Natural Beauty in Point Reyes Station, California - 24-Hour Travel Guide
McClure's Beach
Heart's Desire Beach entrance
Pt Reyes National Seashore Road
Overview - Pt Reyes National Seashore is exquisite. We visit the guest center, hike Bear Valley, drive out to the Lighthouse and McClures Beach.
Breakfast - The coolest gathering spot in the morning is the little bakery on the main street called the Bovine Bakery. They DON'T have lattes... but they make up for it in the amazing selection of sweet and savory baked goods. I love their croissant sandwich things. Their coffee is quite good. There's a little bench you can sit on outside, or, if they are empty there are a few stools inside, where you can watch the people walking by. It's a small place, so be prepared for a morning crowd.
Morning - The morning is the best time to do your hiking for two reasons: if it is going to get hot, it's not hot yet, and if it is foggy at the ocean, it will not have cleared yet. Head to the Point Reyes National Seashore guest center,( a left turn as you are coming from Pt Reyes Station) and spend some time in the exhibit. it is fascinating. Before you head for your hike, walk the short trail along the earthquake fault line. It's pretty eeerie. Then take a nice, not too strenuous hike up Bear Valley, stopping at the meadows.
Lunch - If you brought lunch with you, the meadows at the top of the Bear Valley trail is picture perfect for eating your picnic lunch. If you didn't bring a picnic, then head back down, and retrace your drive out of the park, and head into the town of Inverness. Just prior to reaching the town, there's a lovely deli on the left. Or, get into Inverness and eat at the Czech restaurant. One more choice is to go back into town (Point Reyes Station) and eat at the Pine Cone. A great choice, just a bit of extra driving (about 15 minutes each way from the Park Guest center.
Afternoon - Now that the fog has cleared, head back to Point Reyes National Seashore, and this time turn right. You will drive along amazing agriculture land with fabulous coast views. You have several beach choices. One is to stop at Hearts Desire beach which is on Tomales Bay and is quite swimmable, and very safe for kids. Or, if you are into adventure, go way out the end to McClures Beach. There is parking on the side of the road and then a 10 minute hike down. Very adventurous, scenic and fun. Remember there is not really swimming at any of these beaches... too cold and too dangerous. But wonderful beachcombing and lazing around. You'll see the Tule Elk on your way to McClure. If you still have energy, head to the famous LIghthouse, and either look at it , or climb the excruitiating steps down and up.
Dinner - Back in Point Reyes Station proper, the nicest place for dinner, and in fact, the only place, is the Station House Cafe. Good food, and if it is a warm evening (unusual) then you can sit outside in the garden.
After Dark - After dark, there is not a thing to do. This is quiet coastal area. However, if you are lucky, then there may be a great speaker at the bookstore, Pt Reyes Books, or an event, such as a concert or dance, at the community center, the Dance Palace. Just walk over there and ask what is going on that night.
Sleep - The most sought after place is Manka's Lodge and Restaurant in Inverness. They are often hit with fires and mudslides, so you need to check that they are in business. Alternatively, there are a whole bunch of B and B's in Pt Reyes, that are well worth their money.