From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. Home to several cultures over thousands of years, the Seashore preserves a tapestry of stories and interactions of people. Point Reyes awaits your exploration.
The Lighthouse Visitor Center (LHVC) and the stairs leading down to the lighthouse (LH) are open from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursdays through Mondays (provided there are no active exceptions), and closed Tue. & Wed. The stairs to the LH are closed when winds exceed 40 miles per hour. The LH's clockwork room, which houses the original clockworks & from which one can get a close look at the first-order Fresnel lens, is usually open on days the stairs are open from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, as staffing & weather permit.
Point Reyes Station is a charming,, rustic, and vibrant unincorporated town in West Marin County, California, serving as the main gateway to the 71,000-acre Point Reyes National Seashore. Known for its farm-to-table food scene, particularly Cowgirl Creamery and Toby’s Feed Barn, this walkable, small-town destination offers access to dramatic coastal scenery, hiking, and local artisan shops.
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. is a women-owned, family-run artisan cheese company in Marin County, California, known for its farm-to-table experience, sustainable practices, and award-winning cheeses like Original Blue and Toma. They offer cheese tastings, culinary classes, and events at their farm and culinary center, "The Fork,". Call ahead or go online to reserve a cheese lovers tasting, or stop by the gift shop and build your own cheese tasting board to go!
Brickmaiden Breads in Point Reyes Station is a charming, must-visit, rustic-style bakery located in the heart of town. Brickmaiden is renowned for its organic, naturally leavened sourdough, including loaves, baguettes, and country bread. Their pastry selection, which often sells out, includes croissants, scones, fruit tarts, and cookies. It is a key culinary stop in Point Reyes Station, and can be often be spotted by a line outside on weekends. Featuring dog friendly, “secret garden” outdoor seating, it serves as a community hub that emphasizes quality, sustainability, and supporting local West Marin agriculture.
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.
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!
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 favorites: Drake’s Beach is an easy-access, wide sandy spot with stunning white sandstone cliffs and calm waves, making it perfect for families. 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.