Tomales Bay and hills.

Things to do around Point Reyes

The Insider guide to activities, sports, hiking, Beaches, tours, events and night life in and around Point Reyes Station, California

Water sports and activities 

Watersports around Point Reyes

Kayaking

Tomales Bay is a kayaker’s dream. Kayak the bay during the daytime, or at night during bioluminescence. You can go on your own, or on a guided tour. Bolinas lagune is also an excellent place for kayaking.

Surfing & Paddleboarding

Popular surf areas are Stinson Beach, Muire Beach  & Bolinas, but surfers can be seen catching waves at Drake’s Beach as well. There are numerous excellent paddleboarding spots along the coast and in the bays.

Swimming

You’ll find everything from wild and dangerous beaches to gentle, shallow bay beaches—perfect for small children.

Boating & Fishing

If you have your own boat, you’ll find convenient places to launch. Fishing is legendary in West Marin. Crabbers and anglers come from all over to fish our clean, abundant waters.

Tomales Bay Expeditions

Kayak rental, guided tours and events

Blue Waters Kayaking

kayak rental & guided tours

Inverness Yacht Club

Lawson’s Landing

Boat rental
Boat launching

Tomales Bay Sailing

Sailing tours

Stinson Beach Surf & Kayak

Kayak, surfboard, boogie board, SUPs & wetsuit rental

Live Water Surf Shop

Surfboard, boogie board, SUPs, skimboard & wetsuit rental, group or private surf lessons 

Bringing your dog

Did you know that most of the park is off limits to pets? Before you visit Point Reyes with your dog, plan out which trails and beaches welcome your dog, and always make sure to keep your pets leashed.

Dogs playing in water.

Wildlife & Equestrian

point reyes tule elk

Elk

Tule Elk herds can be found throughout Point Reyes National Seashore, but the best place to see them is in the Tule Elk Preserve at Tomales Point. Late September through October you’ll find Elk Docents on the Tomales Point Trailhead, ready to give you a short educational lecture on the elk. They have spotting scopes setup so hikers can get a closer look.

Birding

Point Reyes Seashore beats all other US national parks for bird diversity.  An incredible 54% of all North American bird species can be found here. Aside from bringing your binoculars and a good field guide, here are some annual birding events you can sign up for.

Annual Point Reyes Birding Events

Christmas Birdcount For Kids
Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival

Insider Tip: If you have a valid Marin Library Card, you can pick up a bird watching kit at one of our local libraries. Check it out, just as you do a book. It includes guides and even binoculars. 

Wildlife photography

Wildlife is abundant here, and you’re bound to get some good shots going solo. If you want to make the most of your time, though, you might consider signing up for a wildlife safari tour.

Whales, Elephant Seals & Sea life

Gray whales can be seen twice each year as they pass by Point Reyes during their annual migration to and from their breeding grounds. Point Reyes National Seashore is a breeding ground for Elephant seals. You can see the enormous bull seals, as well as mothers with their newborns around Chimney Rock and Drakes Beach. Tomales Bay is also teeming with aquatic life, from sand sharks to bat rays.

Stables & horses

The Point Reyes area has miles and miles of gorgeous trails, perfect for riding. You’ll find stables to board your horses, or you can ride horses provided on guided trail tours.

POINT REYES NATURE

Resource for all things nature in Point Reyes
Detailed hiking recommendations
Learn about animals and plants in Point Reyes

Five Brooks Ranch

Full service stable
Guided trail rides

Whale Watching Spots

Point Reyes Lighthouse
Chimney Rock

Elephant Seals

Sea Lion Lookout
Chimney Rock
Drake’s Beach

Bird Watching

Abbots Lagoon
The Light House
Bear Valley
Limantour Beach
Giaconimi Wetlands
Bolinas Lagoon
Five Brooks Pond
Estero Trail

Point Reyes Safaris

Wildlife viewing & photography tours

Ranger Guided Wildlife Tours

Elephant Mountain Adventures

Guided Hikes of Black Mountain Ranch and beyond, with friendly pack animals
(415) 663-9194

Point Reyes Lodging

inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, hotels and vacation rentals near tomales bay and point reyes national seashore

Point Reyes Cottages

Cottages are the perfect choice for space, privacy and independence when visiting Point Reyes.

Bedroom with large window looking onto the bay.

Point Reyes + Tomales Bay Vacation Rentals

There are some breathtaking private house rentals in Point Reyes and on Tomales Bay. Perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations.

Pillows piled onto a bed.

Hotels, Motels, Camping

Hotels nestled in the woods and beach resorts on Tomales Bay, tent and RV camping and more.

Bridge and building on a hill.

Point Reyes Inns

Beautiful bed and breakfast inns, from Marshall down to Stinson Beach. Plan your next trip to Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay.

Point Reyes Restaurants

Where to eat and drink near Point Reyes, Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore

Beautifully plated roast salmon and vegetables.

Where To Eat In Inverness CA

Eating in Inverness is a treat! You’ll find everything from oysters to Czech food to what food writer Leanne Battelle calls the best cupcakes in…

Views of ocean from Highway One.

Where to Eat in Bolinas and Stinson Beach

Our southern villages offer lots of beachside eateries, great outdoor dining (some are dog-friendly), or grab food to go and enjoy a cocktail while watching…

Tomales oysters on a grill.

Where To Eat In Marshall

All of the restaurants in Marshall are strung along the bay, so you’ll always have a stunning view. Oysters are the favorite, whether you buy…

Dining room at Station House Cafe with diners.

Where To Eat In Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes Station offers the most dining options in the Point Reyes area. You’ll find gourmet sit down restaurants, casual family-friendly places to eat and…

Video Tours

Incredible Tomales Bay VIEWS | The Coal & Feed Vacation Rental in Marshall | Point Reyes

Incredible VIEWS! | Where to Stay Near Point Reyes National Seashore | Black Heron Inn Room Tour

Osprey Peak B&B Tour | Inverness Ridge | Where To Stay Near Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes Station Inn Room Tour

Boat beached at low tide.

Things to Do In Bolinas

There are so many reasons to add Bolinas to your itinerary if you’re planning a visit to Point Reyes. Each of our coastal villages has…

Stinson beach, surf and trees.

Stinson Beach

You’ll fall in love with Stinson’s charming beachy-vacation vibe. The tiny seaside village has great food, a beautiful 3 mile long beach and lots of…