Point Reyes is one of the most beautiful and unknown places in Northern California. Located 40 minutes north-west of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, it is home to many wonders; from hiking to kayaking, birdwatching to the beautiful beaches. There really is something for everyone here. So grab your camera, car keys and a sense of adventure, hit the road, and check Point Reyes off your bucket list!
Wildlife in Point Reyes
Western Grey Squirrels are a common sight along the almost 150 miles of hiking trails in Point Reyes National Seashore.
photo by analise sutherland
The Estero Trail is one of Point Reyes National Seashore’s most popular walks among locals. Two and a half miles round trip through an old christmas tree farm that opens up to a long bridge over the Estero. Perfect for bird (and leopard shark) watching.
photo by analise sutherland
The Dairy farms you will pass on your way out to the Lighthouse like the Historic B ranch, have been around since the late 1800’s. Cattle farmers are a huge part of Point Reyes history.
photo by analise sutherland
photo by analise sutherland
When you reach the lighthouse, you’ll see more than just the breathtaking views the point has to offer. More often than not, you will see baby Mule deer grazing with their mothers on the hill sides.photo by analise sutherland
Even the wildflowers in West Marin are gorgeous.
photo by analise sutherland
photo by analise sutherland
photo by analise sutherland
On your way back from the Lighthouse you’re sure to see Tule Elk (an invasive species) walking in the cattle fields of Point Reyes at sunset.
photo by analise sutherland
photo by analise sutherland
Pacific Rock crabs are camouflage experts.
photo by analise sutherland
Point Reyes Must Sees
Pierce Point Trail located on Tomales Point is a beautiful hike all year round.
photo by analise sutherland
Abbots Lagoon on the way out to Pierce Point, is a great family beach. It is a miles walk from the parking lot, many visitors take this time to admire the wildlife.
photo by analise sutherland
The Cypress Tree Tunnel is a place not to miss when in Point Reyes.
photo by analise sutherland
Another must see is the famous Inverness Ship Wreck, Located across the bay from Point Reyes Station.
photo by analise sutherland
The Point Reyes Lighthouse, one of the most iconic sights in West Marin.
photo by analise sutherland
On your walk out to the Lighthouse you’ll see the South, North, and Kehoe Beach straightaway.
photo by analise sutherland
Tomales Bay is a great place for kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water sports.
photo by analise sutherland
Take the scenic route out to Point Reyes and pass by the town of Olema.
photo by analise sutherland
photo by analise sutherland
McClure Beach is great for bringing family and friends. White sand, clear water, and tidal pools!
photo by analise sutherland
The views from Mount Vision are unreal, and so are the sunsets.
photo by analise sutherland
The next time you plan your travel to Northern California, on you way to wine taste in Napa Valley or Sonoma, definitely schedule a pit stop at Point Reyes to immerse yourself in the nature, wildlife and scenery.
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These are the most beautiful pictures of Point Reyes, it makes me want to come NOW! Thank you Analise Sutherland for the Photo’s
Great shots! When we were there, we spent most of the day touring Kule Loklo. We were also planning to go to the Morgan Horse Ranch but it was already late. Wish we had visited that lighthouse! :(
I haven’t heard of Kule Loklo, and now that’s on my list of places to visit. The lighthouse is a bit of a drive, but worth it. It’s a good reason for you to go back!
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Nice photos
Great Photos
I missed going to Point Reyes, as there was a severe traffic jam on my way, had a flight to catch within hours hence turned back. But these mindblowing pictures are forcing me to plan another trip:) Especially that lighthouse, a perfect picture postcard.
I certainly hope that you will be able to make it to Point Reyes in the future! It truly is stunning.
I live in Point Reyes and witnessed the change in our town that tourists have created over the past 45 years. We remember a time where we didn’t have tourists. If you come here, please be mindful that only a handful of people live here. We don’t benefit from the recent influx of tourists that this kind of blog encourages. Rather, we have to clean up litter, navigate around traffic jams, and provide bathrooms or step over human waste on the sides of some of our favorite trails.
You could help by just carrying your own (and maybe someone else’s) trash home and using the picnic areas and restrooms provided by the Point Reyes National Seashore instead of the stoops in town.
“Take only photos, leave only footprints.”