Operating Hours & Seasons

For the hours of the park's visitor centers, park stores, the Point Reyes Lighthouse, and the stairs leading down to the lighthouse, please visit our Visitor Centers web page.

 

Point Reyes Through the Seasons

Each season in Point Reyes brings a new adventure! Browse through the happenings and events below to see what might be going on when you come to visit.

 

Visiting in Winter

• 

  Whale watching!

  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.

• 

  Where are the elephant seals?

  Viewing Elephant Seals

  While elephant seals are most numerous in the winter, they are present on the beaches near Chimney Rock year-round.

• 

  Learn where to see spawning salmon.

  Salmon Spawning Season

  As winter rains return, coho salmon & steelhead trout swim up area streams in order to spawn. Find out where you can observe the migration.

 

Visiting in Spring

• 

  Wildflower Blooms

  Visiting Point Reyes during peak wildflower blooms can be a colorful experience!

• 

  Give back through volunteering.

  National Park and Volunteer Weeks

  Join park staff as we host or participate in a variety of activities to celebrate National Park and National Volunteer weeks in April

• 

  Visit the Morgan Horses

  Meet the park's hard working Morgan Horses, and learn about their long history in Point Reyes.

 

Visiting in Summer

• 

  Learn about maritime communications.

  Night of Nights

  Night of Nights is an annual event held on July 12 by the Maritime Radio Historical Society to commemorate the history of maritime radio.

• 

  Exploring Tidepools

  Find out what lives in the ever-changing intertidal zone! Check tide tables and please follow Leave No Trace's Tips for Tide Pooling.

• 

  Check Out the "Tree Tunnel"

  Visit the picture perfect Cypress Tree Tunnel, and maybe learn a bit about early maritime radio history while you're there!

 

Visiting in Fall

• 

  Birding at the Seashore

  Look and listen for all kinds of birds across the diverse array of habitats that Point Reyes has to offer.

• 

  Observe tule elk.

  Viewing Tule Elk

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

• 

  Help Clean Up the Coast!

  Join Park Rangers and visitors for a day of community fun during California Coastal Clean Up Day.