Weekend getaway from San Francisco · #7 of 10
Point Reyes National Seashore
Wild beaches, tule elk and a lighthouse at the foggy edge of the continent, with oysters on Tomales Bay and the little food town of Point Reyes Station. Gray whales pass offshore from mid-January through May.
Welcome to Marin's gorgeous, wind-swept edge, a wild wonderland of rugged beaches, roaming elk, and a historic lighthouse. Use foodie-haven Point Reyes Station as your base to explore the coast and Tomales Bay oysters.
Getting there
Your fastest option (about 45 miles). The drive through Samuel P. Taylor State Park is stunningly green but super narrow, so keep an eye out for cyclists!
Take this for the views! It's slower and twistier, but you'll hug the dramatic coastline almost all the way to Olema.
Day 1
Lighthouses, elephant seals, and legendary Tomales Bay oysters- 19:00 AMDrive
Drive out to Point Reyes
Cruise northwest through Marin's lovely valleys and the redwoods of Samuel P. Taylor State Park. You'll reach the gateway town of Point Reyes Station in about 90 minutes.
- 210:30 AMSight
Bear Valley Visitor Center
Pop in here first to get your bearings. They have cool exhibits on the coast's history and a great layout of the trail network to help you plan your hikes.
📍 Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Reyes Station
Tip · Seriously, grab a paper map. Once you head out toward the point, cell service is basically nonexistent.
- 312:00 PMFood
Lunch and a bakery stop in Point Reyes Station
This charming old railroad town is your ultimate food hub. Don't skip the local bakery's famous morning buns and savory scones, or the cute casual cafes nearby.
📍 Point Reyes Station, California
Tip · Get there early! Those morning buns and fresh breads sell out fast on sunny weekends.
- 41:45 PMSight
Drive the Cypress Tree Tunnel
On your way to the lighthouse, drive through this magical, arching canopy of old Monterey cypress trees. It's the ultimate spot for a dreamy photo.
- 53:00 PMSight
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Walk down the 300 steps to this iconic lighthouse clinging to the cliffs. It's famously foggy, wildly windy, and has a neat little visitor center at the bottom.
📍 Point Reyes Lighthouse, Point Reyes Station
Tip · They shut down the stairs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and during high winds, so check the weather before you drive all the way out.
- 64:30 PMActivity
Chimney Rock and the elephant seal overlook
Take a quick, breathtaking walk along the headlands to spy on a bustling elephant seal colony lounging on the beach below, with gorgeous views of Drakes Bay.
📍 Chimney Rock Trailhead, Point Reyes Station
Tip · Aim for December to March to see the seals in action, and always keep a safe distance from them.
- 76:30 PMFood
Oysters at The Boat Oyster Bar
Slurp the freshest oysters you'll ever have, pulled straight from the bay in front of you. It's pure, outdoor waterside bliss in Marshall.
📍 The Boat Oyster Bar, Marshall
- 88:30 PMStay
Overnight near Point Reyes Station
Rest your head in Point Reyes Station, Olema, or Inverness. These cozy towns are packed with charming cottages and inns close to all the action.
📍 Point Reyes Station, California
Tip · Lock down your room early, because local lodging is sparse and weekend spots book up months in advance.
Day 2
Wild tule elk, sweeping ocean views, and beach walks- 99:00 AMDrive
Drive to Pierce Point Road
Cruise all the way north to the peninsula's tip. This scenic road leads you straight to the Tule Elk Reserve and some wonderfully quiet beaches.
- 109:30 AMActivity
Tomales Point Trail among the tule elk
Hike this gorgeous path for a great chance to see majestic, free-roaming tule elk herds, framed by jaw-dropping views of Tomales Bay and the Pacific.
📍 Tomales Point Trail, Point Reyes Station
Tip · The first few miles are easy going, but wear long pants if you plan to venture past the historic ranch into the overgrown brush.
- 1111:00 AMSight
Historic Pierce Point Ranch
Stroll through this beautifully preserved 1858 dairy ranch right by the trailhead. It's a quick, fascinating window into the area's old farming days.
📍 Pierce Point Ranch, Point Reyes Station
- 1212:30 PMFood
Lunch at Hog Island Oyster Co.
Indulge in fresh seafood at this legendary working farm. Grab a seat indoors or out on the bay, and cross your fingers for some live Sunday music!
📍 Hog Island Oyster Co., Marshall
- 132:00 PMSight
Drakes Beach and the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center
Check out this cozy spot right on a sheltered beach to learn about local shipwrecks and marine life. Don't miss the massive whale skeleton!
📍 Drakes Beach, Point Reyes Station
- 143:30 PMActivity
Walk the open sand at Point Reyes Beach
Stretch your legs along miles of wild, wide-open oceanfront at North or South Beach, where dramatic, roaring Pacific waves crash onto the sand.
📍 Point Reyes Beach, Point Reyes Station
Tip · Never turn your back on the ocean; sneaky waves can rush up suddenly and pull you in.
- 155:00 PMDrive
Drive back to San Francisco
Wind your way back along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard through Marin, hitting the city in about 90 minutes.
Where to eat
Pure waterside magic in Marshall, where you'll slurp oysters right on the bay.
The ultimate oyster destination, complete with stellar bay views and Sunday live music.
Your primary hub for stocking up on artisanal cheeses, fresh pastries, and picnic treats.
When to go
Bring binoculars to spot migrating gray whales passing close to the lighthouse.
Hear the deep barks of elephant seals breeding and pupping below Chimney Rock.
Pack layers! Even if it's hot inland, the coast is notorious for sudden fog and wind.
Good to know
- Cell service is non-existent in most of the park, so download offline maps before you hit the road.
- Plan around closures: both the Bear Valley Visitor Center and the lighthouse stairs close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Cozy inns in Inverness, Olema, and Point Reyes Station fill up fast, so secure your stay months in advance.
- Keep a very safe distance from the elephant seals, and watch out for sleeper waves on the wild outer beaches.
