Point Reyes Station Things to Do

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On Saturdays from 9 am until 1 (June through Nov.) there is a lively farmers market in Point Reyes Station. Here you'll will find local organic produce, products like honey and fruit preserves, homemade soaps, locally produced cheeses, as well as less common items like knitting yarn spun from local sheep. The mix of people here is interesting, with local workers mixing with artsy types, retirees and tourists. Everyone is friendly.
The morning we were here there was a local band playing fun bluegrass music. There was also a cooking demonstration.

The small town of Inverness is the last stopping point heading north into the national park. It is a place to get last minute food, a staging area for kayaking, and a good location to see more of Tomales Bay. This old fishing boat is a bit of a landmark and provides an interesting foreground for views of the bay.

There is no shortage of scenic hikes in this area. Point Reyes National Seashore has miles and miles of marked trails, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the mainland also has a beautiful, and long, trail along the Bolinas Ridge. There are also two California State Parks close by, with Samuel Taylor State Park on the mainland with stands of magnificent redwood trees. The extensive beaches, of course, can keep you occupied for hours. The many trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate, and some more challenging. At the visitors center you can get specific information about the different trails.

Tomales Bay is the long, narrow stretch of water that separates the northern half of Point Reyes Peninsula from the mainland. It is famous for oysters, which you will find at many places in the area, recreational activities such as kayaking, and beautiful scenery. The three towns here are Marshall on the mainland, Point Reyes Station at the source of the bay, and Inverness on the peninsula. You'll find places to eat and shop at each town, but Point Reyes Station is the largest and has the most to offer if you are looking for a place to eat or go shopping. There's a nice, short trail, the Tomales Bay trail, near Point Reyes Station with some good views.

Point Reyes National Seashore has several extensive beaches. You could walk here for hours and find near complete solitude once you get away from the trailheads and parking lots. Point Reyes Beach faces the Pacific Ocean, and is rough and windy, and often foggy. Don't come here expecting to swim and explore tide pools. Here you will face the elements. The beaches at Drakes Bay, facing the south, are protected from the winds and currents and more comfortable for most visitors. The map you can get for free at the Visitors Center shows how to get to the beaches, where you can camp and which beaches allow dogs. Whichever access point you choose, however, you can easily get away from any crowds. These are huge beaches and stretch a long way.

Pt. Reyes peninsula has been a place of interest for geologists for generations. The shifting plate tectonics along the fault resulted in rocks on the coast that match those from several hundred miles away. Add in the strong winds that lead to erosion and you'll find some interesting things. The rocks in this photo, for example, are found in winding layers interspersed with small holes and curving walls. It looks just like the high cliffs on lonely, isolated beaches further south in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties.

The winds at Point Reyes are said to be the strongest on the California coast. From the looks of some of the trees at the point, it may well be true. The big old trees are permanently arched in from the wind, creating odd shapes and a canopy for the walkway to the visitor center at the lighthouse. If you plan to do much walking or hiking in the area, be prepared with suitable clothing. Know that while it can be sunny and mild on the mainland, once you get out here the weather can be completely different.

At the tip of Point Reyes you'll find the lighthouse and a visitor center, one of the highlights of a visit to Pt. Reyes. The views from here are impressive, with a view north along the beach until the horizon ends, and open ocean to the west and south. Before reaching the lighthouse itself, there is a small visitor center and a viewing platform. Then there are 300 steps down to the lighthouse itself.
The weather here is often very windy, and fog is quite common. Be prepared.