advance. Dogs are generally allowed on leashes. To preview the California State Parks, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex. Reservations can be made by calling Reserve America at 1-800-444-PARK or online at www.reserveamerica.com.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Bear Valley Visitor Center
0.5 miles from Olema along Bear Valley Road
Olema, CA
415-663-8054
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Campers may use campsites in the Point Reyes National Seashore year-round, but because of its proximity to San Francisco, the campsites are in great demand. Campsites are located along the Pacific Coast and in the Phillip Burton Wilderness area. These are back-country sites and are accessible only by hiking, biking or horseback. There is no car camping available in the park. Camping is limited to four nights per visit, with a maximum of 30 nights per year. Camping is by permit only, and permits must be obtained from the Bear Valley Visitor Center before proceeding to the campsite. Campsites may be reserved up to three months in advance by calling (415) 663-8054 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For specific information about the campsites go to www.nps.gov/pore/activ_camp.htm.
Hostelling International - Point Reyes
1390 Limantour Split Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8811
www.pointreyeshostel.org
Bay Area Green Business
Nestled in a secluded valley of the Point Reyes National Seashore, the Point Reyes Hostel is surrounded by trails that wind 140 miles through a stunning coastal wilderness. Housed in historic ranch buildings, the hostel offers the only lodgings available within the boundaries of the National Seashore, and is a peaceful, relaxing retreat for travelers of all ages. Guests are accommodated in shared rooms (one private room is available), and enjoy comfortable lounges with park views and a fully equipped guest kitchen. Reserve your stay at the Point Reyes Hostel today, and immerse yourself in a serene wilderness sanctuary that thrives and blossoms year-round.
The Point Reyes Hostel is operated by the nonprofit Hostelling International, and is a Bay Area Certified Green Business, committed to promoting environmentally responsible travel. The Point Reyes Hostel also offers programming for groups of all ages, including Outdoor Hostel Adventures, Cultural Kitchen, the Community Walls mural project, and Travel 101 workshops.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Lagunitas, CA 94938
415-488-9897
Samuel P. Taylor State Park covers more than 2,700 acres of wooded countryside with rolling hills of coastal redwoods and open grasslands. The park features hiking trails, mountain biking and equestrian trails. A paved bicycle trail runs through the park. Black tailed deer are often seen, and salmon and steelhead trout migrate up Papermill Creek to spawn. This large park, located just 15 minutes west of San Rafael on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. has a large campground area with 60 developed campsites, 16 tent-only campsites, 6 ADA developed sites, 2 group tent sites and an equestrian group site. For reservations contact Reserve America.
Dining
West Marin takes pride in restaurants and cafes that serve tasty food with the emphasis on local and organic ingredients.
Drake's Beach Café
1 Drakes Beach Road
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1297
Website coming soon!
Join us for a romantic evening in a small beachfront restaurant in Point Reyes National Seashore, offering a prix fixe four-course dinner including appetizer, soup, salad and a main dish. Bring your own wine with no corkage fee. Reservations recommended. Open for dinner on Friday and Saturday only.
The Farm House Restaurant at the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge
10005 Coastal Highway One
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1264
www.olemafarmhouse.com
Bay Area Business
One of the original establishments along the California Coast in the quaint town of Olema, our Farm House Restaurant and Bar first opened its doors to wagoners and travelers in 1865, and like good wine, the Farm House is aging well. The bar still feels like an old-time cowboy bar with tin ceilings, plank flooring and colorful stained glass windows. For our special Farm and Wine dinner, please click here.
Station House Café
11180 State Route One
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-1515
www.stationhousecafe.com
Best known for great food, friendly service and gorgeous outdoor garden dining, the Station House Cafe, established in 1974, is situated amid the beauty and bounty of West Marin at the gateway of the Point Reyes National Seashore. With a long-standing emphasis on fresh and local, the menu features sustainable seafood; organic produce and grass-fed, natural beef, with classic American cuisine as the central theme. Music lovers will appreciate some of the Bay Areaʼs best musicians as they swing by to entertain in the Station House Lounge. A private dining room is available for private parties and business retreats.
Thepmonggon Thai on the Bay
At the Golden Hinde Inn & Marina
12938 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1114
www.thepmonggon.com
West Marin's newest Tomales Bay dining, serving the freshest produce, local seafood and unique blends of herbs and spices. With indoor and outdoor seating, Tomales Bay views and food that will awaken your soul. Hours of Operation: Monday - Tuesday: 4:30pm - 9:00pm; Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00pm - 9:00pm.
Marin Agricultural Land Trust
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-1158
www.malt.org
Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) was the first land trust in the United States to focus on farmland reservation. Founded in 1980 by a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists to preserve farmland in Marin County, California, MALT acquires agricultural conservation easements on farmland in voluntary transactions with landowners. MALT also encourages public policies that support and enhance agriculture. It is a model for agricultural land preservation efforts across the nation. MALT has so far permanently protected more than 40,500 acres of land on 63 family farms and ranches.
Please visit our website for activities and programs that we promote and sponsor.
Golfing
Marin County is home to several public and private golf courses. These courses take advantage of Marin’s beautiful, varied terrain and are located in a variety of settings, from the foot of Mt. Tamalpais in Mill Valley, to the wetlands near the Bay Shore in Novato.
San Geronimo Golf Course
5800 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
San Geronimo, CA 94963
415-488-4030
www.sangeronimogc.com
Located in the heart of beautiful San Geronimo Valley, only 45 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge and ringed by forested coastal hills and roaming over 150 acres of stunning terrain, San Geronimo offers a true test of your golf skills and a relaxing day in the country. Let San Geronimo’s professional staff help you with charity fundraising events, weddings, holiday parties, or any meeting needs that you may have. Come and enjoy the challenge and beauty of San Geronimo!
Hiking
The outstanding beauty of Marin County’s landscape makes it a prime environment for outdoor recreation. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Marin’s vistas and wildlife.
Blue Waters Kayaking
12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94933
415-669-2600
www.bwkayak.com
Blue Waters Kayaking is your outdoor activity resource for the West Marin area. We offer kayaking tours, hiking tours, as wells as specialized camping, birding and oyster tours. We offer a variety of hiking tours including the Giacomini Wetlands and Drake's Esotero Trail. Please visit our website for planned hiking events and costs. We can custom design tours, retreats, and parties and outings for friends, families, business groups, schools, clubs and non-profit organizations.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Bear Valley Visitor Center
0.5 miles from Olema along Bear Valley Road
Olema, CA
415-464-5100
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
The National Seashore has about 240 kilometers (150 miles) of hiking trails to explore. Trail maps for are available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. There are many ways to customize your hike to accommodate your physical and time limitations. Stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center for current trail information and suggested hikes. Open year round, hours of operation are: Weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Weekends and Holidays from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Closed December 25.
Hostelling International - Point Reyes
1390 Limantour Split Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8811
www.pointreyeshostel.org
Bay Area Green Business
Nestled in a secluded valley of the Point Reyes National Seashore, the Point Reyes Hostel is surrounded by trails that wind 140 miles through a stunning coastal wilderness. Housed in historic ranch buildings, the hostel offers the only lodgings available within the boundaries of the National Seashore, and is a peaceful, relaxing retreat for travelers of all ages. Guests are accommodated in shared rooms (one private room is available), and enjoy comfortable lounges with park views and a fully equipped guest kitchen. Reserve your stay at the Point Reyes Hostel today, and immerse yourself in a serene wilderness sanctuary that thrives and blossoms year-round.
The Point Reyes Hostel is operated by the nonprofit Hostelling International, and is a Bay Area Certified Green Business, committed to promoting environmentally responsible travel. The Point Reyes Hostel also offers programming for groups of all ages, including Outdoor Hostel Adventures, Cultural Kitchen, the Community Walls mural project, and Travel 101 workshops.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Lagunitas, CA 94938
415-488-9897
This popular park has over 2,700 acres of wooded countryside in the steep rolling hills of West Marin. The park features a unique contrast of coast redwoods groves and open grassland. Miles of hiking trails and fire roads make it easy to hike to the top of Mount Barnabe. Or, for a less strenuous visit, many visitors consider Devil’s Gulch the best place in the park for a picnic or a place to relax.
Point Reyes Outdoors
11401 State Route 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8192
www.PointReyesOutdoors.com
Point Reyes Outdoors offers naturalist led hiking tours in the Point Reyes National Seashore. Explore the beauty of the area and see some of the local wildlife events. Our hikes include a Wildflower and Gray Whale Hike, Tide Pool Exploration, Coast Walks, Leopard Shark and Bat Ray Observation, Marine Mammals Hike (to see harbor seal pups or elephant seal pups), and premier location Birding hikes. These hikes are perfect escapes into the wild to view the local animals and see breathtaking panoramic views. The perfect outing for all ages and families.
Tomales Bay State Park
Star Route
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1140
www.tomalesbay.net
This area, celebrated for its natural beauty, is one of constant movement: the land, the animal migrations and the seasonal wildflowers that push up through the earth. For great views, March flowers, beaches and bird-watching, it is a must see!
Marin County has miles of open space horse trails, including horse campsites at Mount Tamalpais State Park and Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Equestrian Centers are in Fairfax and Woodacre, but the most popular is Five Brooks Ranch, offerin a variety of horseback riding services.
Five Brooks Ranch
8001 State Highway One
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1570
www.fivebrooks.com
Five Brooks Ranch offers an array of services for anyone who wants to enjoy the park in the company of horses. We offer private and guided trail rides, riding lessons and horse boarding. Bring your own horse or use ours. We can help you have the time of your life riding the trails of Point Reyes!
Kayaking
Kayakers enjoy easy access to San Pablo Bay and can be found enjoying the coastal waters surrounding China Camp State Park. Corte Madera Creek, with its views of Mt. Tamalpais, is a draw for both kayakers and rowers.
Blue Waters Kayaking
12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94933
415-669-2600
www.bwkayak.com
Blue Waters Kayaking is your outdoor activity resource for the West Marin area. We offer kayaking tours, hiking tours, as wells as specialized camping, birding and oyster tours. We also have shore side facilities at Marshall Boatworks, 19225 Shoreline Highway in Marshall, CA on weekends and during the week by appointment.
Visit us at home in the Point Reyes National Seashore on beautiful Tomales Bay. We have a wide assortment of single and double, closed and open deck sea kayaks. We specialize in guided half or full-day paddles and overnight camping trips. We can custom design tours, retreats, and parties and outings for friends, families, business groups, schools, clubs and non-profit organizations. Call us today to make a reservation.
Point Reyes Outdoors
11401 State Route 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8192
www.PointReyesOutdoors.com
Point Reyes Outdoors offers sea kayaking tours, classes, and overnight kayaking trips in the Point Reyes National Seashore. We also offer customized team building (on land and water) and environmental education kayaking trips for groups. Join us for a naturalist-led sea kayaking trip or camping outing exploring the west coast's local waterways and experience this area's rich variety of wildlife and outstanding beauty. We offer daytime and evening sea kayaking tours on Drakes Estero and Tomales Bay where it is common to encounter harbor seals, leopard sharks, bat rays and a variety of waterfowl.
The town of Point Reyes Station offer a diverse and eclectic collection of small shops featuring every day goods as well as books, arts and crafts. Many visitors enjoy strolling the main and side streets of Point Reyes station browsing in the little one-of-a-kind shops. Olema is the home to just a few shops, including Vita Collage.
Vita Collage, just right down from Olema Druids Hall
9940 Shoreline Highway
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1160
www.olemadruidshall.com
Vita Collage is our distinctive and stylish store that carries a variety of fashion accessories, unique household items, design books and many of the special amenities used at the Inn. Hours vary depending on season, so please contact them before you head this way. Typical hours of Operation: Friday: 12-5:30pm; Saturday - Sunday 11:00am - 5:30pm.
Whale Watching & Seal Observation
Between December and May approximately 15,000 California gray whales travel 10,000 miles along the Pacific Coast from cold Arctic feeding grounds to warm, shallow breeding waters off Baja, California. During December and January the pregnant whales are traveling south, carrying their babies who will be born in the warmer waters off Mexico. From February through May the northward migration is lead by pregnant females while the mothers and babies trail behind, closer to the coast to avoid predators.
During the migration, whales can often be seen from the Pt. Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands or from various sites on the Pt. Reyes peninsula. The headlands of the Pt. Reyes peninsula offer one of the finest spots to view the gray whale. The areas around Chimney Rock and the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse offer some of the best whale watching spots in the park. The best chance of seeing whales from the Pt. Reyes coast is in mid-January, the peak of the southern migration. Observers should look for 10-15 foot spouts. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/pore/
Elephant Seals & Harbor Seals & Sea Lions
Northern elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions are found at South Beach during the winter and also can be viewed from Chimney Rock. After being absent for more than 150 years, elephant seals returned to the Point Reyes Headlands in the early 1970s. From December through March a breeding colony of elephant seals can be observed from Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock, above Drakes Bay.
From the overlook visitors can observe the behavior of the animals, including the birthing of pups. During weekends and holidays, trained docents staff the Overlook. They have binoculars, spotting scopes and information to share with visitors.
Each year, thousands of wildflower enthusiasts converge upon the Marin Headlands to experience the park’s spectacular floral display. Long recognized as a Bay Area botanical hotspot, the Marin Headland’s ridges, valleys, meadows, and sand dunes are carpeted with blooms of every hue and color from late winter to late autumn.
Photo Credits: www.marinopenspace.org
Marin County has five or six known small populations of this wildflower that are associated with basaltic greenstone rocks in a mixed evergreen forest. White Wakerobin can be found in the northern part of the Pt. Reyes Peninsula.
Patches of serpentine soil in the Loma Alta Preserve provide one of the best late-season wildflower displays in the county. Douglas Iris can be spotted in the Bald Hill Preserve, and the Bush Monkeyflower and Dwarf Checkermallow inhabit the Camino Alto Preserve.
The below resources give information on the many species of wildflowers that grow in Marin County and where they can be found:
The Marin County Open Space District’s website lists all of the open space preserves in the county and describes the plants and animals that can be found there. Please visit www.marinopenspace.org for more information.
The Marin Branch of the California Native Plant Society provides information on Marin County’s rare plants and field trips. Please visit www.marin.edu/cnps for more information.
Marin County is home to a number of rare wildflowers, many of which are found in the county’s 33 open space preserves, the Golden Gate National Recreation area and the Point Reyes Seashore. Ring Mountain Preserve’s unique geology and microclimate provide a home for a number of rare plants. The Tiburon Mariposa Lily is found on the upper slopes of Ring Mountain and nowhere else on earth. Spring wildflowers on the trailhead from Paradise Drive to the top of the preserve are breath-taking.
As you enjoy the wildflowers, please remember that you may be in a national park, and natural and cultural resources are protected by law. Do not pick the wildflowers!
Want to find out the latest happenings within the MCVB community?
Then join our e-newsletter.
Looking for lodging at a discounted price? Take a look at some special rates & packages being offered…
Click, print and save at many of our local hotels, shops, specialty vendors and restaurants.
Let us help you find the perfect location for your meeting or event! Simply fill out our Request for Proposal.
