Stretching from Tomales Point to Bolinas, Point Reyes is one of the most strikingly beautiful regions in all of America, offering an endless variety of activities and sights for visitors of all ages. Its wide, open spaces, winding roads, lush forests, scenic vistas, pristine beaches, and sleepy coastal towns present an inexhaustible array of options for creating an unforgettable vacation.
Visitors should give themselves plenty of time to explore. The Point Reyes National Seashore is enormous, with an incredible range of possibilities for discovering its abundant beauty, and the surrounding towns each have their own distinctive character. Take a few days and you will quickly discover that Point Reyes is more than a place—it’s an experience, a lifestyle, and a state of mind.
Beaches | Biking | Bird Watching | Camping | Dining |
Farm Tours & Cheese Tasting | Golfing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Kayaking | Recreation
Shopping | Whale Watching & Sea Lions | Wildflowers
Beaches in Point Reyes
The pristine beaches of Point Reyes are some of the most spectacular on the entire California coast. The unique and varied topography of the region gives each beach its own unique personality. Whether you love beachcombing, tide pooling, wave watching, bird watching, sunbathing, kayaking, or boating, there’s a perfect beach for you somewhere on Point Reyes.
Note that the weather can change considerably during the course of the day, so you should wear layers to adapt to changing conditions on any given day. Swimming conditions also vary by location. Some beaches have very dangerous rip currents, or the threat of sneaker waves. Prior to entering the water, please check with park rangers, park personnel, or lifeguards about conditions and always obey the posted warnings.
Below are some of the best beaches in Point Reyes:
Abbotts Lagoon Beach is a great place for bird watching. The sand dunes backing the beach are home to the endangered snowy plover.
Drakes Beach is one of the nicest beaches at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The tall cliffs provide shelter from the usual northwest summer winds. There is a visitor center, cafe and memorial to Sir Francis Drake, who visited these shores in the 16th century. A well-known sand sculpture contest is held here every Labor Day Sunday.
Heart's Desire Beach is a part of Tomales Bay State Park, and sits in a nice, sheltered cove of Tomales Bay, where the ocean water tends to be a little warmer, making it perfect for families with small children.
Kehoe Beach can be accessed after a half-mile walk alongside a marsh and over a sand dune. Once at the beach, turn left to explore the stream meandering to the Pacific Ocean. To the right, you can explore the giant dunes. Follow the beach further north to see the dramatic juxtaposition of rocks on the nearby cliffs, which combine sandstone with granite and other minerals. Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash on this beach to the north of the trail, but not permitted south of the trailhead in order to protect the habitat of the endangered snow plover.
Kelham Beach is a quiet, secluded beach, just north of Arch Rock, that is only accessible by a 4.8-mile hike from the Bear Valley trailhead. The trail from Coast Trail is closed due to cliff erosion, and we do not advise hikers to access the beach from this point.
Limantour Beach stretches a mile in each direction from its access point at the end of Limantour Road. It’s the perfect spot for taking long walks, wading, bird watching, beachcombing or picnics. The nearby Estero de Limantour is a favorite spot for bird watchers due to variety and number of birds that populate it.
Marshall Beach is a sheltered beach on the Tomales Bay side of Point Reyes National Seashore, south of Tomales Point. A 1.2-mile hike from the parking lot takes you to this beach, which has a lovely view of the coast across the bay.
McClures Beach, at the base of Tomales Point, is probably Marin's most scenic beach, with its rugged coastline framing both ends. During very low tides, there are great tide pools at the south end.
Palomarin Beach is a wonderful beach for tide pooling during low tides. Visitors should note that the trail to the beach requires a strenuous walk down a steep cliff.
Point Reyes Beach, or Great Beach as it’s also known, is an incredible expanse of over 10 miles of undeveloped beach, with dramatic surf and gorgeous views. You can access both the North and South Beaches by car. Dogs are only allowed with a 6-foot leash, and cannot go further north than the North Beach entrance, which is considered protected habitat for the snowy plover. Watch out for “sneaker waves.”
Sculptured Beach can be a wonderful place for exploring. You’ll find tide pools and its signature rock formations there, along with a blowhole where the sea really does "blow through." Nature lovers will find birds, passing whales and dolphins, incredible sunsets and wonderful sand to enjoy.
Wildcat Beach is south of Limantour Beach, near Alamere Falls. A 5.5-mile hike from the Palomarin trailhead is the shortest route to get there, but once you arrive, you’ll find a gorgeous, white sand beach that’s also very popular for horseback riding.
The sport of mountain biking was literally invented in West Marin, when off-road pioneers started making their own bike frames to handle the tough conditions of riding its mountain trails. Whether you’re looking for a calm, scenic ride along the coast, or a bumpy trail with lots of thrills, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect trail to match your desires.
Check out this website for detailed information on local bike trails:
http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/biking.htm
There are also local outfitters where you can rent bikes, sign up for bike tours, and learn more about local trails:
Blue Waters Kayaking
12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94933
415-669-2600
www.bwkayak.com
Bike Point Reyes on an EZip EcoRide electric comfort bike, which is designed with a 250-watt DC earth magnet motor and a 24-volt Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. It operates much cleaner than gas powered scooters yet faster than a regular bicycle. Please call or go online to learn more details.
Point Reyes Outdoors
11401 State Route 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8192
www.PointReyesOutdoors.com
Point Reyes Outdoors offers mountain bike rentals for usage in the Point Reyes National Seashore and surrounding areas. Pick up a bike and set off from downtown Point Reyes Station, or rent a rack and drive to a trailhead. Bike the bishop pine forests, meadows and out to Arch Rock; Explore along Limantour Beach; check out the stunning views of the Olema Valley and Tomales Bay; or check out the sandstone cliffs near Drakes Estero and out to epic views of Drakes Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Thanks to its coastal location and unspoiled habitat, some of the finest bird watching in the United States can be found at Point Reyes National Seashore. The part attracts so many migrating and wintering birds, that more than 450 species have been recorded, which is nearly half the number in the entire United States. The best places to view birds in the park are: Five Brooks Pond, Estero Trail, Muddy Hollow Trail, Abbotts Lagoon, Olema Marsh, the Lighthouse cliffs, and Bear Valley.
The best website that offers detailed information and educational outreach programs for Point Reyes birders:
The Point Reyes National Seashore website
http://www.nps.gov/pore/naturescience/birds.htm
Camping under the stars in Point Reyes is an experience like no other. The Point Reyes National Seashore offers backcountry, hike-in camping all year round, while several other campgrounds offer vehicle access and RV camping. Whether you want to roll our your sleeping bag next to the roar of ocean surf, or atop a rolling hillside, you can choose from lots of campsites in the area. Visitors should note that the Point Reyes area is very popular, and reservations are strongly advised.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Bear Valley Visitor Center
0.5 miles from Olema along Bear Valley Road
Olema, CA
415-663-8054
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/camping
Campers may use campsites in the Point Reyes National Seashore year-round, but because of its proximity to San Francisco, the campsites are in great demand. Campsites are located along the Pacific Coast and in the Phillip Burton Wilderness area. These are back-country sites and are accessible only by hiking, biking or horseback. There is no car or RV camping available in the park. Camping is limited to four nights per visit, with a maximum of 30 nights per year. Camping is by permit only, and permits must be obtained from the Bear Valley Visitor Center before proceeding to the campsite. Campsites may be reserved up to three months in advance by calling (415) 663-8054 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday or reserved online with www.recreation.gov/camping/Point_Reyes_National_Seashore
For food lovers, there’s no place better to visit than Point Reyes. West Marin is the undisputed birthplace of the organic food movement, and produces some of the freshest, most flavorful produce in the entire country. Most restaurants take full advantage of the region’s bounty to create delicious menus full of locally sourced vegetables, meat, dairy and seafood. Here are a few standouts:
Farm House Restaurant at the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge
10005 Coastal Highway One
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1264
www.pointreyesseashore.com
Bay Area Business
One of the original establishments along the California Coast in the quaint town of Olema, our Farm House Restaurant and Bar first opened its doors to wagoners and travelers in 1865, and like good wine, the Farm House is aging well. The bar still feels like an old-time cowboy bar with tin ceilings, plank flooring and colorful stained glass windows. Click to see our menus.
Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar
and Cottages
23240 Highway One
Marshall, CA 94940
415-663-1033
www.nickscove.com
Nick's Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a destination restaurant for award-winning cuisine overlooking beautiful Tomales Bay. The natural beauty and abundant farm produce of the West Marin coast inspire chef Austin Perkins' seasonal, sustainable and delicious California cuisine. The menu is locally sourced, and each dish is the perfect combination of comfort and refinement.
View Menus Here View Restaurant Special & Events Here
Hours of Operation: Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner
Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 8 a.m.
Lunch Daily starting at 11 a.m.
Dinner Daily starting at 4 p.m.
West Marin is a paradise of delicious, farm-raised food. Ever since the earliest days of the Gold Rush, Marin County has been known as the dairy capital of California. More recently, the organic food movement that began in Marin County has created a tradition of quality, sustainable farming, which has grown in strength over the decades. From local cheeses and pasture-fed beef to fresh vegetables and oyster farms, Marin is a food mecca, and you can do more than just sample its offerings. Take a local farm or dairy tour to learn all about how these delicious products are made.
Cowgirl Creamery & Cantina
80 Fourth Street
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-9335
866-433-7834
www.cowgirlcreamery.com
Our creamery is located at Tomales Bay Foods, a restored barn at 80 Fourth Street in Point Reyes Station. There is also a cheese counter for tasting and purchasing local cheese, and a nice selection of books, knives, boards and condiments to pair with cheese. The Cowgirl Cantina is a shop located at the other end of the barn and offers delicious picnic food, espresso and a fantastic wine selection.
Peak through a glassed-in viewing window and watch as we make cheese -- Wednesday through Monday, from 10am to 6pm. Better yet, take a tour. These are held every Friday at 11:30 a.m. The tour consists of a 30-minute presentation, followed by a tasting of Cowgirl Creamery cheeses. The charge for the tour is $5 per person and reservations are required. Special group tours can be booked here or calling 415.663.9335.
Drakes Bay Oyster Company
17171 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1149
www.drakesbayoyster.com
Drake’s Bay Oyster Company's growing area has the finest water quality of any growing area in California. This clean, nutrient-rich water produces what are recognized as some of the finest oysters in the world. Drakes Bay Oyster is the only certified organic oyster farm in Marin and the only commercial oyster producer in California that performs its own remote seed setting, which enables the production of its own oyster seed (baby oysters) on site. Currently, the shellfish species produced in the Drake’s Estero include Pacific Oysters and Manila Clams. These shellfish continue to be produced as "singles" and are sold live in-shell as well as shucked and packed in various sized containers.
Everyone is welcome to visit our oyster farm during business hours. Stay and enjoy our freshly harvested shellfish for an authentic experience, or bring a cooler to take some home with you. To help ensure that oysters are available when you visit, please call ahead of time. If you are placing a large order, a phone call a day or two before pickup is recommended.
Free Oyster Farm Tours are available and are provided on a first come, first serve basis. Tastings within the tour are also available for a minimal charge. Although guests are welcome anytime for a tour, please do try to call in advance to schedule a tour time.
Hours of Operation: 8:00am-4:30pm Everyday
Heidrun Meadery
11925 Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-9122
www.heidrunmeadery.com
Located in Point Reyes Station, Heidrun Meadery produces naturally sparkling varietal meads using the traditional French Méthode Champenoise. Our trademark Champagne-style of mead is light, dry, delicate and refreshing, with subtle exotic aromas and flavors found only in the essence of honey.
Visitors are welcome on a reservation-only basis for a tour and tasting, or simply to enjoy a glass of mead on the patio. Please contact the meadery to set a reservation now.
Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT)
Post Office Box 809
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-1158
www.malt.org
Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) was the first land trust in the United States to focus on farmland preservation. Founded in 1980 by a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists to preserve farmland in Marin County, California, MALT acquires agricultural conservation easements on farmland in voluntary transactions with landowners. MALT also encourages public policies that support and enhance agriculture. It is a model for agricultural land preservation efforts across the nation. MALT has so far permanently protected more than 41,800 acres of land on 66 family farms and ranches. Click on our educational and outdoor programs to learn more!
Marin French Cheese Company
7500 Red Hill Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
800-292-6001
www.marinfrenchcheese.com
A Favorite Destination for Visitors and Cheese Lovers from Around the World
Each year visitors from all over the world come to Rouge et Noir to learn how artisan cheese is made and sample the award-winning cheeses handmade in “the Cheese Factory” since 1865. Take a free tour of the creamery, sample our many styles of cheese and browse in our retail shop for cheese to take home. Visitors love our lush grounds for weddings, team meetings, barbecues, parties and relaxing picnics by the pond. Located at the gateway to West Marin as well as the Sonoma & Napa Valley wine regions, the Cheese Factory is a perfect gathering spot for cyclists and plein-air painters. Rain or shine, we have covered picnic tables, cold beverages (wine & beer), hot chocolate, coffee, soup and assorted sandwiches available in the deli.
We offer tours seven days each week at 10:00am, 11:00am, Noon and 3:00pm. Our cheese making schedule changes weekly. Please call for current days and times to view the cheese making process. For groups of 6 or more please call in advance.
Store hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm seven days per week. Closed on these Holidays: New Years day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas day
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company
5300 Nicasio Valley Road
Nicasio, CA 94946
415-662-6200
www.nicasiocheese.com
We are committed to sustainable agriculture. Being organic and pasture-based confirms this. The family dairy started in 1919 and in 2006 the organic conversion process began. Today, all of our cheeses are made from 100% organic farmstead cow's milk.
Establishing the Nicasio Valley Cheese Company has given us the opportunity to bring to fruition something our father had only dreamt of. Swiss master cheese maker Maurizio Lorenzetti has mentored our family in the art of making the cheeses of Valle Maggia to ensure they are as magical here as they are in Switzerland.
The Lafranchi family is extremely proud to bring our versions of the cheeses of our ancestors to the states. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Retail Hours: 7 Days a Week, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Tours Available by Appointment
The Fork at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company
14700 Highway 1
Point Reyes, CA 94956
415-663-8880
800-591-6878
www.theforkatpointreyes.com
Just one visit and you’ll find The Fork is a long way from every-day!
The Giacomini family has been making farmstead products for more than 50 years. Producing the highest quality milk for their award-winning cheese is more than just a business strategy; it’s a way of life. They love what they do and believe their products reflect their family’s passion and commitment to excellence.
You’ll find the same passion has gone in to creating the farm’s new Culinary & Educational Center, The Fork at Point Reyes. Situated on the pastoral Giacomini family dairy, you’ll find The Fork is a long way from the every-day. It is a unique setting for your next private party or corporate event and it’s a great place to learn something new about agriculture, sustainability, farmstead cheese making and the culinary arts.
Please click here for The Fork’s 2013 Calendar.
Reservations required for all classes and tours. Please call 800-591-6878 to secure your spot.
True Grass Farms
Valley Ford, CA 94972
707-876-3567
Email: truegrassfarms@live.com
www.truegrassfarms.com
We are a family-owned and operated since 1867 farm located three miles east of the Pacific coast, tucked in the coastal valleys of northwestern Marin County. We belong to the Estero Americano watershed where each day we dedicate ourselves to the land, to our community and to the future of this ecosystem. We provide wholesome food grown and raised on healthy soil. We are part of your bioregional food source.
For us, it all begins with the soil, the grasses and the sun. We commit ourselves to maintaining healthy pastureland by embracing a process of rotational grazing, helping us further the stewardship of the natural ecosystem as a whole.
Here we raise the only grass fed and finished certified organic Wagyu beef, a Japanese breed, renowned for their flavor and tenderness, along with pasture raised American Guinea and Blackworth hogs, rabbits, goats, free range eggs, and heritage chicken breeds.
We are certified Organic by MOCA, Animal Welfare Approved and American Grass Fed Certified.
Find us at Bay-Area farmers markets or visit us on our monthly farm tours.
West Marin Food & Farm Tours
Contact: Elizabeth Hill
415-599-9222
www.foodandfarmtours.com
Experience Point Reyes in a whole new way ~ come along on a gourmet guided tour of West Marin's culinary hotspots and sample the best wine, cheese, breads, pastries, produce, oysters in the area. Get a behind-the-scenes look into local food purveyors, take in the stunning scenery, and learn about the fascinating natural and cultural history ~ book a tour and prepare for an incredible edible adventure!
Golfing
Marin County is home to several public and private golf courses. These courses take advantage of Marin’s beautiful, varied terrain and are located in a variety of settings, from the foot of Mt. Tamalpais in Mill Valley, to the wetlands near the Bay Shore in Novato.
San Geronimo Golf Course
5800 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
San Geronimo, CA 94963
415-488-4030
www.sangeronimogc.com
Located in the heart of beautiful San Geronimo Valley, only 45 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge and ringed by forested coastal hills and roaming over 150 acres of stunning terrain, San Geronimo offers a true test of your golf skills and a relaxing day in the country. Let San Geronimo’s professional staff help you with charity fundraising events, weddings, holiday parties, or any meeting needs that you may have. Come and enjoy the challenge and beauty of San Geronimo!
Hiking
The unsurpassed beauty of Marin County’s landscape makes it a wonderful spot for hiking. Hundreds of miles of trails allow you to explore and discover its incredible range of wildlife and scenic vistas. The best hikes are found within one of its three major parks. Weather and temperature can vary considerably over the course of day, so dress appropriately and follow park guidelines.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Bear Valley Visitor Center
0.5 miles from Olema along Bear Valley Road
Olema, CA
415-464-5100
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
The National Seashore has about 240 kilometers (150 miles) of hiking trails to explore. Trail maps for are available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. There are many ways to customize your hike to accommodate your physical and time limitations. Stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center for current trail information and suggested hikes. Open year round, hours of operation are: Weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Weekends and Holidays from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Closed December 25.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Lagunitas, CA 94938
415-488-9897
www.parks.ca.gov
This popular park has over 2,700 acres of wooded countryside in the steep rolling hills of West Marin. The park features a unique contrast of coast redwoods groves and open grassland. Miles of hiking trails and fire roads make it easy to hike to the top of Mount Barnabe. Or, for a less strenuous visit, many visitors consider Devil’s Gulch the best place in the park for a picnic or a place to relax.
Tomales Bay State Park
State Route Highway 1
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1140
www.parks.ca.gov
This area, celebrated for its natural beauty, is one of constant movement: the land, the animal migrations and the seasonal wildflowers that push up through the earth. For great views, March flowers, beaches and bird-watching, it is a must see!
Exploring Marin County on horseback is a fantastic way to discover its gorgeous and diverse terrain. Marin County has miles of open space horse trails, including horse campsites at Mount Tamalpais State Park and Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Five Brooks Ranch
8001 State Route Highway 1
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1570
www.fivebrooks.com
Five Brooks Ranch is the area’s most popular equestrian center, and offers riding services for the whole family. They provide guided trail rides for Point Reyes National Seashore, giving visitors the chance to discover its grassy meadows, coastal scrub and miles of white sand beaches.
The most popular site for kayaking in the Point Reyes area is on Tomales Bay. This long, narrow inlet of protected tidal water is about a mile wide and fifteen miles long, and borders beautiful rolling hills where you can often see free roaming wildlife, wildflowers and trees. There are several launch points along the bay from the Tomales Bay State Park and other boat launches along Route 1.
Blue Waters Kayaking
12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94933
415-669-2600
www.bwkayak.com
Blue Waters Kayaking is your outdoor activity resource for the West Marin area. Enjoy kayaking tours, hiking tours, as well as camping, birding and oyster tours. We also have shore side facilities at Marshall Boatworks, 19225 Shoreline Highway in Marshall, CA on weekends and during the week by appointment.
Visit us at home in the Point Reyes National Seashore on beautiful Tomales Bay. We have a wide assortment of single and double, closed and open deck sea kayaks. We specialize in guided half or full-day paddles and overnight camping trips. We can custom design tours, retreats, and parties and outings for friends, families, business groups, schools, clubs and non-profit organizations. Call us today to make a reservation.
Point Reyes Outdoors
11401 State Route 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8192
www.PointReyesOutdoors.com
Point Reyes Outdoors is a kayaking, hiking and biking outfitter providing naturalist led tours in Point Reyes National Seashore. Explore local bays, esteros and wetlands observing harbor seals, bat rays, river otter, tule elk, water fowl and leopard sharks while exploring pristine wildlife habitat on the California coast.
Enjoy fun filled family adventures, daytime wildlife & evening bioluminescence paddles on Tomales Bay and Drakes Estero, wildflower & whale hikes, beach picnics, kayaking instruction, kayak camping, and bike rentals. We are dedicated to environmental stewardship. It is our goal to provide the finest wilderness experiences with the least impact possible.
Dance Palace
503 B Street
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-1075
www.dancepalace.org
The Dance Palace is a non-profit community center providing a wide variety of educational, recreational, cultural and community services to children, adults and seniors in western Marin County. The Dance Palace serves as the central community facility for the small, semi-rural coastal villages of West Marin including Point Reyes Station, Inverness, Olema, Nicasio, Marshall, Bolinas and Stinson Beach.
The Dance Palace works to respond directly to expressed community needs and to reach out to all segments of West Marin, encouraging involvement and communication at all levels. A fundamentally multi-purpose organization, the Dance Palace operates as a school, meeting space, theater and gallery. The Dance Palace serves as a unique model of a community center providing a highly multi-faceted program on a small budget through the ongoing participation of committed volunteers.
Shopping in the Point Reyes region is centered in Point Reyes Station, where you’ll find a diverse and eclectic collection of local businesses offering local food, handcrafts and art. Below is a selection of notable shops.
Olema Trading Company
9940 Highway 1
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1547
Olema Trading Company is an interesting and fun shop in a historic building in Olema, CA. It features antiques, gifts, folk art, home & garden decor, and much more. Hours of operation is seasonal, but traditionally open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Noon to 5:00pm and by appointment. Please call before driving out as store has seasonal hours. Located near the intersection of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Highway 1, Olema Trading Company is a convenient and unique destination for all types of visitors.
Vita Collage
11101 State Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-1160
www.vitacollage.com
A Distinctive Store with a Discerning Perspective!
Whale Watching & Seal Observation
Between December and May approximately 15,000 California gray whales travel 10,000 miles along the Pacific Coast from cold Arctic feeding grounds to warm, shallow breeding waters off Baja, Canuary the pregnant whales are traveling south, carrying their babies who will be born in the warmer waters off Mexico. From February through May the northward migration is lead balifornia. During December and Jy pregnant females while the mothers and babies trail behind, closer to the coast to avoid predators.
During the migration, whales can often be seen from the Pt. Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands or from various sites on the Pt. Reyes peninsula. The headlands of the Pt. Reyes peninsula offer one of the finest spots to view the gray whale. The areas around Chimney Rock and the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse has some of the best whale watching spots in the park. The best chance of seeing whales from the Pt. Reyes coast is in mid-January, the peak of the southern migration. Observers should look for 10-15 foot spouts. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/pore/
Elephant Seals & Harbor Seals & Sea Lions
Northern elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions are found at South Beach during the winter and also can be viewed from Chimney Rock. After being absent for more than 150 years, elephant seals returned to the Point Reyes Headlands in the early 1970s. From December through March a breeding colony of elephant seals can be observed from Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock, above Drakes Bay.
From the overlook visitors can observe the behavior of the animals, including the birthing of pups. During weekends and holidays, trained docents staff the Overlook. They have binoculars, spotting scopes and information to share with visitors.
Each year, thousands of wildflower enthusiasts converge upon the Marin Headlands to experience the park’s spectacular floral display. Long recognized as a Bay Area botanical hotspot, the Marin Headland’s ridges, valleys, meadows, and sand dunes are carpeted with blooms of every hue and color from late winter to late autumn.
Photo Credits: www.marinopenspace.org
Marin County has five or six known small populations of this wildflower that are associated with basaltic greenstone rocks in a mixed evergreen forest. White Wakerobin can be found in the northern part of the Pt. Reyes Peninsula. Patches of serpentine soil in the Loma Alta Preserve provide one of the best late-season wildflower displays in the county. Douglas Iris can be spotted in the Bald Hill Preserve, and the Bush Monkeyflower and Dwarf Checkermallow inhabit the Camino Alto Preserve.
The below resources give information on the many species of wildflowers that grow in Marin County and where they can be found: The Marin County Open Space District’s website lists all of the open space preserves in the county and describes the plants and animals that can be found there.
Additional information can be found at www.nps.gov/pore. As you enjoy the wildflowers, please remember that you may be in a national park, and natural and cultural resources are protected by law. Do not pick the wildflowers!
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