Top Things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore
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Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County
Discover the best top things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore, United States including Point Reyes Hiking Trails, Point Reyes Safaris, Tomales Bay Sailing, Sculptured Beach, Woodward Valley Trail, Point Reyes Outdoors, Point Reyes Arabian Adventures, Tomales Point Trail, Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes Tours.
1. 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.
2. Point Reyes Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 386 reviews
Point Reyes Safaris is a company dedicated to wildlife viewing and photography in Point Reyes National Seashore. 85 species of mammals and over 50% of North America's birds make this seashore home. Itineraries are custom to the desires of the group. We can accommodate groups of up to 8 people. Serious photography safaris are limited to 3 people.
3. Tomales Bay Sailing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Tomales Bay Sailing offers custom sailing tours on Tomales Bay aboard a 22 foot catamaran.
4. Sculptured Beach
5. Woodward Valley Trail
6. Point Reyes Outdoors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Our love of the wilderness and sincere desire to share our knowledge and understanding of nature inspired us to create Point Reyes Outdoors. PRO is dedicated to environmental stewardship, building community relationships and providing our clients with the finest tours and classes possible. We offer kayak tours, stand-up paddleboard rentals, guided hikes, and multiday adventures in the beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore.
7. Point Reyes Arabian Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Point Reyes Arabian Adventures is an Equestrian Service located in Point Reyes Station, CA, that services all of Point Reyes Station & the surrounding areas. We specialize in Horseback Riding, Horse Training, Horse Riding Lessons, Horse Trail Rides, Horse Rental, Horse Riding, Horse Rental Service, and Horseback Riding Service. Our employees are highly trained to develop your Horseback Riding skills, and will work to help you reach your maximum potential. If you are looking for a Horse Trainer, Horse Riding Lesson, or Horse Riding School, then Point Reyes Arabian Adventures is the smart choice. Call us today to inquire about our services.
Reviewed By Frank88 - Las Vegas, United States
We couldn’t have enjoyed our one hour ride today with Susan and Matthew more than we did. My 10 year old had had a bad prior trail ride experience and he came out of this one beaming. Susan is clearly a gifted horsewoman and has assembled a well trained and cared for herd. We can’t thank her enough for the enjoyable morning.
8. 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.
9. Blue Waters Kayaking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Rentals, Classes, & Tours Adventures on Tomales Bay, Drakes Estero, Lake Sonoma, the Colorado River, Baja, & Beyond! Naturalist-led tours, oyster tours, overnight camping, events and parties for individuals and companies, weeklong youth camps, beginning and advanced classes, hot springs adventures, take away rentals, & drop off rentals are just a few of our offerings. Take a break from "civilization" and explore the natural world with us by kayak, SUP, or canoe. Since 1984 Blue Waters has also led trips to Baja, Mexico including Sea of Cortez island expeditions and incredible whale watching from Laguna San Ignacio base camp. Just an hour north of San Francisco in the Point Reyes National Seashore, wilderness kayaking experiences await you
10. Point Reyes Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Point Reyes National Seashore boasts some of the most diverse wildlife viewing opportunities in the country. It is home to healthy populations of predators such as bobcat, coyote, grey fox and badger. Over 50% of North America's birds have been documented here giving you the chance to see owls, hawks, falcons and many other bird species. Dramatic cliffs, gorgeous beaches and a world famous lighthouse where you can look for elephant seals, migrating whales, sea lions, harbor seals and other wildlife make up the National Seashore's dramatic coastline. Customize your 6 hour experience with us, be it for wildlife viewing, visiting the lighthouse, the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel and other scenic and historical sites or for long guided hikes. The day is yours.
