If you’re planning a trip to Sonoma County, don’t skip taking a detour along the coastal stretch of Point Reyes National Seashore—just 20 minutes from my hometown and one of California’s most underrated getaways. It may not have the same buzz as Napa or Sonoma, but it’s packed with its own kind of magic: wild coastlines, scenic hikes, charming small towns, and ridiculously good cheese and oysters.
I’ve spent countless afternoons here and still find new things to love, and I want to share them with you! These are my personal favorite things to do in Point Reyes and all the must-see spots I tell my own friends about.
➞ If you want to delve deeper, don’t miss my Point Reyes Weekend Guide. Short on time? Check out my Perfect Day Trip Itinerary to Point Reyes.
Hike Down to the Point Reyes Lighthouse
Even though it’s no longer operational, the Point Reyes Lighthouse is one of the more popular things to do in the area—and for good reason. Built in 1870, it’s dramatically set at the bottom of a cliff. There’s a short walk to the overlook, but if you’re up for it, you can descend the 313 stairs to get an up-close look. (Yup, you’ll have to climb back up too—call it your workout for the day!).
Just be sure to check the weather first—Point Reyes is known for its moody fog and crazy winds.
➞ PS: A perfect place to stop for pictures while walking from the parking lot to the Lighthouse is the Leaning Tree, which has been featured on many Instagram feeds (including mine!)—maybe yours next?
Do a Local Cheese Tasting
Cheese lovers, this one’s for us. From spring through September, you can do a sit-down tasting at Point Reyes Farmstead, where a beautiful board of local cheeses and seasonal bites awaits. (I’m partial to the Quinta—soft, creamy, and practically begging for a glass of wine on the side—but the classic Point Reyes Blue is always a standout too.) Their on-site kitchen, The Fork, also whips up comforting favorites like ooey-gooey mac and cheese, and if you’ve got room, don’t skip the house-made ice cream sandwiches.
Want to keep the cheese tour going? Head over to Toluma Farms, one of the rare dairies in the world that milks both goats and sheep. They craft eight seasonal cheeses in smaller batches, and the farm’s peaceful vibe makes the experience feel extra special.
Walk Through The Cypress Tree Tunnel
The Cypress Tree Tunnel is lined with Monterey cypress trees planted back in the 1930s, this tunnel of green arches leads to a historic white Art Deco building that once housed the KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station.
It’s got a bit of that “secret fairytale lane” vibe, mixed with real history. This was once the beating heart of ship-to-shore communication on the West Coast—one of the last Morse code stations of its kind, nicknamed the Wireless Giant of the Pacific. Today, it’s all about the views (and the photo ops!).
Do a Mead Tasting at Heidrun Meadery
If you’ve never tried mead before, this is the place to do it. Heidrun Meadery makes bubbly, honey-based wine using nectar from different regions—and the result is something totally unique (and totally delicious). You can go for a glass, a full bottle, or a tasting flight if you want to sample a few.
It’s got that casual, flower-filled charm that makes you want to kick back and stay awhile. I love bringing along some local cheese and crackers to turn it into a little picnic. Bonus: if you’re visiting on a Saturday, you can hop on their behind-the-scenes tour to see how it’s all made!
Shop & Stroll Through Point Reyes Station
Downtown Point Reyes Station may be small, but it’s packed with charm, great coffee, and some seriously cute shops.
Start your morning with a flaky pastry from Bovine Bakery—their scones and quiche are local favorites for a reason. Then swing by Toby’s Feed Barn, a quirky combo of gift shop, coffee bar, and art gallery where you can grab a latte and a fun souvenir. Don’t miss Point Reyes Books for a well-curated mix of reads, or Vita Collage for swoon-worthy jewelry, home goods, and gifts you didn’t know you needed. And of course, Cowgirl Barn Shop is a must for cheese lovers—hello, picnic provisions!
Don’t miss finishing your stroll with a drink at the Old Western Saloon. It has been slinging drinks since the 1890s, making it one of the oldest bars in Marin County. Step inside and you’ll find creaky floors, vintage charm, and a whole lot of local history—it once served as a gathering spot for ranchers, loggers, and fishermen back in the day.
Also, take a quick peek at a Ten Thousand Buddha mural (right outside Point Reyes Yoga), painted by a local artist Amanda Giacomini who vowed to paint 10,000 Buddhas around the globe.
Tour Historic Pierce Ranch at Tomales Point
Once considered the top dairy ranch in all of California, Pierce Point Ranch is now a quiet slice of history tucked into the northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. While it’s no longer operational, wandering the grounds gives you a glimpse into what ranch life was like over a century ago. The weathered barns, outbuildings, and stunning coastal backdrop make it a lovely place for a stroll—and a few photos.
It’s also the starting point for the Tomales Point Trail, one of the most scenic hikes in the area (and a great spot to spot tule elk!). Whether you’re doing the full 9.7-mile hike or just exploring the ranch and nearby McClures Beach (only 0.4 miles away), this area is a mix of nature and California history.
Kayak Tomales Bay
One of the most memorable ways to experience Point Reyes is from the water—and kayaking on Tomales Bay is the way to do it. You can rent a kayak or book a guided tour (highly recommended for first-timers!). Daytime paddles offer peaceful views, bird sightings, and maybe even a curious seal or two. But the real magic happens at night—when the water comes alive with glowing bioluminescence. It’s like paddling through stardust!
For rentals or tours, check out Blue Waters Kayaking or Tomales Bay Expeditions—both are great local options that’ll get you out on the water safely and smoothly. If you prefer, you can also rent paddle boards.
Eat Oysters
Oysters are kind of a big deal in Point Reyes—thanks to the nutrient-rich waters of Tomales Bay, this area produces some of the freshest, tastiest oysters on the West Coast. Whether you like them raw, grilled, or slathered in chipotle bourbon butter, there’s a spot here with your name on it.
Hog Island Oyster Co. is the most iconic (yes, it’s touristy—but also totally worth it), with BBQ oysters and bay views that hit just right. For a more laid-back experience, The Marshall Store serves up oysters six different ways, plus a few other menu gems, all with a seat right on the water. Most of the restaurants serve oysters too!
➞ Still hungry? See my picks for the 14 Best Restaurants in California’s Point Reyes National Seashore.
Find Your Favorite Hike
There are so many trails in Point Reyes that it would take weeks (maybe months!) to cover them all. The good news? That means there’s a hike for every kind of adventurer—whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll or an all-day challenge. Here are a few of my favorites to add to your list:
- Alamere Falls – 13 miles round-trip. A challenging, all-day hike that rewards you with a stunning waterfall spilling straight onto the beach.
- Johnstone & Indian Nature Trails – About 2 miles round-trip. An easy, breezy hike that leads to a pair of peaceful beaches in Tomales Bay State Park.
- Tomales Point Trail – 9.7 miles round-trip. Sweeping coastal views, tule elk sightings, and wildflowers galore along a scenic ridge.
- Chimney Rock Trail – 1.75 miles round-trip. A short and sweet trail with big payoffs—think elephant seals, wildflowers, and ocean panoramas.
- Estero Trail – Up to 8.8 miles round-trip, depending on your turnaround point (Drakes Head or Sunset Beach). Great for birding and coastal views.
- McClures Beach Trail – 0.5 miles round-trip. A quick and quiet downhill walk to a wild and rocky beach.
- Abbotts Lagoon – 2.3 miles round-trip. Gentle terrain with lagoon and ocean views, especially stunning during wildflower season or winter bird migrations.
Before heading out, stop by one of the visitor centers for maps, tips, and a little local insight. Each one offers something different:
- Bear Valley Visitor Center – The main hub for info, with cultural exhibits and trail recommendations.
- Point Reyes National Seashore Visitor Center – Learn about the lighthouse and local marine life.
- Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center – Located near Drakes Beach with exhibits on maritime history and fossils dating back to the 1500s.
Before you head out to explore, make sure to stop by one of the visitor centers for maps, tips, and some local insight. Bear Valley Visitor Center is the main hub with trail info and cultural exhibits, while the Point Reyes National Seashore Visitor Center offers fascinating displays about the lighthouse and local marine life. If you find yourself near Drakes Beach, pop into the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center to dive into maritime history and check out fossils dating back to the 1500s—each center has its own unique charm to help you make the most of your visit.
Take a Guided Trail Ride on Horseback
If you prefer riding horseback to hiking, Point Reyes has some fantastic guided trail rides fo all experience levels. Five Brooks Ranch offers rides through lush forests, rolling hills, and even along sandy beaches, with options for beginners and kids too (yes, there’s pony rides!). Then there’s Point Reyes Arabian Adventures, where you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Tomales Bay on their private ranch while learning to connect with your horse.
Relax at One of the Many Beaches
There are more than 80 miles of shoreline here, so if you’re a beach person (or even if you’re not), you’ll find your kind of spot. Each beach has a little something different—some are great for sunbathing, others for dramatic coastal views. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Drake’s Beach is an easy-access, wide sandy spot with stunning white sandstone cliffs and calm waves, making it perfect for families with kids.
- Heart’s Desire Beach, nestled in Tomales Bay State Park, is ideal for swimming, kayaking, picnicking, and even has nearby hiking trails for a little adventure.
- Limantour Beach stretches for four miles with gentle waves great for families, plus nearby picnic spots and hiking trails if you want a break from the water.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching in Point Reyes is pretty amazing—especially if you time your visit during peak season, which runs from December through April when gray whales make their migration along the coast.
Two of the best places to spot them are the Point Reyes Lighthouse (just be prepared for those 300+ stairs!) and Chimney Rock, which also comes with beautiful views of wildflowers and dramatic coastal cliffs. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warm—it can get windy out there!
Take in the View at the South Beach Overlook
The South Beach Overlook trail is just a short walk from the Point Reyes Lighthouse parking lot. Most people are here to walk to the lighthouse and miss this, don’t be one of them! This cliffside spot gives you front-row seats to “The Great Beach”—an 11-mile stretch of wild, rugged coastline.
Bring your binoculars and you might just spot gray whales cruising by in the winter or elephant seals lounging down below (the colony set up shop here after a big storm in the ‘90s).
See the Earthquake Fence on the Earthquake Trail
If you’re at all fascinated by natural history (or just want to see something kinda crazy), take a stroll down the Earthquake Trail near the Bear Valley Visitor Center. It’s a short and easy 0.6-mile loop, but it holds a lot of history.
The land here sits right on the San Andreas Fault, and this trail gives you a front-row look at how powerful the infamous 1906 earthquake really was. There are informative plaques and you can see parts of the fence where it was separated by the quake.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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What a fantastic list! I had no idea there were so many hidden gems in Point Reyes National Seashore. The suggestion to explore the tide pools is especially exciting—I can’t wait to check them out on my next visit! Thanks for sharing these amazing activities!
Thank you so much! Point Reyes really has some hidden treasures, and the tide pools are such a unique experience. I’m so glad this list got you excited for your next visit!