West Marin 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.
For all Point Reyes National Seashore Park questions, please 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 State Route Highway 1, 0.5 miles west of Olema, CA along Bear Valley Road
415-464-5100
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
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.
Marin Visitors Center West
9940 State Highway 1 (Near corner of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Highway 1)
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1060
1-866-925-2061
www.visitMarin.org
www.pointreyesvisitorsbureau.com
Hosted by the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau. Hours of Operation: Friday and Saturday 11:00am - 5:00pm when beautiful weather permits.
Beaches | Biking | Bird Watching | Camping | Dining | Environmental
Farm Tours & Cheese Tasting | Golfing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Kayaking | Recreation
Shopping | Whale Watching & Sea Lions | Wildflowers
Beaches in Point Reyes
Point Reyes 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 or remove as the temperature varies on any given day.
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.
Point Reyes National Seashore
415-464-5100
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/beaches.htm
Point Reyes is located approximately 30 miles north of San Francisco on State Route 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:
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
State Route Highway 1
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1140
www.parks.ca.gov
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.
Point Reyes has a network of road, mountain and transit biking paths.
Point Reyes Outdoors
11401 State Route Highway 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.
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 the 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.
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/camping
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 or RV 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.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Lagunitas, CA 94938
415-488-9897
www.parks.ca.gov
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
The Point Reyes region is historically known for its strong agricultural base and takes pride in its restaurants and cafes that serve cuisine with local and organic ingredients.
Farm House Restaurant at the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge
10005 Coastal Highway One
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1264
www.pointreyesseashore.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. Click to see our menus.
Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar
and Cottages
23240 Highway One
Marshall, CA 94940
415-663-1033
www.nickscove.com
Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar and Cottages is a nostalgic and welcoming gathering place that showcases the bounty of local farm-and sea-to-table sustainable California cuisine with waterfront dining and accommodations on the pristine Tomales Bay in Marshall.
Nick’s Cove Restaurant serves the finest seasonal, sustainable California cuisine sourced from the area’s abunduant Marin and Sonoma County farms as well as fresh seafood and Tomales Bay oysters year-round. The menu offers a variety of seasonally-changing dishes and seafood classics such as the signature Clam Chowder with applewood smoked bacon or the Original Tomales Bay BBQ Oysters.
View Menus Here View Restaurant Special & Events Here
Hours of Operation: Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner
Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 8 a.m.
Lunch Daily starting at 11 a.m.
Dinner Daily starting at 4 p.m.
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 Area?s 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.
Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT)
Post Office Box 809
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 preservation. 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 41,800 acres of land on 66 family farms and ranches. Click on our educational and outdoor programs to learn more!
Cowgirl Creamery & Cantina
80 Fourth Street
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-9335
866-433-7834
www.cowgirlcreamery.com
Our creamery is located at Tomales Bay Foods, a restored barn at 80 Fourth Street in Point Reyes Station. There is also a cheese counter for tasting and purchasing local cheese, and a nice selection of books, knives, boards and condiments to pair with cheese. The Cowgirl Cantina is a shop located at the other end of the barn and offers delicious picnic food, espresso and a fantastic wine selection.
Peak through a glassed-in viewing window and watch as we make cheese -- Wednesday through Monday, from 10am to 6pm. Better yet, take a tour. These are held every Friday at 11:30 a.m. The tour consists of a 30-minute presentation, followed by a tasting of Cowgirl Creamery cheeses. The charge for the tour is $5 per person and reservations are required. Special group tours can be booked here or calling 415.663.9335.
Drakes Bay Oyster Company
17171 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1149
www.drakesbayoyster.com
Drake’s Bay Oyster Company's growing area has the finest water quality of any growing area in California. This clean, nutrient-rich water produces what are recognized as some of the finest oysters in the world. Drakes Bay Oyster is the only certified organic oyster farm in Marin and the only commercial oyster producer in California that performs its own remote seed setting, which enables the production of its own oyster seed (baby oysters) on site. Currently, the shellfish species produced in the Drake’s Estero include Pacific Oysters and Manila Clams. These shellfish continue to be produced as "singles" and are sold live in-shell as well as shucked and packed in various sized containers.
Everyone is welcome to visit our oyster farm during business hours. Stay and enjoy our freshly harvested shellfish for an authentic experience, or bring a cooler to take some home with you. To help ensure that oysters are available when you visit, please call ahead of time. If you are placing a large order, a phone call a day or two before pickup is recommended.
Free Oyster Farm Tours are available and are provided on a first come, first serve basis. Tastings within the tour are also available for a minimal charge. Although guests are welcome anytime for a tour, please do try to call in advance to schedule a tour time.
Hours of Operation: 8:00am-4:30pm Everyday
Marin French Cheese Company
7500 Red Hill Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
800-292-6001
www.marinfrenchcheese.com
A Favorite Destination for Visitors and Cheese Lovers from Around the World
Each year visitors from all over the world come to Rouge et Noir to learn how artisan cheese is made and sample the award-winning cheeses handmade in “the Cheese Factory” since 1865. Take a free tour of the creamery, sample our many styles of cheese and browse in our retail shop for cheese to take home. Visitors love our lush grounds for weddings, team meetings, barbecues, parties and relaxing picnics by the pond. Located at the gateway to West Marin as well as the Sonoma & Napa Valley wine regions, the Cheese Factory is a perfect gathering spot for cyclists and plein-air painters. Rain or shine, we have covered picnic tables, cold beverages (wine & beer), hot chocolate, coffee, soup and assorted sandwiches available in the deli.
We offer tours seven days each week at 10:00am, 11:00am, Noon and 3:00pm. Our cheese making schedule changes weekly. Please call for current days and times to view the cheese making process. For groups of 6 or more please call in advance.
Store hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm seven days per week. Closed on these Holidays: New Years day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas day
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company
5300 Nicasio Valley Road
Nicasio, CA 94946
415-662-6200
www.nicasiocheese.com
We are committed to sustainable agriculture. Being organic and pasture-based confirms this. The family dairy started in 1919 and in 2006 the organic conversion process began. Today, all of our cheeses are made from 100% organic farmstead cow's milk.
Establishing the Nicasio Valley Cheese Company has given us the opportunity to bring to fruition something our father had only dreamt of. Swiss master cheese maker Maurizio Lorenzetti has mentored our family in the art of making the cheeses of Valle Maggia to ensure they are as magical here as they are in Switzerland.
The Lafranchi family is extremely proud to bring our versions of the cheeses of our ancestors to the states. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Retail Hours: 7 Days a Week, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Tours Available by Appointment
The Fork at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company
14700 Highway 1
Point Reyes, CA 94956
415-663-8880
800-591-6878
www.theforkatpointreyes.com
Just one visit and you’ll find The Fork is a long way from every-day!
The Giacomini family has been making farmstead products for more than 50 years. Producing the highest quality milk for their award-winning cheese is more than just a business strategy; it’s a way of life. They love what they do and believe their products reflect their family’s passion and commitment to excellence.
You’ll find the same passion has gone in to creating the farm’s new Culinary & Educational Center, The Fork at Point Reyes. Situated on the pastoral Giacomini family dairy, you’ll find The Fork is a long way from the every-day. It is a unique setting for your next private party or corporate event and it’s a great place to learn something new about agriculture, sustainability, farmstead cheese making and the culinary arts.
Please click here for The Fork’s Spring/Summer 2011 Calendar.
Reservations required for all classes and tours. Please call 800-591-6878 to secure your spot.
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 Blvd.
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.
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.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Lagunitas, CA 94938
415-488-9897
www.parks.ca.gov
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 Highway 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
State Route Highway 1
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1140
www.parks.ca.gov
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 Route Highway 1
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1570
www.fivebrooks.com
Five Brooks Ranch has an array of services for anyone who wants to enjoy the park in the company of horses. We provide 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. Enjoy kayaking tours, hiking tours, as well as 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 Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8192
www.PointReyesOutdoors.com
Point Reyes Outdoors provides 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 have 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.
Dance Palace
503 B Street
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-1075
www.dancepalace.org
The Dance Palace is a non-profit community center providing a wide variety of educational, recreational, cultural and community services to children, adults and seniors in western Marin County. The Dance Palace serves as the central community facility for the small, semi-rural coastal villages of West Marin including Point Reyes Station, Inverness, Olema, Nicasio, Marshall, Bolinas and Stinson Beach.
The Dance Palace works to respond directly to expressed community needs and to reach out to all segments of West Marin, encouraging involvement and communication at all levels. A fundamentally multi-purpose organization, the Dance Palace operates as a school, meeting space, theater and gallery. The Dance Palace serves as a unique model of a community center providing a highly multi-faceted program on a small budget through the ongoing participation of committed volunteers.
The town of Olema has 2 shopping points of interest including Beulah Gallery and the Olema Trading Post. It is Point Reyes Station that offers a diverse and eclectic collection of small one-of-a-kind shops featuring every day goods as well as books, arts and crafts, and tasty treats. The favorite specialty product that cannot be missed is the cheese. Make sure to load up on cheese before leaving the area!
Beulah Gallery
Highway 1 at Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-0380
www.beulahgallery.com
Beulah Gallery is open by appointment only. Please call first before visiting.
Beulah is an old carriage house used as a contemporary art space. There is approx. 250 sq ft. of work space. Beulah’s mission is to promote conceptual art expressed through installation. The gallery sits above a creek, at the epicenter of the 1906 earthquake.
Olema Trading Company
9940 Highway 1
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1547
Olema Trading Company is an interesting and fun shop in a historic building in Olema, CA. It features antiques, gifts, folk art, home & garden decor, and much more. Hours of Operation: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Noon to 5:00pm and by appointment. Located near the intersection of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Highway 1, Olema Trading Company is a convenient and unique destination for all types of visitors.
Vita Collage
11101 State Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-1160
www.vitacollage.com
A Distinctive Store with a Discerning Perspective!
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, Canuary 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 balifornia. During December and Jy 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 has 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.
Additional information can be found at www.nps.gov/pore. 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!
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