Point Reyes National Seashore contains many aspects of California nature and history wrapped up in one place. This 100 square mile park is one of the first landing places of European Explorers, highlights the effects of 1906 earthquake, and a vibrant example of dairy ranching started in the 1860s. It also is the place to be for elephant seals during the winter months and provides excellent viewing of migrating gray whales. Start any visit with the Bear Valley Visitor Center and gain a fantastic overview from their museum's exhibits and short films. This is also the place to get maps and any other information you need. Ranger led field trips are available, but they fill up quickly. Self Guided trips don't require reservations but are only available on Mondays and Fridays. There is the Clem Miller Environmental Education Center. School groups (middle/high school) can stay overnight for an intensive science study after their teacher leader completes a weekend training program. Their NPS Junior Ranger program has an activity book (get from a visitor center) that can be completed for a patch and a web version that could be completed by exploring the NPS web site at school. The Point Reyes National Seashore Association also offers field classes for adults.
Point Reyes National Seashore is about 30 miles north of San Francisco. Although that doesn't seem a great distance, the roads are winding so allow plenty of time to get there. In fact, getting anywhere in Point Reyes takes longer than you think as the park is just huge. There are three visitor centers, twelve beaches to visit (a combination of hike in and those with parking lots), 150 miles of trails, historic sites like the Point Reyes Lighthouse, Kule Loklo (a replica Miwok village), Pierce Point Ranch, and the Earthquake Trail. Do know that the Lighthouse and Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor centers have limited hours (mainly weekends) and that there are no concession stands or food available for purchase in the park. Bring what you'll need or you will get quite hungry.
Public Transit is available to the Bear Valley Visitor Center through West Marin Stagecoach. On weekends and holidays in the winter (whale and seal season), it's a shuttle bus only ($7) to the lighthouse and Chimney Rock. More information is here. If you'd like to stay, Point Reyes does have its own hostel an environmental education center (see above) as well as many opportunities for camping. |
This location's web site can be found by clicking on the title of the page.
revised 1-6-16