Point Reyes Lighthouse
A spectacular setting, down a long stair. Closes when it's too windy.
Point Reyes
A wild peninsula an hour north of San Francisco, with a cliff-side lighthouse, tule elk, and a tunnel of cypress trees.
The San Andreas Fault runs right through the park, and it split from the mainland. The 1870 Point Reyes Lighthouse sits down 300-odd steps on one of the windiest points on the Pacific coast. Tule elk roam Tomales Point, and elephant seals gather at Chimney Rock in winter.
- Best Time
- March–May and September–November
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- About 90 minutes by car north of San Francisco.
What to See
4 of 5 are freeCypress Tree Tunnel
A photogenic row of old trees.
Tomales Point and Tule Elk
A long bluff hike among wild herds.
Alamere Falls
A rare waterfall that drops onto a beach.
Tomales Bay Oysters
Eat them at the source, in the town of Marshall.
Know Before You Go
- Expect cold, wind and fog at any time. Bring layers. Beach shuttles may run on winter weekends.
Where to Stay
Stay in Point Reyes Station or Inverness.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the California list.