Point Reyes National Seashore Tours and Activities

Photo provided by National Parks Service/Dan Wells
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Jessica Weinberg McClosky
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Jessica Weinberg McClosky
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Cicely Muldoon


Watch for seals and whales as you hike, bike or kayak along the shoreline of this national seashore with remote beaches, fog-shrouded hills and a picture-perfect white lighthouse.

See the blue Pacific Ocean unfold before you at Point Reyes National Seashore. Explore 80 miles (130 kilometers) of shoreline at this national seashore in California’s Marin County.

Learn more about the park and get oriented at one of its three visitor centers. At Bear Valley Visitor Center, be introduced to the park’s history and browse through the bookstore. This is the park’s main center and provides a great place to begin your trip. Admire the impressive minke whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling of the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center. Learn about the plants and animals of the area at the Lighthouse Visitor Center.

Climb up Point Reyes Lighthouse, a red-roofed building perched atop a rocky cliff. You’ll need to scale 300 steps to the top, but you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across the ocean.

Explore the many secluded beaches scattered along Point Reyes National Seashore’s coastline. Listen to the dramatic waves and look for the endangered snowy plover at Great Beach. Bring your four-legged friends to dog-friendly Kehoe Beach. Enjoy spectacular lakefront and oceanfront views at Bass Lake and Wildcat Beach, which are connected by a sandy beach.

Discover more wildlife inhabiting the Point Reyes National Seashore region. Head to Tomales Point to see the tule elk. See harbor seals and California sea lions frolicking in the waves and sunning themselves on the shoreline. Bring binoculars to watch for gray whales fairly close offshore during their migrations between Mexico and Alaska.

Visit Point Reyes National Seashore any day of the year. There is no entrance fee. To camp overnight in the park, apply for a permit.

Take advantage of Point Reyes National Seashore’s convenient location near the heart of the Bay Area. At just over an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, it makes a perfect daytrip outside the city. Take time to fully explore the park and then find dining and accommodations in nearby towns, such as Point Reyes Station, San Rafael, Novato and Petaluma.

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Best Lodging Options Near Point Reyes National Seashore

Olema House at Point Reyes

Olema House at Point Reyes

3 out of 5
10021 Coastal Highway 1, Olema, CA
Olema House at Point Reyes
Romantic Lodge in Point Reyes-Inverness: Picturesque Retreat

Romantic Lodge in Point Reyes-Inverness: Picturesque Retreat

Inverness
Romantic Lodge in Point Reyes-Inverness: Picturesque Retreat
Serene Bungalow-Style Home in Point Reyes Station!

Serene Bungalow-Style Home in Point Reyes Station!

Point Reyes Station
Serene Bungalow-Style Home in Point Reyes Station!
Lavender House Cottages, Classic Elegance in a Country Cottage

Lavender House Cottages, Classic Elegance in a Country Cottage

Point Reyes Station
Lavender House Cottages, Classic Elegance in a Country Cottage
Forest Getaway Cozy, Inviting Cabin w Deck

Forest Getaway Cozy, Inviting Cabin w Deck

Inverness
Forest Getaway Cozy, Inviting Cabin w Deck
Limantour Lodge

Limantour Lodge

2 out of 5
1390 Limantour Spit Rd, Point Reyes Station, CA
Limantour Lodge
The Limantour Lodge-Sleeps 50!

The Limantour Lodge-Sleeps 50!

Point Reyes Station
The Limantour Lodge-Sleeps 50!
Tomales Bay Resort and Marina

Tomales Bay Resort and Marina

2 out of 5
12938 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, CA
Tomales Bay Resort and Marina
Marin Castle, top of Samuel Taylor State Park, retreat above the clouds

Marin Castle, top of Samuel Taylor State Park, retreat above the clouds

2 out of 5
Lagunitas
Marin Castle, top of Samuel Taylor State Park, retreat above the clouds
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore offers a range of exciting activities for visitors, including hiking along the scenic Coast Trail, whalewatching, and kayaking in the stunning coastal waters. For a touch of leisure, enjoy relaxing hikes or check out local live music. While there are no amusement parks directly within the seashore, the natural beauty and outdoor adventures provide a perfect vacation escape for nature enthusiasts.

Shopping

In Point Reyes National Seashore, you can find unique gifts at local spots like Stinson Beach Books, located 20.9km away. If you're up for a drive, visit Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, 27.4km away, for a wide selection of brand-name outlets and family-friendly entertainment.

Recreation

The Self Health Institute offers rejuvenating body treatments just 8.0km from Point Reyes, enveloping you in wellness and relaxation. For sports enthusiasts, the Indian Valley Golf Club, located 16.1km away, provides a scenic outdoor golfing experience. Enjoy live performances at Sweetwater Music Hall, 27.4km distant, for vibrant entertainment.

Adventure

Explore the Point Reyes Hiking Trails, located 3.2km from the park, where you can immerse yourself in stunning scenery and invigorating outdoor vibes. The Woodward Valley Trail, 4.8km away, offers a beautiful trek through lush landscapes. Don't miss the Tomales Point Trailhead, 20.9km from the park, for breathtaking coastal views.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Phoenix Theater, a nightclub offering lively entertainment vibes, located 25.7km away. For a more relaxed atmosphere, visit the American Legion Log Cabin, a charming pub 20.9km away, perfect for enjoying drinks. Don't miss the Mountain Play Theatre, 22.5km away, showcasing cultural performances.

Find the best attractions near Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors, from stunning beaches to rich cultural experiences. Explore iconic sites like the Point Reyes Lighthouse and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the seashore. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or a chance to relax, this destination caters to every traveler’s interests, making it a perfect getaway for Canadians looking to connect with nature and history.

  • Samuel P. Taylor State Park: Located 6.4km from Point Reyes National Seashore, this park offers a blend of adventure and stunning scenery. With its lush redwood groves and scenic trails, it's perfect for hiking, picnicking, and immersing yourself in nature.
  • Muir Woods National Monument: Situated 25.7km away, this enchanting forest boasts towering ancient redwoods and tranquil trails. Explore the serene atmosphere while enjoying outdoor adventures such as hiking and birdwatching in this breathtaking natural wonder.
  • Tomales Bay: Just 17.7km from Point Reyes, this picturesque bay is known for its stunning views and beach vibes. Enjoy kayaking, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the water while taking in the beautiful coastal scenery.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Point Reyes National Seashore

To save money during your visit to Point Reyes National Seashore, consider exploring free activities such as the hiking trails, Samuel P. Taylor State Park, and Limantour Beach. The most cost-effective months to visit are February and November to December, with Fridays being the cheapest days for accommodation. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, filter for eco-friendly options, and combine bookings for additional savings. Look for deals that offer free cancellations to maintain flexibility in your travel plans.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Point Reyes National Seashore are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Point Reyes National Seashore is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Point Reyes National Seashore is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your search results by sorting prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will display sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel reservation at Point Reyes National Seashore with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.