Plan Your Visit

A gray barn-like visitor center surrounded by green fields and trees with a parking lot on the left.
Stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center for help with planning your visit.
 

Point Reyes National Seashore was established to preserve and protect wilderness, natural ecosystems, and cultural resources along the diminishing undeveloped coastline of the western United States.

Located just an hour's drive from a densely populated metropolitan area, the Seashore is a sanctuary for myriad plant and animal species and for the human spirit—for discovery, inspiration, solitude, and recreation—and exists as a reminder of the human connection to the land.

Whether you are a frequent visitor to the Seashore or planning your first visit to the park, we hope the information provided here will answer questions you may have.

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.

The National Park Service is committed to making facilities, programs, services, and employment accessible for visitors and employees with disabilities. Learn more about accessibility for visitors to Point Reyes National Seashore.

And if you ever find yourself in the Republic of Georgia, stop by Kolkheti National Park. Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Point Reyes National Seashore's sister park protects an interesting variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna.

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A man on the edge of a cliff looks out to big rolling waves on the ocean.
Top 10 Tips for Visiting Point Reyes

Park rangers share their top 10 insider tips for visiting Point Reyes this summer.

A few visitors at a gray barn-like visitor center surrounded by fenced-pasture and trees.
What Can I Do At Point Reyes?

Know Before You Go! Use this guide to help plan for your trip and avoid common mistakes. Make your fun adventure a safe one too!

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.

A females ranger wearing a face mask stands in front of a lighthouse.
Recreate Responsibly

Prepare. Check what's open. Stay home if you are sick. Park in designated parking spaces. Stay on trails. Respect wildlife. Leave No Trace.

The Point Reyes Lighthouse and associated buildings at the base of 313 stairs.
The Point Reyes Lighthouse

At the westernmost end of the Point Reyes Headlands, the Lighthouse served mariners for 105 years & is now preserved for future generations.

A man carrying a young child walks a dog on a sandy beach.
Where Can I Walk My Dog at Point Reyes?

Pets are welcome on only a few trails and beaches at Point Reyes. Pets must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times.

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 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 40-foot-tall waterfall cascades over coastal bluffs on the right onto a sandy ocean beach.
Alamere Falls

A 13-mile minimum round-trip hike is required to safely visit this coastal waterfall. Please respect the Wilderness and Leave No Trace.

Wind-blown cypress trees lining a road leading to an art deco-style building.
The Historic KPH Station and Tree Tunnel

The Historic KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station and the Cypress Tree Tunnel may be visited on one's way to the Lighthouse or Drakes Beach.

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.

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.

 

Make your fun adventure a safe one too!

No one plans on getting hurt while out exploring in a national park. However, nature is unpredictable, structures are historical, and your equipment can unexpectedly fail. Planning ahead can be the key to a fun and safe adventure. Remember, safety starts with you!

Use the NPS Trip Planning Guide and Checklist to help plan your trip. The guide provides key safety considerations to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when visiting national parks. The guide is divided into the four phases of your trip. Additional articles are there to help you with selecting the Ten Essentials, preparing your Trip Plan, and Emergency Planning. Don't miss out on these important tips to help prepare you for an emergency!

Last updated: February 9, 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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