Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected coastal park on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, California, covering roughly 71,000 acres and preserving an extensive stretch of Pacific coastline. It was established as a national seashore in the early 1960s and is a major regional natural preserve.

The seashore contains a mix of rocky headlands, sandy beaches, estuaries and forests. Highlights include dramatic coastal viewpoints, a historic lighthouse, the Tomales Point tule elk reserve and productive birding sites such as Abbotts Lagoon; many popular trailheads offer multi-mile walks along the coast and through grasslands. The park includes both Pacific-facing shorelines and sheltered waters of Tomales Bay, offering varied habitats over tens of miles of shoreline.

European and American ranching, lighthouse construction and coastal navigation needs shaped the area before federal protection. The Point Reyes Lighthouse was first lit in 1870 to warn ships off the peninsula; in the 20th century the area saw conservation actions culminating in its designation as Point Reyes National Seashore in 1962. Land management since then has balanced wilderness preservation, recreation and a working historic agricultural presence.

The seashore sits on the Point Reyes Peninsula in western Marin County, about 30 miles northwest of central San Francisco. It fronts the Pacific Ocean to the west and Tomales Bay to the east, with the closest towns including Point Reyes Station and Inverness along the bay side.

• Tule elk viewing: Best wildlife viewing for the tule elk is from the Tomales Point Trailhead at the peninsula tip, particularly in late summer and fall when visibility is higher.
• Lighthouse access: Fog is frequent along the western shore; the lighthouse approach involves a steep descent and steps and may be closed during heavy fog or rough seas.

What to See #

• Point Reyes Lighthouse: Perched on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, the lighthouse was first lit in 1870 and sits near steep coastal cliffs with restricted access when fog or high seas make the lower path unsafe.
• Tomales Point: A long, exposed promontory that supports a federally managed tule elk population and offers coastal views across Tomales Bay and the Pacific.
• Abbotts Lagoon: A mix of sandy beaches, lagoon habitat and dunes; Abbotts Lagoon is a noted stop for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.
• Drakes Beach: A popular beach area with visitor parking and interpretive signage focused on coastal geology and maritime history.
• Limantour/Kehoe Beaches: The Limantour and Kehoe areas provide surf and long beach walks, with access points and picnic areas on the eastern side of the peninsula.