California is the proud home to some of the most iconic natural spaces in the United States. From Yosemite National Park to the famous redwoods, the state is full of amazing views and fun outdoor activities. With so many options, is Point Reyes National Seashore worth visiting?
Point Reyes National Seashore is well worth a visit. It is a fantastic place to escape the city and embrace nature. This gem is a perfect example of the natural beauty of coastal California, blending historic landmarks, hiking trails, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Continue reading for more information on how to get the most out of your visit to Point Reyes National Seashore.
Discover Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is a large nature preserve located just north of San Francisco in Marin County. The park covers an area of 71,028 acres spread across the Point Reyes Peninsula. About 2.5 million people visit the park every year.
Point Reyes National Seashore boasts some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in California. In addition to stunning coastlines, there are many other activities such as hiking, camping, exploring historic landmarks, and spotting elephant seals and tule elk.
Point Reyes National Seashore’s location makes it a perfect getaway for people looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the San Francisco Bay Area. From the City of San Francisco, visitors can cross the infamous Golden Gate Bridge before arriving at the park in just over an hour by car. The park is about the same distance from Napa Valley for people visiting Wine Country.
Point Reyes is an excellent place for a day trip from San Francisco or Napa Valley. The park is also a great location for an extended stay at one of the six hike-in campgrounds. Most of the campsites are within short walking distance to the shoreline.
When did Point Reyes become a National Park?
Because of the natural beauty of the area and historical significance, it was officially named a national park in September of 1962.
When Point Reyes became a part of the national park system, it protected the treasures found there for the enjoyment of future generations. Add in miles of undeveloped coastline, and it makes it truly a one-of-a-kind location. In addition, it also became a refuge for a multitude of birds and numerous other kinds of wildlife. So it turned out to be a win-win situation no matter how you look at it!
When are Elephant Seals at Point Reyes?
Point Reyes National Seashore has numerous bird and animal species to observe. One of the most popular to see is the elephant seals. These amazing creatures, once hunted to the brink of extinction, are making a comeback. Absent from the Point Reyes area for more than 150 years, the elephant seals reappeared in the early 1970s. Since then, their population has increased steadily and is now approximately 600 strong.
While you can spot elephant seals throughout the year, they arrive in larger numbers between December and March to mate and then give birth to their pups.
There are two popular spots where visitors can view elephant seals. The largest colony can be found near Chimney Rock and viewed from the nearby Elephant Seal Overlook. A smaller number of the seals gather at Drake Beach, but this spot is located close to the visitor center for easier access and closer viewing.
Bay Area Answers Fun Fact: Point Reyes National Seashore has a long history. In 1597, the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake led an expedition that landed there, claiming the land for the English crown. The new land would be called New Albion, or Nova Albion.
Other Posts of Interest
- Can You Tour the Winchester House?
- Where Can I Watch The San Francisco Giants Play?
- Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In San Francisco?
- Is San Francisco In Silicon Valley?
Historic Landmarks of Point Reyes
Point Reyes National Seashore is home to many historic buildings and landmarks that represent the early life and maritime culture of the California coast. Today, the park is home to nearly 300 historic structures. Recently efforts were made to preserve and restore many of these structures.
Point Reyes Lighthouse – The Point Reyes Headlands is a stretch of land that sticks 10 miles off the peninsula. This rocky point is a dangerous obstacle for ships traveling down the California coast toward San Francisco Bay. The lighthouse was erected in 1870 and operated for 105 years until the US Coast Guard replaced it with a modern warning system.
One unique feature of the lighthouse is its altitude. Most lighthouses are built high on land to maximize visibility from a distance. Because the area is known for its thick fog, the Point Reyes Lighthouse was built close to the water so the light would be more visible beneath the fog.
Point Reyes Lifeboat Station – The many hazards of sailing the area prompted the need for a rescue station. The Point Reyes Lifeboat Station, constructed in 1927, features a long set of rails used to launch rescue boats from in the event of an emergency. Because of the dangerous surf, the long rails allowed for a safe launch of the boats.
Popular Hikes at Point Reyes National Seashore
- Bear Valley Trail – This trail is one of the most popular in the park. The trail follows a stream through a shady canyon and ends at the coast near Arch Rock. This trail is a long 8.2 miles and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
- Earthquake Trail – The eastern border of the park aligns with the infamous San Andreas fault responsible for devastating the City of San Francisco in 1906. The trail contains educational signs along the way so visitors can learn about earthquakes and local geology. You can even see an old fence that was pulled 18 feet apart from the 1906 earthquake. The paved trail is a short 0.6-mile loop and is great for kids and those with mobility issues.
- Chimney Rock Trail – The 1.6-mile Chimney Rock trail provides access and views to the Elephant Seal Overlook, the Point Reyes Lifeboat Station, and Chimney Rock.
- Lighthouse Trail – The 1.3-mile trail is moderate difficulty and leads to the end of Point Reyes. Hikers will need to descend 308 steps to reach the lighthouse below. This trail is an excellent place for spotting gray whales as they migrate.
- Alamere Falls Trail – Cascading off a 40-foot cliff and onto the beach, Alamere Falls is an amazing sight. It is important to note that there isn’t an official, maintained Alamere Falls Trail. Experienced hikers should plan 6.5 hours to complete the 13-mile round trip hike.
Bay Area Answers Fun Fact: The gray whale is the longest migrating mammal on earth. The whales travel about 10,000 miles between Alaska and Baja California, Mexico each year.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Point Reyes National Seashore?
Point Reyes has a relatively stable climate year-round. The average temperature at the park fluctuates from a high of 61° to a low of 45°. The warmest month at Point Reyes is September. January is the coldest month. The highest rainfall occurs from December to February.
Because of the stable climate, visitors can enjoy the park at any time during the year. However, one of the ideal times to visit is late winter (December to March). These months are the best time of year to see both elephant seals and the gray whale migration.
Ocean Dangers at Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is known for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The park features several excellent beaches to take a stroll and enjoy the sights.
It is essential to note the ocean is a dangerous feature at Point Reyes, and there are no lifeguards on duty at the park. The surf is hazardous, and wading, swimming, and surfing are not advisable. Sneaker waves are dangerous, so never turn your back on the surf when on the beach.
Visitors looking for a typical sunny California beach may be disappointed. First, the water temperature rarely exceeds 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature can be dangerous to people with prolonged exposure to the chilly water. Also, the water surrounding Point Reyes is notoriously turbulent. Rip currents and large waves can appear at any moment. Visitors are encouraged to take the necessary safety precautions, especially those visiting with children.
Are Dogs Allowed at Point Reyes?
There are a few Point Reyes National Seashore areas that are friendly to dog owners and their furry companions. While you can’t take dogs on any of the trails, you can take them to a few of the beaches. You can take your dog to South Limantour Beach, North and South Point Reyes Beaches, and Kehoe Beach as long as they are on a leash.
Make Point Reyes a Part of Your Next Trip
The State of California is renowned for its remarkable coastlines. Adding Point Reyes National Seashore to your itinerary is a great way to get outside the city and explore the natural landscape. Whether you are a history buff, animal enthusiast, or enjoy spectacular views, Point Reyes National Seashore has something for the whole family.
