Tag: Point Reyes National Seashore

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Romantic Weekend Getaway at Point Reyes National Seashore

Romantic Weekend Getaway at Point Reyes National Seashore overview of ocean from coastal ridge

Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect place to spend a romantic weekend. It is a gorgeous place filled with natural beauty. We love disconnecting from the busy city life, and enjoying the peace and quiet here. Below is our itinerary for a perfect romantic weekend getaway at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Where to Stay

Credit: Tomales Bay Resort

Tomales Bay Resort is less than 15 minutes away from the Point Reyes National Seashore visitor center. Choose a Bayview room, which is located right above the water. No children are allowed in these rooms and this section of the property remains pretty quiet. These rooms feature a pillow-top King bed, leather sofa, desk, wet bar with refrigerator and microwave, fireplace, and granite bathroom with shower. The beds are very comfortable!

Day 1

Point Reyes Station

Stop by Point Reyes Station on your way to Tomales Bay Resort, and explore this cute town. You will find great places to eat and shop here. We always stop by Cowgirl Creamery Barn Shop & Cantina, and pick up some delicious, organic cheeses, smoked meats and a bottle of Stubbs Pinot Noir for a simple picnic at the beach. They also have a kitchen where you can order food.

If you are taking a kayaking tour the next morning, you will want to buy additional food and drinks for tomorrow’s breakfast and lunch.

Romantic Picnic at the Beach

Point Reyes National Seashore has beautiful, clean beaches to have a picnic. These are our top two favorite beaches to have a romantic picnic:

South Beach

South Beach is very easy to get to. The beach parking lot is located right next to the beach, and bathrooms are also in the parking lot. This beach has never been packed when we visited and there is plenty of space to spread out so we could still have an intimate picnic.

McClures Beach

McClures Beach is a beautiful secluded beach. During low tide, you can explore the tidepools and a hidden beach south of the beach (left side). You do have to hike a little over a mile to get to this beach, but it is an easy hike. We often had the beach to ourselves or saw only a couple of people there. [For more information about this hike, read this separate post…]

Driving Tour & Couple Photos

Take a leisurely drive around Point Reyes, and see the historic ranches, wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenic views. Bring your selfie stick and take couple photos. I love this selfie stick because it has a tripod that is compatible with cell phones, iPads or Tablets. It also comes with a camera remote for remote shooting. The bottom of the tripod is not weighted and Point Reyes tends to be windy so you will want to wrap a jacket around the base to prevent the wind from knocking over the tripod.



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Dinner

Cafe Reyes, 11101 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. Try Cafe Reyes wood-fired pizzas of fresh oysters for dinner. Pair it with some wine or craft beers.

Couple Time by the Fire

Glass of wine, crackers, grapes, organic Mount Tam cheese and a hard cheese from Cowgirl Creamery on a paper plate on the bed with fire in the background

Light a fire, put away your electronics and just enjoy being with each other. If you are staying in a Bayview room, make sure you enjoy the view of the water from your balcony. On a moonlit night, you may even see silvery fish jumping out of the water.

Night Life

If you want to grab a drink and play some pool, visit Old Western Saloon, 11201 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. This dive bar has live music on the weekends.



Day 2

Breakfast

If you are taking a kayaking tour this morning, fix yourself a simple breakfast in the room and make sure you pack snacks for the tour.

If you are not taking the kayaking tour, head over to Station House Cafe, 11180 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956, for a hearty organic breakfast. Their food is locally sourced (Farm-to-table), and has been around since 1964!

Kayaking Tour

Yellow kayak with yellow paddle on calm water

For the adventurous couple, take a kayaking tour of Point Reyes or Tomales Bay! We enjoyed our tour with Blue Waters Kayaking. They offer half day or full day tours, but we took the half day tour. They even offer a bioluminescence kayaking tour! We have not been on this tour yet, but on dark, moonless nights you can see dinoflagellates (tiny creatures that glow when they are disturbed) light up the water as you paddle through them. Although we have not experienced the bioluminescence tour at Tomales Bay yet, I did get to swim in bioluminescent water in Thailand and it was an amazing experience!

You will have an opportunity to see wildlife on your kayaking tour. We saw all different types of birds, river otters and sea lions, but you may also see Tule elk, bat-rays and leopard sharks. There is a cash-only parking fee at the boat launch, but make sure you check their website for updated information.

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Hike down to Point Reyes Lighthouse and possibly see some whales! Make sure you bring your binoculars.

The best time to see them is January through March. The hike itself is beautiful. You will have sweeping coastal views and see some interesting shaped leaning trees. There is also a Lighthouse Visitor Center.

Watch the Elephant Seals

The Elephant Seal Overlook is very close to Point Reyes Lighthouse. It is a short, easy walk from the parking lot. Make sure you bring your binoculars.

Other Hikes

Point Reyes has several trails that have unique features. You can hike to Alameres Falls and observe a rare coastal waterfall. You can watch birds at Abbotts Lagoon or observe Tule Elk and breath-taking ocean views at Tomales Point.

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winebasket.com | Taste of Tuscany Italian Wine Gift Basket
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Plan the Perfect Birthday Picnic at the Beach

One year I wanted to celebrate my birthday at the beach so my bestie threw me an incredible birthday party at Point Reyes National Seashore. It was a private party with our boyfriends (who are now our husbands) and Bella, her dog. It was one of the best birthday parties I ever had!

How to Plan the Perfect Birthday Picnic at the Beach

Choose The Right Location

We chose to have my birthday at South Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore because it met all of our requirements. It was the perfect setting for a glam, birthday picnic party. The beach had drive-up access, which made it easy to unload our decorations. The beach is not crowded and allowed us to have a private birthday celebration.

Here are some questions to consider when you are choosing your beach location:

  1. When is it open? Point Reyes National Seashore is open daily from 6am to midnight, but other beaches may only be open for day use.
  2. What is the weather like? Advise your guests on what to wear so that they will be comfortable. Some people are surprised that the beaches at Point Reyes National Seashore tend to be chilly and windy and are unprepared for the weather.
  3. What are the fees (e.g., day-use fees or parking fees)? Advise your guests on any fees and if there is a limitation on form of payment (e.g., cash only). There are no parking fees or day-use fees at Point Reyes National Seashore.
  4. Does the beach have drive-up access? You are going to be hauling tables, decorations, food and drinks from your car so drive-up access to the beach is ideal. If the parking lot is far away from the beach, you may want to get a beach wagon to carry your belongings. The South Beach parking lot is right next to the beach. However, the parking lot is slightly higher than the beach, which means you will need to walk downhill (on sand) to the beach, and then back up. It took us a few trips to unload all of our belongings.
  5. How far are the bathrooms? The bathrooms are in the parking lot and have always been clean when we went.
  6. Is the beach crowded? No. Although this beach is easily accessible, it is not crowded. You will not have to worry about tons of noise and chaos. You will also have plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos without strangers in it. You will want to bring a portable tripod for group photos.
  7. Can you swim at the beach? No, swimming is not advised at Point Reyes. People also have to watch out for sneaker waves.
  8. Are dogs allowed? Yes, dogs are allowed on South Beach but must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. For more information on pets at Point Reyes, visit the park’s website.
  9. Is alcohol allowed on the beach? Yes, alcohol is allowed at Point Reyes, but no kegs are allowed. Containers must be less than 5 gallons, and drinkers need to be at least 21 years old.
  10. Are bonfires allowed? Yes, as long as you get a beach fire permit. Point Reyes beach fire permits are free. For more information, visit the park’s website.
  11. Do I need a permit for a beach picnic? Some beaches require a permit if you have a large enough party. If you have a party with more than 25 people at Point Reyes, you need to obtain a Special Use Permit.
  12. Are there any other restrictions or closures? Check the beach’s website before you plan the party, and also the day of the party.
  13. What is your back-up plan? In an outdoor setting, it is good to have a backup plan in case it rains, gets too cold, etc. We were staying at the Tomales Bay Resort so we would have moved the party to our place. Some rooms at Tomales Bay Resort are dog friendly.

Beach-Themed Invitations

Choose a beach-themed birthday party invitation. I love these invitations. The tropical flora and abstract blues both give beachy vibes. The first one is a print to order item, and the last two are digital files that you can download and print at home or send as Evites.


40th Birthday Invites Turquoise Blue and Gold Summer Beach Party Invitation DIY Printable Editable Template

Tropical Birthday Party Evite, Electronic Summer Birthday Invitation, Greenery Digital Download Text Message Evite, Instant Download

Beach Party Decorations

Toasting to another year on this earth

The beach and ocean setting is the main focus so all you need is a few decorations to compliment its beauty. The Point Reyes beach is windy so decorations had to be chosen with care.

  • Flowers of your choice
  • Small vase(s) – Short, sturdy vases are perfect for this windy beach because they will not topple over.
  • Table cloth – Tuck the ends of the table cloth underneath the table legs so you do not need to bring table cloth clips.
  • Low Table(s) – We put 2 low tables together to create 1 long table so that we could all face the ocean while we ate. However, all four of us could have sat at 1 table if we faced each other.
  • Outdoor Seat Cushions
  • Picnic Blanket or Extra Blankets – The picnic blanket was great to stretch out on, and blankets provided extra warmth at night.
  • Melamine Plates – We used paper plates but wished we had brought heavier plates. There were a couple of times we had to chase down our plates in the wind and that was not one of our planned activities.
  • Linen Napkins – The weight of these napkins make it less likely to blow away in the wind compared to paper napkins.
  • Other Decoration Ideas for Windy Beaches
    • Pineapple Centerpiece

Picnic Foods & Drinks

We chose to have a simple birthday picnic of wine, cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery, smoked meats, grapes, a hearty salad, and salted caramel cupcakes for dessert.

  • Cheese
  • Smoked Meats
  • Crackers
  • Your Choice of Fruit or Vegetables – Fruits you can pickup with your hands are ideal.
  • Hearty Salad – My friend made a delicious chicken salad.
  • Favorite Wine
  • Water
  • Birthday Cupcakes – We chose cupcakes over cakes because cupcakes are in individual portions, and you can eat them with your hands. Top them with cute ocean-themed cupcake toppers to add some flair.
  • Marshmallows
  • Graham Crackers
  • Milk chocolate bars

Other Items

Happy Birthday Message Drawn in Sand at Abbotts Lagoon
Gifts of Wine, Champagne & Gourmet Food

Birthday Activities

Throwing a Football at the Beach
  • Make a Bonfire
  • Roast Marshmallows
  • Play the guitar or ukelele
  • Throw a football or frisbee
  • Hike– Point Reyes has some amazing trails. Below are some short, but rewarding hikes. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on these trails.
    • McClures Beach: Trail follows a stream that leads to a secluded beach. Check out tide pools and a hidden beach during low or minus tide. [Read more…]
    • Abbotts Lagoon: If you love birds and wildlife, this is the hike for you. You can see a lagoon, sand dunes and a remote section of Great Beach. [Read more…]
    • Elephant Seals Overlook: A short walk from the parking lot will bring you to an area where you can see elephant seals! [Read more…]
    • Point Reyes Light House: Beautiful coastal views and opportunities to watch whales.
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Top 3 Kid-Friendly Hikes at Point Reyes

Top 3 Kid Friendly Hikes at Point Reyes National Seashore Child in purple jacket with star pattern with pacific ocean and coast in background

Point Reyes National Seashore is a wonderful place to take children. I have been taking my daughter there since she was old enough to travel in a baby hiking carrier. I was excited to show her the world, and I would point out and name everything we saw and heard to help build her vocabulary. Some people might have thought I was crazy having a one-sided conversation with a baby but teaching my daughter how to communicate from an early age was one of the BEST mom-moves I have made! Teaching her how to sign as a baby kept her crying to a minimum because she was able to communicate to me what she wanted or needed, and I was able to solve her problem swiftly and accurately. So, if you are tired of playing the guessing game, you should give this a try.

Below are our top 3 kid-friendly hikes at Point Reyes. I chose them because they are short hikes that have unique features to keep children entertained. Although these are kid-friendly hikes, you are still out in nature so please exercise caution. Check the National Park Service current conditions and closures, check the weather, observe the signs or warnings displayed, do not swim in the ocean, beware of sneaker waves, never turn your back to the ocean, and stay clear of animals.

Essential School Supplies!

Elephant Seal Overlook

This is the shortest and easiest hike, which makes it a great hike for beginners! A short walk from the parking lot, will bring you to an overlook where you can see elephant seals! If you do not know what an elephant seal is, you are in for a treat. I recommend learning about them before your visit so it will be even more meaningful. For some free learning materials (e.g., informative cartoon, real life videos, kids’ activity sheets, fun facts, etc.) and more information about this hike, continue here.

Abbotts Lagoon

If your kiddo likes birds, this is the hike for them. Abbotts Lagoon is a great place to go bird watching, especially in the fall or winter. The hike to Abbotts Lagoon is relatively flat and easy. You will walk through lush green lands, see wildflowers, and you may even see otters swimming in the lagoon and other animals along the way. If you continue further, you can explore the sand dunes and visit Great Beach. For more information about this hike, continue here.

McClures Beach

Stream flowing into Pacific Ocean at McClures Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore

McClures Beach is a great place to explore tidepools and have a peaceful picnic. This hike is more challenging than the others because it is not flat, but it is still easy enough for small children. As you walk on the trail, you can see a stream making its way to the beach. We enjoyed watching the tiny waterfalls along the way. For more information about this hike, continue here.

Runner Up

You might be surprised that I did not include the hike to Point Reyes Light House as one of my top 3 kid-friendly hikes. I did not include this because of the flight of stairs that lead to the lighthouse. Although there are places to rest along the way, it may be too strenuous for small children. However, if you think your kids can make it, it is one of my favorite must-see stops at Point Reyes.

My daughter was able to walk up and down the stairs without assistance as young as five years old. We loved visiting the lighthouse to watch the migrating whales. The best time to see them is January through March. The hike itself is beautiful. You will have sweeping coastal views and see some interesting shaped leaning trees. There is also a Lighthouse Visitor Center.

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Point Reyes Hike: Abbotts Lagoon

Point Reyes National Seashore is a beautiful place! It is less than a couple of hours away from San Francisco. Abbotts Lagoon is one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes at Point Reyes, which makes it perfect for families with young children. Unfortunately, dogs and other pets are not allowed on this trail.

The lagoon is great for birdwatching and the beach is a wonderful place to have a picnic. Although it is a short hike from the parking lot, we felt like we had the lagoon to ourselves. We could not see the parking lot from the lagoon, and there were only a few others there.


How much does it cost?

Free! There are no entry fees to Point Reyes National Seashore.

What should I bring?

Check the weather before you head to Point Reyes. It is normally cold and windy but there may also be fog and rain. Dress appropriately.

  • Insulated Jacket or Windbreaker
  • Sweater, Sweatshirt or Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Long pants
  • Gloves (for kids or others who get cold easily)
  • Wool socks
  • Hiking shoes or walking shoes with a good grip
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Hiking book and/or trail map
  • Water
  • Food and snacks
  • Sanitizing Gel or Wipes
  • Backpack
  • Picnic blanket
  • Facial sunblock
  • Trash bag (to haul your trash back to the trailhead trash bins)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Good bird watching book

How do I get there?

We did not have cell phone service at Point Reyes National Seashore. The Bear Valley Visitor Center normally has free park maps, but it is currently closed due to the pandemic so you can download a trail map or bring your hiking book with you.

Plan on spending about 20 minutes to drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to the Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead.

Directions from Bear Valley Visitor Center:

  • Turn left on Bear Valley Road and follow the road northwest.
  • Turn left at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and continue to drive northwest.
  • You will pass by some restaurants and places to stay. You should see Tomales Bay on your right side.
  • Keep right at the fork to Pierce Point Road.
  • Follow Pierce Point Road 3.2 miles north to the Abbotts Lagoon parking lot. This dirt parking lot is on the left side of the road. Toilets and trash bins are here.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Francisco: Including North Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, and South Bay




Hike to Abbotts Lagoon & Great Beach

Walking on Abbotts Lagoon Trail

Distance: 3.0 miles roundtrip

Duration: 1-2 hours

This is a short and relatively flat hike, which makes it great for children. You start at the trailhead and walk through lush green land. Keep an eye out for wildlife. We saw cows in the distance, quails and a bobcat!

Continue on the dirt path and you will eventually come across a worn down wooden bench where you can sit down and observe the lagoon. Continue down the trail where you will cross a wooden bridge that takes you over a small stream. Take a moment to look for otters. We saw a couple of otters swimming in the lagoon!

View of Abbotts Lagoon from the bridge

After you cross the bridge, you will walk on sand. The water is gently lapping at the edges of the lagoon, and birds are playing in the water and flying overhead.

View looking back at where we came from

This would be a great time to take out your binoculars and California bird guide. We went in the spring, but the best time to go birdwatching at the lagoon is in fall and winter. You can see shorebirds, waterfowl, sparrows, quail, hawks, osprey, ducks and perhaps even a golden eagle or a peregrine falcon! The sand dunes are also a nesting ground to the threatened western snowy plovers so tread carefully.

We kept walking to the sand dunes. My husband and daughter loved exploring this area. The sand was so soft and we saw some wild beach strawberries.

Sand Dune and Abbotts Lagoon, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA

Walk a little further and you will arrive at Great Beach. The Great Beach is very clean but windy.

Great Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA

We had the whole beach to ourselves! It was the perfect place to have a private picnic. Setup your picnic blanket, and enjoy some yummy foods and drinks. Lay down and soak in some rays while you listen to the serene sounds of the ocean waves.

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Beware of Sneaker Waves

Please be aware of sneaker waves (also known as rogue waves). Every now and then I hear about a sneaker wave taking another life. It is really something that can be avoided so I am hoping that by bringing awareness to this it will prevent more deaths.

Sneaker waves (or rogue waves) are waves that are much larger than normal waves and they can appear out of nowhere. They can travel far up the beach, and are so powerful that they can pick up driftwood and other debris that can hurt or pin down unsuspecting beachgoers.

The waters at Point Reyes can also be as cold as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Being swept away in that water can lead to hypothermia in a matter of minutes. Point Reyes waters are also known for rip currents, strong undertows and sharks. I do not recommend swimming in the ocean.

Tips: When you first arrive at a beach, watch the waves for about 20 minutes to get a feel of the waves. Also, do not turn your back to the waves so that you are not taken by surprise. Keep an eye on small children and remain within reach of them. The common theme I have heard over the years involves someone dying trying to save their child or pet being swept away by a sneaker wave.

Sources

  1. National Park Service (NPS), https://www.nps.gov/
  2. “County of Marin – News Releases – Beach Water Quality”, County of Marin, accessed July 17, 2021, https://www.marincounty.org/main/county-press-releases/press-releases/2021/cda-beachbacteria-031921
  3. “Sneaker/High Waves and Log Rolls Can Be Deadly,” National Weather Service, accessed July 17, 2021, https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-waves#:~:text=Sneaker%20waves%20strike%20people%20who,for%2010%20to%2020%20minutes.