Gorgeous day trip during good weather! If you're lucky you can see the ocean during a clear day…read morebut most times, there's a fog blanket. Beautiful lighthouse and view from the top. You can go down a ton of steps to see and learn about the lighthouse. Make sure to stop by Marin French Cheese Company on the way and bring a picnic of cheese, sandwiches to snack on. It's pretty windy down there too so bring layers and a jacket. You can explore the adjacent trails and do some hiking too. Definitely will get some Insta worthy photos!

The Point Reyes Lighthouse contains the ORIGINAL first order Fresnel lens and clockworks that were…read moreon display at the 1867 World Fair in Paris. Not just a replica, but the actual model that was actually on display in Paris. The best time to see the inside of the lighthouse (where the lens and clockworks reside) is typically on weekends between 10am-noon and 1:30-3:30pm, but only in winds under 40mph, and (ideally), when it's not foggy. (Check the park website or call for current hours, which may fluctuate.) During these hours, rangers and volunteers are often around to answer questions, give educational talks, and sell merchandise. For safety reasons, the lighthouse and stairs are always closed to the public when the winds exceed 40mph-- which happens often. This is the windiest spot on the west coast. When you check the wind online, the results come from a weather station miles away from the lighthouse. Wind speeds may be much higher at the actual lighthouse than what you see online. To avoid wasting gas and time, you can always call the park visitor center (after 10am) to ask about the winds for that day. The Point Reyes lighthouse parking lot sits about a quarter mile away from the viewing platform above the lighthouse. This portion of the trail is accessible. There is also a closer accessible lot for those with handicapped placards. From the viewing platform, it's 313 stairs plus two steep slopes (of about 100 feet each) down to the actual lighthouse. The reason the lighthouse sits so low below the viewing platform is because the heavy fog that plagues the area is often just above this level. So, it's essentially below fog level-- except for when it's not. For those circumstances, there are foghorns. The modern foghorns are controlled by the coast guard, and are not on display. However, a large equipment-building-turned-museum, which sits at the same level as the lighthouse, houses several of the historic horns and air compressors, along with a few interpretive signs. In my personal opinion, the lighthouse could use a lot more pictures and interpretive signs. I personally think that it would be cool if these were plastered all over the inside of the lighthouse, like they are in Heceta. Is it worth the 313 stairs to see the lighthouse? I am the wrong person to answer this question, since, for me, the stairs have always been my main motivation for visiting. I would climb these stairs just for fun, and I've done so many times. And yes, I bought one of the "I survived the climb!" stickers from the visitor center at the top of the stairs, which is typically open the same hours as the lighthouse. The lens itself is pretty chipped up, but still beautiful to look at. I'm not sure if the chips are due to the weather, historic vandalism, or routine maintenance. What I do know is that the glass is technically irreplaceable. The original glass was made by French artisans in the 1800s. The modern replacement glass is manufactured in England, from different sand, which is apparently a different color and clarity than the original. Typically speaking, even when on display, the lighthouse is not rotated, and the curtains are kept mostly closed. Some people (me) might argue that it's deceptive to call it "fully functional" or claim that it's "in working order." That being said, the clockworks (a cabinet full of gears, pulleys, and cables) is pretty cool too see. It looks like a giant nineteenth century wind-up toy. The park keeps it painted, polished, and well-maintained. National Lighthouse Day is coming up on August 7th. Historically, including last year, the park has operated the lighthouse for this event. I haven't seen anything online about it yet, but maybe they'll celebrate this year, too. The nearest gas and food to the lighthouse are about thirty minutes away, so make sure you plan for that ahead of time. Chimney Rock is a short drive away. Drake's Beach (including the Ken Patrick visitor center), North Beach, South Beach, and the Cypress tree tunnel are all passed on the road between the lighthouse and Inverness, so if you plan right, you could definitely knock all of those sights out in one day. If you're a real overachiever, you could also add Tomales Point/Pierce Point Ranch to the same day, as the road to these destinations is between the lighthouse and Point Reyes Station.

"Where is the best place to get 360 degree views of the ocean?" Someone asked me this question last…read moreweek while I was hiking out at Tomales Point, and I've decided that the answer is Chimney Rock. (I mean, technically, the answer is actually 'from a boat in the middle of the ocean,' but I'm pretty sure they meant like, 300 degree views.) Chimney Rock is a thin straight of land that peeps out into the ocean. Or, in more technical terms, according to the NPS website, it is "the Eastern spur of the Point Reyes headlands." If you think of Point Reyes as being shaped like a double-headed wrench, the lighthouse and Chimney Rock are on the same side of the wrench, but they are the tips that oppose each other. Each one juts out into the ocean on its own. Of course, you could also get great, nearly all-around views at the lighthouse, but this requires hiking down 313 stairs. As opposed to the lighthouse, Chimney Rock is a much easier hike. In fact, this hike would have been a breeze, if not for the actual breeze, which was blowing at about 45mph. (Point Reyes is the second windiest point on the West Coast. If you are not able to maintain a very strong stance against the wind, then consider a different hike.) The hike was less than a mile each way. There were not very many wildflowers, but in some ways, this is actually an advantage over Tomales Point, because it allows for better unobstructed views. There are a lot of social trails at Chimney Rock. NPS has posted signs in front of these trails that say, "Unauthorized trail, hazardous cliffs. Please stay on authorized trails." I stayed on the authorized trails, not just because I'm a goody-two-shoes as a hiker, but because, as a California native, I understand cliff geology, and the very real risks associated with it. You may be thinking, "This cliff isn't really going to crumble and drop me into the ocean," but actually, this can and does happen all the time. (In fact, this actually happened to a member of my cohort at UC Santa Barbara.) A side hike can take you down to the Historic Life Saving Station. There is not a sign that says "this way to the life saving station," but you will know which trail it is because it is *not* marked with an unauthorized trail sign. (I have not yet taken that side hike, but it looks interesting.)

Yelp has the wrong map location for this spot. A nice hike and we were close and personal with a…read morecoyote during our hike. We just kept still and it walked on by. Pretty cool! The easy walk itself is fairly short out and back with a mandatory turnaround at the end of the trail. Make sure you venture to the right toward the beginning to get that awesome sheer cliff ocean view. And be careful because that little 20 foot desire comes with some wind. Many folks miss this feature of the hike. Lots of flowers during springtime.

How fortunate we are to have Point Reyes National Seashore. The headquarters is fantastic- maps,…read morerecommendations, nice restrooms & plenty of free parking. Today we chose the Bear Valley hike trail. The path is wide and mostly flat and even includes a bathroom midway. As you walk you are able to hear the beautiful sounds of the babbling brook along the route. Being late Spring we were able to spot a good amount of wildflowers- buttercups, poppies, bleeding heart, foxglove and more. We encountered several equestrian's throughout our hike.

Sea How You Are A…read more71,000-acre park that was founded in 1962 and whose eastern boundary consists of a little thing called the San Andreas Fault. It's also home to over 900 plant species (50 of which are endangered), over 40 species of mammals, and over 400 different birds. Point Reyes is unlike any other park we've ever been to in that it's such a unique area that includes a small town, farmlands, estuaries, beaches, headlands, and so much more. If this is your first time or you're planning your first time, I'd try to allow for at least two full days to really get a feel for this place, and the best part is it's all 100% free to visit! Here's a quick guide to the best of the best things to do here (Pro Tip: There are multiple other Yelp pages with lots of more specific reviews for each of these locations). * The PR lighthouse is a must-see, and with the 308 stairs you'll need to get there, you'll definitely get your steps in! * There are multiple Visitors Centers, but if you only want to visit one, I'd recommend going to the one at Drake's Beach where you might get a glimpse of elephant seals during their breeding period (Dec - March). * Tomales Point Trail at the Tule Elk Preserve is my mostest favoritetest trail on Earth. It's relatively flat with very little uphill, but it is over nine miles if you want to get to the point and get back. And, yes, you'll want to get to the point. Otherwise, what's the point? ;) Just be sure to bring water and some snacks to cover you for those 9+ miles. This will also be your best chance to come face-to-face with the infamous Tule Elk. * Drake's Estero if you want to do some kayaking (check website for rules and dates). * McClures Beach if you want to hang and picnic. Great for tidepooling but not so much for swimming. Seriously. Don't do it. * Chimney Rock Trail is a relatively low effort for high reward spot for some spectacular views. There's plenty of other places to check out, but this should help get you started. Enjoy!

The Point Reyes National Seashore Association runs a pleasant visitor's center/gift shop. An…read moreenormous taxidermy elephant seal greets you, and there are small exhibits with other stuffed animals (luckily, the gift shop has the other kind of stuffed animals) about the environment at Pt. Reyes, its culture from the Coast Miwok, to Sir Francis Drake's arrival, and how Pt. Reyes Station was literally rocked by the 1906 quake. The gift shop is an embarrassment of riches- there are plenty of toys and activities for kids, books on geology, Native American cookbooks. The staff there is friendly; the rangers are helpful.

So disappointing. I have been visiting this bookstore for years, and noticed a difference about 2+…read moreyears ago... The store is disorganized and not inviting, the selection is now uninspired and not well planned (at best) and the staff were rude, uninformed and frankly awful .One interaction left me speechless, an older employee was inept, childish and just confused- the whole experience was awful: from the mis-information she shared about a local landmark to a question about the availability of a particular item. Additionally my companion was given the wrong change twice with no receipt, and missing one thing from the purchase. After three visits in one week, each experience was worse than the last, I can't recommend shopping here

Awww yes, the Life-Saving Cemetery of Inverness…read more As you head toward the Point Reyes Lighthouse, you'll pass Drakes Bay Oyster Farm, and Schooner Creek. At this point on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. you'll see a sign directing you to turn off the main rain, toward the cemetery. While I don't think heading down random roads in an area with no cell phone coverage in search of cemetery land is always a good idea, we were in an adventurous spirit and had plenty of daylight left. We would be safe. There is a two-car parking area and one car had taken both spots, so we put our car nearby and hiked up the (small) hill to a grove of large trees, keeping the graves shaded and mostly hidden from sight. Bright yellow flowers littered the walkway up the hill, bringing life to an otherwise very quiet place. Was it getting windier as we reached the top? Did the sun just hide behind a cloud? A crumbly, white picket fence surrounded the small cemetary. We each laid a yellow flower at the first graves we came to. You cant actually get to the headstones - they are surrounded by personal fences, but you can read their inscriptions. It was really cool. The place was a little beat up looking and not that well maintained, but I imagine they weren't getting a lot of complaints from the residents. At the top of the small cemetery sat a small bench, made from a tree. We quietly reflected on our day and our lives, then turned to head back down the hill and were on our way. I thought it'd be pretty fun to stay around here and wait for another car, and hide behind a tree before jumping out and scaring them, but this area is pretty isolated and it might have been a long wait.

As we drove towards Chimney Rock on Sir Francis Drake Blvd, we noticed a sign for the Life Saving…read moreStation Cemetery. We thought that sounded unique and talked about how we would stop by on our way back after doing our Chimney Rock hike. Later on the way back, we looked for a sign, but there was none. As we passed the Drakes Estero pullout, we looked back and noticed the sign. We did a turnaround and we were on our way! Once we were on the road to the cemetery, we drove all the way down the road, looking for a second sign to direct us to the cemetery, but there was nothing. At the end of the road, we ended up at the US Coast Guard property that was fenced with no access. Again a turnaround and this time we noticed a two-car parking area on our way back to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. We parked and walked down a road, looking for the cemetery. Still nothing, and we walked back to the car. Then we noticed a hikers sign across the street from the parking area. The trail was overgrown, but we decided to check it out. After a thousand feet or so, we noticed a white picket fence, hoping it was the cemetery. Yes! We found the two different fenced in areas, with the gravesites. Very peaceful here, but now viewing the previous reviewer's photos from 2013, it was obvious that no one maintains the cemetery. It is overgrown and the trail is no longer clearly marked. Even so, we enjoyed our trek to the cemetery and finding the grave markers.

I first experienced Point Reyes in the mid 70s when we arrived from Chicago Illinois. We lived…read moretemporarily in my grandparents family home in Inverness while my dad was studying for the California bar. After he passed the bar exam and obtained a job and we moved away. We continued to spend weekends and summer vacations in Inverness and I spent a lot of time in Point Reyes and surrounding areas. Almost 50 years later it is still very familiar to me. A lot more hipster than hippie now but still laid back and nostalgic for me. Many of the original businesses are still here just with modern updates. Toby's, the gas station, the Presbyterian church, the elementary school are still around. This is a great place to come to after a day of hiking or spending time at one of the nearby beaches .

It irks me when people pronounce it as Point Rays instead of Point Reyes. C'mon people, this is not…read moreRow-deh-yow Drive in Beverly Hills. Stop anglicizing every Spanish word in America, people. Reyes (Rey-yess) is a Spanish word; Point Reyes Station is named after the impressive cliffs that used to be inhabited by the Miwok tribes along these coasts by explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, who named the area as "La Punta de los Reyes" after the the 3 wise men from his Catholic faith. Translated into English, it's called "Point of the Kings" for the people in the back who can't hear me. OK, now that I got that off my chest...this lovely, charming, quaint and small town that has a population of about 350. It's the gateway to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. It's also near San Andreas Fault, which runs up and down along this peninsula. There's even a fence that moved 20 feet apart after the 1906 earthquake and they left it as a historical marker at the aforementioned location. It used to be an actual port and a terminus stop on the North Pacific Coast Railroad connecting the various towns and cities along this area. It's also a nice pit stop whether heading north towards Marshall and Bodega Bay or west towards Tomales Bay State Park, the lighthouse or Inverness. You can grab some supplies at Palace Market if you're picking-up some oysters, going on a picnic or hiking the wonderful trails. If you're low on gas and are headed to the lighthouse, better fill up here since there's no gas station past this station if you're headed there. But it's also more than just a pit stop as it has several places for excellent, organic and artisanal food like Cowgirl Creamery, Cafe Reyes, Whale of a Deli, Side Street Kitchen, Brickmaiden Breads, Station House Cafe, Tomales Bay Foods, Bovine Bakery and Toby's Coffee Bar. I highly suggest spending a couple of hours here exploring everything that it has to offer at a leisurely pace. And I can't stress that enough as the pace here is very leisurely and relaxing. It's worth every minute of it. Speaking of relaxing, I even found a Zen Buddhist Garden at the rear of Toby's that one can meditate in. Find your inner peace and chant the sutra to feed your soul. And if you're looking for spirits, they have an old western saloon appropriately named Old Western Saloon located on the main road to quench your thirst. A nice weekend getaway destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you don't mind not having phone signals, it's the perfect spot to really get away. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 40

4.5 stars Bear…read moreValley visitor's center is a really nice and well-maintained visitor's center. Inside, there's a little museum explaining the wildlife found in the area. There's a gift shop area with books for all ages and small selection of souvenirs. The restrooms are also pretty clean. There's free parking on site and additional parking and restrooms across from the visitor's center. There's also plenty of space for picnics. Idk what the rules are, but I did see horses and horse riders, so I think there's a horse trail nearby?? Would recommend the stop for maps, souvenirs, restroom breaks, and/or picnics.

My husband and I visited the free Bear Valley Visitor Center in Inverness, CA, the primary (of 3)…read morevisitor center (VC) for the Point Reyes National Seashore in early August, 2024. We were driving between San Rafael and Bodega Bay and debating whether it was worth our time to drive the 21 miles (42 minutes), each way, to the Point Reyes Lighthouse -- especially as we had been experiencing a lot of fog over the previous few days. What we hadn't anticipated was how interesting the stop would be at the Visitor Center itself! The Visitor Center had very friendly NPS staff and volunteers who provided maps and information about the roads, trails, and human and cultural history of the Olema Valley and the Point Reyes National Seashore. They recommended that we start by watching the orientation film in the auditorium (we did!), check out the indoor exhibits that provide a glimpse of the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of the park, and recommended some hikes that begin near the VC. They also told us of what we might see on the road to the lighthouse (including beaches and overviews where we might see wildlife, such otters and elephant seals) and at the lighthouse itself. Importantly, they showed us a live stream from the lighthouse that showed that the lighthouse area was currently shrouded in fog. We also stopped by the small gift shop and picked up a few souvenirs. At the suggestion of the park ranger, we next walked the Earthquake Trail, which is an easy and short (0.6 miles) paved loop trail that only takes about 15 minutes to walk. Signage on the interpretative trail allows walkers to discover the geology of the San Andres Fault Zone. The highlight was seeing a fence that jumped 16 feet in the 1906 earthquake. We ultimately decided to drive down to the Point Reyes lighthouse, and were pleased that the fig had lifted by the time we reached. I will review the lighthouse in its separate entry in Yelp. The VC is handicap accessible. There are 2 parking lots -- at the VC and trailheads area. Restrooms are available in the VC during operating hours and in the trailhead parking lot from 6 am-midnight. There's a picnic area with BBQ grills.

So- when the Pt Reyes Farmer's market is going on, there is a little table that sells tickets to…read morethis tour, and the tour starts at 10 am from nearby. The first time I went, there was an adult and a kid tour guide, and I really enjoyed it. I forgot why I went again, maybe to show my son, and then the third time I went it was because Dewey Livingston, a local historian, was going to be the guide. The tour gives you a feeling for how the area developed around dairy (the butter was the product) and pigs ( ate the skim milk); how the railroad shaped the area, some of the local figures, and how the community and businesses evolved. There is a little earthquake and natural history. It makes the local history seem very real. I am not a usually a big history buff, but this was a sweet little tour of a special place.

New - one hour guided historic walking tour of Pt Reyes Station, every Saturday 10 am at the…read moreFarmers Market through the end of September. Yesterday's inaugural tour was excellent! Extremely informative, easy walk around downtown Pt Reyes Station. Great stories about the founding of PRS, the railroad days, history of the many picturesque buildings in town. Whether you are a local, or a visitor, you will learn a lot!