6 Fun Things to Do in Point Reyes to Add to Your Itinerary

There is no shortage of fun in the State of California. With an incredible location near the coast, a great atmosphere, and a plethora of activities to do, Point Reyes California is definitely one of the best places to go for outdoor lovers. Known for being a natural human sanctuary and for its powerful waves, not only is it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern California, but it is also a land filled with history and life. Take a break from the boisterous scenes of the city and enjoy a relaxing trip to the seashores of the Pacific Coast.

1. Explore the Point Reyes Lighthouse

The Point Reyes Lighthouse, also known as the Point Reyes light station, was originally built to help mariners navigate themselves on the infamous perilous waters of point Reyes. The lighthouse now serves as a relic of the past and as a specimen of maritime heritage. Built in 1870, the lighthouse served for a little over a century, until it was replaced by an automated light tower in 1975.

Get ready to spend a good portion of your trip to Point Reyes at this incredible site brimming with life and memories of the past. After the drive to the area, if you are lucky enough to find some parking spaces, you can let your adventure begin! On your way down the 313 steps to the Lighthouse itself, there are many things that will spike your interest in the site. Located at the very top of the stairs, an observation deck is available for all lovers of bird and whale watching. Continuing on with our descent down the steps, a visitor center awaits, where you can learn about the long history of the Point Reyes lighthouse, including information and displays of the wildlife living in Point Reyes national seashore, which includes whales, sea lions, and many more. Attached to the Visitor Center is the Ocean Exploration Center, a collaboration between the National Park Service and NOAA’s Cordel Bank of maritime national marine sanctuaries that will teach you all about the marine life of Northern California, which is coincidentally home to one of the biologically richest ocean zones on the planet. 

And last but not least, after visiting all these incredible attractions, as you reach the end of the steps leading down to the Lighthouse, enjoy the view from inside the watch room of the historic Lighthouse of Point Reyes.

2. Get Active in the Bear Valley Trail

Generally considered a moderately difficult trail to hike, the Bear Valley trail is the perfect spot for backpackers, campers, and hikers alike. Whether you are looking for a peaceful, relaxing day out in nature, or are planning on undertaking the long challenging hike along the trails that stretch up to 99 miles, this Northern California hiking trail is very much capable of catering to both types of groups.

The Bear Valley trail is open year-round, to cover the entire trail would take up to 3 hours and 54 minutes in total. Visitors have the freedom to choose whichever trail they like. As an added bonus, Bicycles are only allowed up to a certain point on the trails. Bear Valley trail is also home to the world-famous Sequoia trees located in the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, they are sure to leave you in absolute awe. Whichever route you choose to take, however, the Bear Valley Trail is without a doubt worth adding to the long list of things to do in Point Reyes!

3. Grab a Bag and Head to Point Reyes Station Farmers Market

After an entire day of adventuring and exploring, consider stopping by the Point Reyes Station Farmers Market, where you will be sure to find the freshest and healthiest options of local organic foods from vegetables, and meats to all sorts of dairy products. Famed for its agricultural bounty and natural beauty, the Point Reyes Station Farmers Market is a place for all the family to partake in! Take in the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the Market while enjoying the music. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags in order to reduce plastic use. The Point Reyes Farmers Market strives to create a more healthy and environmentally friendly life.

4. Through The Cypress Tree Tunnel 

 If you love looking for aesthetically pleasing locations to take pictures of in California, you will definitely find these next two attractions to your liking. The Cypress Tree Tunnel is exactly how it sounds, it is a long road surrounded by Monterey Cypress Trees in the shape of a tunnel, that leads to an old building that houses the Point Reyes National Seashore North District Operations Center and the KPH RCA Radio Station. While cars aren’t allowed to be parked next to the trees, you are encouraged to take pictures of the tunnel while driving through them.

5. Shipwreck

Beached on a sandbar in Inverness California, this abandoned boat looks like it was taken straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. While we are sure you are waiting for the awesome story that led the boat to rest on Point Reyes beach, there really isn’t much to it. It is an abandoned fishing boat, dragged around by its previous owner who had plans to restore it but never got around to it. The boat was on its way to being removed as it was considered a nuisance to wetland restoration firms, but the attention it received saved it from the trash can! Photographers from all over came to take advantage of the weirdly contrasting beauty of the abandoned lifeless shipwreck and the magnificent scenery of the beaches surrounding it.

6. Cowgirl Creamery

A dream shared between two college friends turned into reality, the Cowgirl Creamery was founded by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith to celebrate the organic practices and encourage local craftsmanship. The Creamery produces organic cheeses that are sold nationwide in restaurants, as well as their retail and cafe location in Point Reyes. Visit the Cowgirl Creamery for a closer look at how artisan and farmstead cheese is made, and potentially take a cheese-making class with curd-making demonstrations and a guided tasting tour of all the cheeses the Creamery produces, available for children 7 and up as well as adults. There are also lush green lawns where you can settle down and enjoy a picnic with family and friends in the pleasant weather. If you are in Marin, the Cowgirl Creamery is for sure one of the places you shouldn’t miss!