The southern portion of Drakes Beach is closed until mid-June to protect molting elephant seals. The closure starts at the southern edge of the cove in front of the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center and continues south towards Chimney Rock (to the right as one faces the ocean). The portion of Drakes Beach in front of the visitor center, and left towards Drakes Estero, is still accessible to the public. Please maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.
Full details →
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
If you are planning a trip to California, visiting Point Reyes National Seashore should definitely be on your list. This beautiful national seashore is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you have just a few hours or a whole weekend, there is plenty to explore.
About Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is a national seashore located in California. The moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean creates a climate with no great extremes of heat or cold. Any season can bring interesting weather during your visit to Point Reyes National Seashore. Come prepared!
Point Reyes is located along the west coast of California approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of San Francisco. Travelers may approach the park from the winding scenic Highway 1, either from the north or the south. Visitors can also reach the park via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or the Point Reyes/Petaluma Road.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Point Reyes is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Point Reyes National Seashore offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, and 14 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Point Reyes
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Point Reyes
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Point Reyes before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Point Reyes. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Point Reyes get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Point Reyes. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. Home to several cultures over thousands of years, the Seashore preserves a tapestry of stories and interactions of people. Point Reyes awaits your exploration.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Point Reyes
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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