Point Reyes, California and much of the surrounding area is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. The dramatic, rocky, sea-struck coasts, tall bluffs with endless views of the Pacific Ocean, and quaint, friendly towns make this a favorite vacation site for many Californians, and also draws visitors from around the world.

Point Reyes Attractions

The Bear Valley Visitor Center near Olema is a good starting point for visits to the National Seashore. Rangers can give updates on the status of the numerous trails, beaches, and other attractions of this federally protected area. Visitors interested in camping or doing back country hiking also need to go here to obtain permits. The center is located near several trailheads, provides brochures with information about the national seashore, and maps.

Like most seaside locales that are witness to fog and rough seas, Point Reyes has a historic lighthouse. This scenic, windswept beacon is open and also has its own visitor center. Tourists to the area will have all of their lighthouse questions answered at the visitor center and will also learn about the whales, sea-lions, and elephant seals that are occasionally seen from the lighthouse. It can be a good place to seek shelter from frequent rain and to pass the time when the stairs to the lighthouse are closed in times of high winds.

Beaches

Rocky coastlines make for beautiful viewing but they just aren’t designed for walking. Fortunately, Point Reyes also has sandy beaches perfect for a coastal stroll. The waters are too cold and rough for swimming, but the weather is usually too cool for a dip in any case and there are Great White Sharks that lurk beneath the waves (although surfers don’t seem to mind).

Stinson Beach is one of the best beaches in the area, is easy to get to, and is adjacent to a small town of the same name. The town might be just as fun as the beach with its excellent options for dining and local shopping.

Another beautiful, easily accessible beach is at Drakes Bay. White limestone cliffs make it one of the most dramatic and scenic sites at Point Reyes while the presence of a café and visitor center also give it points for comfort.

The largest and most adventurous beach to explore is matter of factly known as the “Great Beach”. This is the longest, continuous stretch of sand on the Point Reyes National Seashore and all of its 11 miles (17 kilometers) are open for exploration. Nevertheless, visitors need to be aware that this beach isn’t the type of gentle strand where couples can walk in hand through the surf while children happily play in the water. The seas along this beach are too rough for swimming and sometimes feature “sneaker waves” that are large and strong enough to drag the unwary out to sea! The beach can be safely enjoyed, however, (even by couples walking hand in hand) as long as they are carefull and stay 10 meters (30 feet) away from the surf.

Point Reyes Hotels

There are several bed and breakfasts and hotels in the Point Reyes area although budget travelers will have a hard time finding low cost accommodation. They might be better off staying somewhere cheaper in the nearby San Francisco Bay area although the Point Reyes Vineyard Inn sometimes has lower priced rooms ($75-$200). A moderate-priced option is the One Mesa Bed and Breakfast ($90-$160) while Ferrando’s Hideaway Cottages are for travelers with deeper pockets ($250-$350).

Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Point Reyes, California.

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