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Point Reyes National Seashore rangers welcome everyone back to the park this summer. "Plan like a park ranger" with our insider tips for a safe and successful visit to the Seashore. We're expecting an especially busy summer season and want everyone to have a great experience. A little advance trip planning can ensure that your only surprises are happy ones.
Check out more Top 10 lists from other national parks to get the most out of your summer vacation.
1. Plan and prepare for your trip with the NPS App!
Skip the line and learn about things to do and places to visit in our new app developed by Point Reyes Rangers! Trail maps, hiking guides, alerts and more are available at your fingertips. You can also download content from entire parks for offline use when you don’t have cell service. Download through the Apple Store and on Google Play.
2. Have a Plan B, C, and D.
Close to 2.4 million people visit Point Reyes each year. Visit midweek or early morning to beat the crowds. If that's not possible, have a plan B or C. Have several possible hikes picked out, just in case you arrive at a trailhead and the parking lot is full.
3. Wind and Fog. Wind and Fog.
Temperatures may be in the triple digits just 10 miles inland, yet in the 50°s or 60°s at the coast. Point Reyes is the windiest and foggiest place on the west coast, especially during the summer. Check the weather forecast and views of the coast with our Point Reyes Beach webcam and bring cozy layers—it could be quite chilly!
4. Check for changing conditions
After a year of closures, most of Point Reyes is open for your enjoyment. However, while you may have your heart set on visiting a particular spot in the park, sometimes there are circumstances that throw a wrench into the best laid plans. Make sure to check current conditions and any closures that may be in place before your visit.
5. Looking for the Instagram highlights?
Cypress Tree Tunnel? Point Reyes "Shipwreck"?" South Beach Overlook? Post your highlights while supporting the mission of the National Park Service. Social media has a bigger impact than you think, so please post appropriate and responsible behaviors. Take the Point Reyes Pledge and adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace. Drones are not allowed anywhere in the Seashore, so leave your drones at home.
6. Coyotes, badgers, and bobcats, oh my!
Point Reyes has incredible opportunities for wildlife sightings. Observe wildlife respectfully and from a distance and park your vehicle completely off the road when viewing from the car.
7. Be wave wise.
The beaches in Point Reyes are known for their dangerous beauty, and people have been swept away by large waves and strong rip currents here. Never turn your back to the ocean, and watch out for sneaker waves, which are waves that come in much higher than previous sets and can wash over and pull out people walking along the ocean's edge. Visit our Safety Issues Associated with Beaches page for more information.
8. Know the high and the low of it.
Check the daily tides if you plan to walk along the beach or to Alamere Falls. Incoming high tides can make your planned walk along bluff-lined beaches unsafe and could trap you, while low tides offer fabulous opportunities for tidepooling.
10. Family Friendly Fun!
The Bear Valley Visitor Center has animal exhibits and easy trails for little legs. Stop by to talk to rangers about what other trails are great for children. You can also learn about and protect Point Reyes by earning your very own junior ranger badge The Junior Ranger program is for young kids, as well as for those who are young at heart!
Last updated: May 27, 2021