How to Enjoy Point Reyes National Seashore

Created by Congress in 1962, Point Reyes National Seashore is one of America's gems. Encompassing 100 square miles of natural and historical treasures, the park is a wonderful family vacation destination. Camping, hiking, birding, whale watching and strolling on the beach are just a few of the options, and you're close enough to San Francisco to take in some big-city life if you need to.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Kayaks
• Camping Gear
• Hiking Boots
• Hats
• Cameras
• Children's Bicycles
• Tennis Shoes
• Bicycle Helmets
• Sporty Hats
• Children's Bicycle Helmets
• Maps
• Insect Repellents

1. Decide when to go. While many national parks are best in the summer season, Point Reyes has something to offer year-round. Read on for recreational opportunities and choose a time of year that suits you best.

2. Stop at the visitor center. The Bear Valley Visitor Center shows a 20-minute slide show about the park that's a good orientation before your visit. Pick up books, posters and maps at the bookstore and check on the schedule of ranger-led programs.

3. Get a map. To make the most of your vacation, you'll want to know where to find bike trails, tide pools, hiking trails, beaches, whale-watching spots (yes, you can see them from shore), birding spots and seal and sea lion overlooks.

4. Take a history lesson. From the expedition of Sir Francis Drake to the history of the coastal Miwok Indians, you'll find exhibits, slide shows and stories aplenty.

5. Go tide-pooling. Find out when a "minus low tide" will occur (tide tables are available at the visitor centers) and explore Sculptured Beach or McClure's Beach. Wear non-slip shoes and go ahead and touch!

6. Visit an elk. A herd of tule elk is located within the park in the area of Tomales Point. Ask for information at the visitor center.

7. Do some kayaking. The best launch spots within the park are Millerton Point, on the east side of Tomales Bay, and Hearts Desire Beach, on the west side of the bay off Pierce Point Road. There is a day use fee.

8. Go horseback riding. Horses are allowed on nearly all trails within the park (hikers and cyclists must yield); nearby stables can provide horses and guided rides.

9. Check out the seals. From January to March, elephant seals are breeding and can be observed from the park, while Harbor Seals pup from March to June.

10. Take a hike. More than 140 miles of hiking trails are available, including the popular Earthquake Trail, which is a 7-mile loop containing exhibits about the big 1906 California earthquake and the San Andreas Fault (yep, you're standing on it!).

11. Go whale watching without getting on a boat. From December through May, watch the migration of California gray whales from the Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas. In late April and early May, you may see young whales close to shore with their mothers.

12. Do some birding. Check out Five Brooks Pond, Estero Trail, Abbott's Lagoon and Bear Valley, and don't miss the action near the Lighthouse during migration. For an added treat, see what's going on at the nearby Point Reyes Bird Observatory.

13. Explore the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Walk four miles from the parking lot to the Visitor Center, then descend 300 stairs - most likely in a stiff wind - to the lighthouse. Enjoy the fabulous view, catch your breath and climb up again!

Tips & Warnings

• Point Reyes is located in Marin County, California, about 35 miles north of San Francisco and about an hour's drive of Napa Valley wine country.
• All camping within the park is in located in the back country and are accessible only by hiking or biking. You can apply for a back country camping permit up to two months in advance of your arrival. Camping costs $15 per night for up to six people. Call [phone] for permit information. (Camping is now allowed on some beaches. Call the above number for information.)
• You will need a permit if you plan to build a fire on the beach of the national seashore. The permit is free, but you must pick one up at the national park visitor center. No beach fires are allowed on state park beaches.
• College kids and others on a limited budget might appreciate staying at the Point Reyes Youth Hostel, located off Limantour Road.
• To contact the park directly, call [phone] between 9 AM and 5 PM Pacific Time any day of the week.
• Possible hazards encountered at Point Reyes include ticks, poison oak, stinging nettle, mountain lions and Giardia lamblia, which is a protozoa found in contaminated water. Learn to recognize dangerous plants and how to avoid attack by a mountain lion, and never drink from streams. Ask at the Bear Valley Visitor Center if you need advice or instructions.
• Within the park, no collecting of natural objects or cultural artifacts is allowed. This includes feathers, plants, arrowheads, seeds and nuts, to name a few.
• Dogs must be on leashes less than 6 feet long at all times, and are not allowed on any trails within the park except the Kehoe beach trail.
• Because of gravel and potholes on the bike trails, we recommend that you wear a helmet, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to protect you if you fall.