Things To Do

Visitors entering and exiting a gray barn-like visitor center surrounded by green pasture and trees.
Stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center for information and maps to help plan your visit.

There are many outdoor and indoor activities in which visitors may participate during their trip to Point Reyes. We recommend that visitors stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center as they enter the National Seashore in order to get better oriented to the park, to find out what activities are available during their stay, and to find out about road, trail and other closures.

Visitors interested in learning more about the human and natural history of the Point Reyes area can participate in free Ranger-Led Programs or Science Lectures. The Point Reyes National Seashore Association and the Miwok Archeological Preserve of Marin also provide guided tours and classes within the National Seashore.

 
A narrow road winds through tan and green pastureland, through a cluster of buildings, and off toward a rocky headland on the edge of the ocean.
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is the primary road visitors use to travel to trailheads, beaches, and other points of interest at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Leisurely drives wind their way over Inverness Ridge and through the pastoral lands to beaches, to the historic lighthouse, and to wildlife viewing areas, such as the tule elk range on Tomales Point or the Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock. Birding is exceptional throughout the seashore, especially during fall and spring migrations. The Point Reyes headlands and park beaches are excellent places to view the annual gray whale migration, which is best from January through April. Many visitors enjoy picnicking at beaches or at some beautiful vista along the park’s trails. About 240 kilometers (150 miles) of trail beckon hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders to explore the backcountry. (NOTE: Some restrictions apply to trail usage by bikers and horses, so please pick up free park maps with specific trails marked at a visitor center.)

 
Rocky outcrops extend from tan-colored bluffs on the left into the ocean on the right.
To see Sculptured Beach, visitors need to hike a minimum of 8.6 km (5.4 miles) round-trip.

Many first-time visitors arrive at Point Reyes National Seashore thinking that they can see everything here within a few hours, or at most in a day. Those who have visited Point Reyes have realized that to really explore Point Reyes requires much more than a day, and some who have visited frequently for years still discover something new with each visit. Please check out our Trip Itineraries page for some ideas on what to do during your first visit. But you don't need to feel limited to what is described there. Feel free to explore this Plan Your Visit section for other possibilities, and then come explore Point Reyes.

Please, Leave No Trace. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Learn how to enjoy your park while leaving it in as good as, if not better, condition as you found it.

Point Reyes National Seashore also has a very active volunteer program. Volunteers are a vital part of protecting and preserving Point Reyes. Over the last few years, volunteers have invested over 50,000 hours removing nonnative plant species, monitoring wildlife, providing information to visitors, working at the Morgan Horse Ranch, protecting the resources, and maintaining the trails. There are many opportunities for someone interested in volunteering their time to help the park.

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Three smart phones side by side with different national park content displayed.
The NPS App

The NPS App is the new official app for the National Park Service with tools to explore more than 400 national parks nationwide.

Two couples hiking through a meadow near the Bear Valley Trailhead.
Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore

The National Seashore has about 150 miles (240 kilometers) of hiking trails to explore. Learn how to keep your adventure safe and enjoyable.

A camper setting up his tent.
Hike-in and Boat-in Backcountry Camping

Point Reyes National Seashore offers year-round camping. Permits must be obtained before starting a trip.

Two kayakers wearing purple PFDs paddling a yellow kayak on a calm bay.
Kayaking at Point Reyes

The most popular area for kayaking in the Point Reyes area is Tomales Bay. Learn how to prepare for your trip and make it a safe experience.

Ranger leading tour along the Earthquake Trail.
Ranger-guided Programs

Visitors are invited to explore the wonders of Point Reyes and learn more about the National Seashore’s natural and cultural history.

Silhouette of a person sitting in front of a campfire on a beach, against a blue-purple twilight sky
Beach Fire Permits

Get a permit to have a beach fire in Point Reyes National Seahshore.

A bull tule elk flanked by two female elk.
Viewing Tule Elk

Tule elk can be found at several locations within the park, but the best chance of seeing them is at the Tule Elk Preserve at Tomales Point.

Weaned elephant seal pups, aka "weaners". NPS photo.
Viewing Elephant Seals

While elephant seals are present around the Point Reyes Headlands year-round, hundreds return in the winter to birth their pups and to mate.

A group of visitors watching for gray whales.
Watch for Whales at Point Reyes

Gray whales migrate past Point Reyes from December through May and can frequently be seen from the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas.

Last updated: February 1, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Phone:

415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.

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