14 Greatest Issues to Do in Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore

In the event you’re planning a visit to Sonoma County, don’t skip taking a detour alongside the coastal stretch of Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore—simply 20 minutes from my hometown and one in all California’s most underrated getaways. It could not have the identical buzz as Napa or Sonoma, however it’s full of its personal type of magic: wild coastlines, scenic hikes, charming small cities, and ridiculously good cheese and oysters.

I’ve spent numerous afternoons right here and nonetheless discover new issues to like, and I wish to share them with you! These are my private favourite issues to do in Level Reyes and all of the must-see spots I inform my very own mates about. 

➞ If you wish to delve deeper, don’t miss my Level Reyes Weekend Information. Quick on time? Take a look at my Good Day Journey Itinerary to Level Reyes.

Hike All the way down to the Level Reyes Lighthouse

Though it’s not operational, the  Level Reyes Lighthouse is likely one of the extra in style issues to do within the space—and for good purpose. In-built 1870, it’s dramatically set on the backside of a cliff. There’s a brief stroll to the overlook, however in the event you’re up for it, you possibly can descend the 313 stairs to get an up-close look. (Yup, you’ll must climb again up too—name it your exercise for the day!).

Simply you’ll want to verify the climate first—Level Reyes is thought for its moody fog and loopy winds.

➞ PS: An ideal place to cease for photos whereas strolling from the parking zone to the Lighthouse is the Leaning Tree, which has been featured on many Instagram feeds (together with mine!)—perhaps yours subsequent?

Do a Native Cheese Tasting 

Cheese lovers, this one’s for us. From spring by means of September, you are able to do a sit-down tasting at Level Reyes Farmstead, the place an exquisite board of native cheeses and seasonal bites awaits. (I’m keen on the Quinta—smooth, creamy, and virtually begging for a glass of wine on the facet—however the basic Level Reyes Blue is all the time a standout too.) Their on-site kitchen, The Fork, additionally whips up comforting favorites like ooey-gooey mac and cheese, and in the event you’ve bought room, don’t skip the house-made ice cream sandwiches.

Need to preserve the cheese tour going? Head over to Toluma Farms, one of many uncommon dairies on the planet that milks each goats and sheep. They craft eight seasonal cheeses in smaller batches, and the farm’s peaceable vibe makes the expertise really feel further particular.

Stroll By means of The Cypress Tree Tunnel

The Cypress Tree Tunnel is lined with Monterey cypress bushes planted again within the Nineteen Thirties, this tunnel of inexperienced arches results in a historic white Artwork Deco constructing that after housed the KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station. 

It’s bought a little bit of that “secret fairytale lane” vibe, blended with actual historical past. This was as soon as the beating coronary heart of ship-to-shore communication on the West Coast—one of many final Morse code stations of its form, nicknamed the Wi-fi Large of the Pacific. Immediately, it’s all in regards to the views (and the picture ops!). 

Do a Mead Tasting at Heidrun Meadery

In the event you’ve by no means tried mead earlier than, that is the place to do it. Heidrun Meadery makes bubbly, honey-based wine utilizing nectar from completely different areas—and the result’s one thing completely distinctive (and completely scrumptious). You may go for a glass, a full bottle, or a tasting flight if you wish to pattern a number of. 

It’s bought that informal, flower-filled appeal that makes you wish to relax and keep awhile. I like bringing alongside some native cheese and crackers to show it into a bit of picnic. Bonus: in the event you’re visiting on a Saturday, you possibly can hop on their behind-the-scenes tour to see the way it’s all made!

Store & Stroll By means of Level Reyes Station

Downtown Level Reyes Station could also be small, however it’s full of appeal, nice espresso, and a few critically cute retailers. 

Begin your morning with a flaky pastry from Bovine Bakery—their scones and quiche are native favorites for a purpose. Then swing by Toby’s Feed Barn, a unusual combo of present store, espresso bar, and artwork gallery the place you possibly can seize a latte and a enjoyable memento. Don’t miss Level Reyes Books for a well-curated mixture of reads, or Vita Collage for swoon-worthy jewellery, dwelling items, and presents you didn’t know you wanted. And naturally, Cowgirl Barn Store is a should for cheese lovers—whats up, picnic provisions!

Don’t miss ending your stroll with a drink on the Previous Western Saloon. It has been slinging drinks because the Eighteen Nineties, making it one of many oldest bars in Marin County. Step inside and also you’ll discover creaky flooring, classic appeal, and a complete lot of native historical past—it as soon as served as a gathering spot for ranchers, loggers, and fishermen again within the day. 

Additionally, take a fast peek at a Ten Thousand Buddha mural (proper outdoors Level Reyes Yoga), painted by an area artist Amanda Giacomini who vowed to color 10,000 Buddhas across the globe.

Tour Historic Pierce Ranch at Tomales Level

As soon as thought-about the highest dairy ranch in all of California, Pierce Level Ranch is now a quiet slice of historical past tucked into the northern finish of Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore. Whereas it’s not operational, wandering the grounds provides you a glimpse into what ranch life was like over a century in the past. The weathered barns, outbuildings, and gorgeous coastal backdrop make it a beautiful place for a stroll—and some images.

It’s additionally the start line for the Tomales Level Path, one of the crucial scenic hikes within the space (and a terrific spot to identify tule elk!). Whether or not you’re doing the complete 9.7-mile hike or simply exploring the ranch and close by McClures Seashore (solely 0.4 miles away), this space is a mixture of nature and California historical past.

Kayak Tomales Bay 

One of the memorable methods to expertise Level Reyes is from the water—and kayaking on Tomales Bay is the way in which to do it. You may lease a kayak or ebook a guided tour (extremely really useful for first-timers!). Daytime paddles supply peaceable views, hen sightings, and perhaps even a curious seal or two. However the true magic occurs at night time—when the water comes alive with glowing bioluminescence. It’s like paddling by means of stardust!

For leases or excursions, try Blue Waters Kayaking or Tomales Bay Expeditions—each are nice native choices that’ll get you out on the water safely and easily. In the event you want, you can even lease paddle boards.

Eat Oysters

Oysters are type of an enormous deal in Level Reyes—because of the nutrient-rich waters of Tomales Bay, this space produces among the freshest, tastiest oysters on the West Coast. Whether or not you want them uncooked, grilled, or slathered in chipotle bourbon butter, there’s a spot right here together with your identify on it. 

Hog Island Oyster Co. is probably the most iconic (sure, it’s touristy—but in addition completely value it), with BBQ oysters and bay views that hit good. For a extra laid-back expertise, The Marshall Retailer serves up oysters six alternative ways, plus a number of different menu gems, all with a seat proper on the water. Many of the eating places serve oysters too!

➞ Nonetheless hungry? See my picks for the 14 Greatest Eating places in California’s Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore.

Discover Your Favourite Hike

There are so many trails in Level Reyes that it might take weeks (perhaps months!) to cowl all of them. The excellent news? Which means there’s a hike for each type of adventurer—whether or not you’re on the lookout for a scenic stroll or an all-day problem. Listed here are a number of of my favorites so as to add to your checklist:

• Alamere Falls – 13 miles round-trip. A difficult, all-day hike that rewards you with a surprising waterfall spilling straight onto the seashore.
• Johnstone & Indian Nature Trails – About 2 miles round-trip. A straightforward, breezy hike that results in a pair of peaceable seashores in Tomales Bay State Park.
• Tomales Level Path – 9.7 miles round-trip. Sweeping coastal views, tule elk sightings, and wildflowers galore alongside a scenic ridge.
• Chimney Rock Path – 1.75 miles round-trip. A brief and candy path with large payoffs—assume elephant seals, wildflowers, and ocean panoramas.
• Estero Path – As much as 8.8 miles round-trip, relying in your turnaround level (Drakes Head or Sundown Seashore). Nice for birding and coastal views.
• McClures Seashore Path – 0.5 miles round-trip. A fast and quiet downhill stroll to a wild and rocky seashore.
• Abbotts Lagoon – 2.3 miles round-trip. Light terrain with lagoon and ocean views, particularly gorgeous throughout wildflower season or winter hen migrations.

Earlier than heading out, cease by one of many customer facilities for maps, ideas, and a bit of native perception. Each presents one thing completely different:

• Bear Valley Customer Heart – The principle hub for information, with cultural reveals and path suggestions.
• Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore Customer Heart – Be taught in regards to the lighthouse and native marine life.
• Kenneth C. Patrick Customer Heart – Positioned close to Drakes Seashore with reveals on maritime historical past and fossils relationship again to the 1500s.

Earlier than you head out to discover, make certain to cease by one of many customer facilities for maps, ideas, and a few native perception. Bear Valley Customer Heart is the principle hub with path data and cultural reveals, whereas the Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore Customer Heart presents fascinating shows in regards to the lighthouse and native marine life. If you end up close to Drakes Seashore, pop into the Kenneth C. Patrick Customer Heart to dive into maritime historical past and take a look at fossils relationship again to the 1500s—every middle has its personal distinctive appeal that can assist you take advantage of your go to.

Take a Guided Path Experience on Horseback

In the event you want using horseback to mountaineering, Level Reyes has some unbelievable guided path rides fo all expertise ranges. 5 Brooks Ranch presents rides by means of lush forests, rolling hills, and even alongside sandy seashores, with choices for freshmen and youngsters too (sure, there’s pony rides!). Then there’s Level Reyes Arabian Adventures, the place you possibly can take pleasure in breathtaking 360-degree views of Tomales Bay on their personal ranch whereas studying to attach together with your horse. 

Chill out at One of many Many Seashores

There are greater than 80 miles of shoreline right here, so in the event you’re a seashore individual (and even in the event you’re not), you’ll discover your type of spot. Every seashore has a bit of one thing completely different—some are nice for sunbathing, others for dramatic coastal views. Listed here are a number of of my favorites:

• Drake’s Seashore is an easy-access, large sandy spot with gorgeous white sandstone cliffs and calm waves, making it excellent for households with children.
• Coronary heart’s Need Seashore, nestled in Tomales Bay State Park, is right for swimming, kayaking, picnicking, and even has close by mountaineering trails for a bit of journey.
• Limantour Seashore stretches for 4 miles with light waves nice for households, plus close by picnic spots and mountaineering trails if you need a break from the water.

Go Whale Watching

Whale watching in Level Reyes is fairly wonderful—particularly in the event you time your go to throughout peak season, which runs from December by means of April when grey whales make their migration alongside the coast.

Two of the very best locations to identify them are the Level Reyes Lighthouse (simply be ready for these 300+ stairs!) and Chimney Rock, which additionally comes with lovely views of wildflowers and dramatic coastal cliffs. Carry binoculars when you have them, and costume heat—it will possibly get windy on the market!

Take within the View on the South Seashore Overlook

The South Seashore Overlook path is only a quick stroll from the Level Reyes Lighthouse parking zone. Most individuals are right here to stroll to the lighthouse and miss this, don’t be one in all them! This cliffside spot provides you front-row seats to “The Nice Seashore”—an 11-mile stretch of untamed, rugged shoreline. 

Carry your binoculars and also you may simply spot grey whales cruising by within the winter or elephant seals lounging down under (the colony arrange store right here after an enormous storm within the ‘90s). 

See the Earthquake Fence on the Earthquake Path

In the event you’re in any respect fascinated by pure historical past (or simply wish to see one thing kinda loopy), take a stroll down the Earthquake Path close to the Bear Valley Customer Heart. It’s a brief and simple 0.6-mile loop, however it holds numerous historical past.

The land right here sits proper on the San Andreas Fault, and this path provides you a front-row take a look at how highly effective the notorious 1906 earthquake actually was. There are informative plaques and you may see elements of the fence the place it was separated by the quake.

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