Want just a little escape that feels worlds away—however nonetheless completely doable in a weekend? Let me introduce you to certainly one of my favourite Northern California locations: Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore. It’s not removed from my home, so I’ve spent many afternoons and days exploring the realm—and I nonetheless discover new issues to like each time I am going.
The world stretches from Inverness to Bolinas, and has just a little little bit of every part—seashores, wild elk, cute little cities, unbelievable hikes, and a few critically scrumptious seafood. This information will allow you to profit from 48-hours in Level Reyes. I’ve packed it with my favourite issues to do: the place to eat, what to see, and even a couple of “don’t miss this!” detours, so you can also make the right itinerary.
➞ For those who’re quick on time, try my itinerary for the excellent day journey to Level Reyes, California.
The place to Keep
Nick’s Cove
For those who’re into cozy, rustic attraction with a waterfront view, Nick’s Cove is your home. Their lovely cottages sit proper on the sting of Tomales Bay and their scrumptious restaurant is simply steps away.
Olema Home at Level Reyes
Olema Home is a boutique inn tucked into the little city of Olema, and each certainly one of its 24 rooms is uniquely adorned—assume a mixture of Americana attraction meets trendy stylish. The grounds are lovely, with backyard paths, lawns, and comfortable Adirondack chairs excellent for sipping a glass of wine after a day of exploring.
And so they’ve received an on-site restaurant, Due West, plus a cute little market subsequent door if you wish to replenish on snacks to your subsequent hike.
Windsong Visitor Yurt
For those who searching for a novel bucket record expertise, then try the Windsong Visitor Yurt simply exterior Level Reyes Station. This fancy rounded tent is equal components cozy, peaceable, and just a little bit magical. Tucked down a quiet nation highway, this rustic-meets-modern retreat provides wildlife views (like deer and jack rabbits!), starlit soaks within the out of doors scorching tub, and a breakfast basket delivered by the sweetest hosts.
What to Do in Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
Kayak Tomales Bay
For those who like being on the water, then kayaking in Tomales Bay is the journey to place on the high of your record. Throughout the day, you’ll paddle previous rugged shoreline, peaceable coves, and possibly spot seals or seabirds. However if you happen to’re feeling just a little extra daring, go at evening—that’s when the bioluminescence within the water create the final word mild present.
For leases or guided excursions (which I extremely advocate), try Blue Waters Kayaking or Tomales Bay Expeditions.
Mead Tasting at Heidrun Meadery
Heidrun Meadery is a kind of charming spots the place a fast cease can simply flip into a whole afternoon. This flower-filled meadery serves up honey-based glowing wine (aka mead—wine’s quirky, scrumptious cousin) in a laid-back setting with picnic tables and winery views.
Sip a glass or pattern a flight, and if you happen to’re there on a Saturday, don’t miss the behind-the-scenes tour.
Go to the Level Reyes Lighthouse
Okay, lighthouse lovers—this one’s for you. The Level Reyes Lighthouse is perched on a cliff at what seems like the sting of the earth. On a transparent day, the views are out-of-this-world, however honest warning, Level Reyes is thought for its fog and wind—verify the climate earlier than heading out!
The trail to the primary overlook is a brief stroll, however if you happen to’re up for it, descend the 313 stairs to the lighthouse itself. (Yup, that additionally means 313 again up—your calves will really feel it, however the views are price each step.)
➞ Take a look at my Instagram Reel for the Level Reyes Lighthouse:
➞ Tip: For those who go to the lighthouse, then make a pitstop on the way in which to the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Inverness. This towering cover of cypress bushes appears straight out of a fairytale!
Discover Downtown Level Reyes Station
Downtown Level Reyes Station is tiny however filled with attraction. Cease by Toby’s Feed Barn, a cool mixture of farm retailer, espresso store, and native artwork house. Then head to Cowgirl Barn Store for the cheese of your desires (plus crackers, jams, and picnic-perfect snacks).
For just a little purchasing repair, pop into Vita Collage—I needed every part in there, from handmade jewellery to boho dwelling decor.
Go for a Hike
With over 150 miles of trails, it’d be a disgrace to not hike in Level Reyes. However, it’s additionally comprehensible if you happen to don’t need to waste a full day of you weekend mountaineering.
Listed here are a couple of of my favourite trails which might be all below 3 miles:
- Kehoe Seaside Path (1.8 miles round-trip): A flat, scenic stroll via wildflowers and marshland that ends at a large, typically empty seashore.
- Chimney Rock Path (1.75 miles round-trip): Simply 5 minutes from the Level Reyes Lighthouse, this quick and beautiful hike is very nice in spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom and elephant seals lounge under.
- Earthquake Path (0.6 miles): A fast, straightforward loop with informative indicators concerning the San Andreas Fault and the 1906 earthquake.
Considered one of my favourite methods to spend a day? Selecting up a sandwich and a few native cheese from Cowgirl Creamery’s Barn Store, then heading to Kehoe Seaside for a laid-back picnic hike. It’s straightforward and delightful!
Go Wine Tasting
Mead isn’t the one sip-worthy factor round right here. For those who’re extra into wine (like me), you’re in luck. Native faves embody Level Reyes Vineyards, Sonoma Coast Vineyards, and Moreover Wines—all with nice pours and beautiful views.
Cheese Tasting at Level Reyes Farmstead
Calling all cheese lovers (aka me), Level Reyes Farmstead provides cheese tastings from spring via September the place you’ll sit right down to a curated board loaded with native cheeses and seasonal bites. The Quinta is my private favourite—smooth, creamy, and excellent with a glass of wine.
Their on-site kitchen, The Fork, additionally serves up some yummy consolation meals—like their Mac and Cheese. And if in case you have room, seize certainly one of their house-made ice cream sandwiches.
➞ Need much more superior actions? Take a look at my full put up: Finest Issues to Do in Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
Finest Locations to Eat
Hog Island Oyster Farm
Hog Island sits proper on the sting of Tomales Bay, serving up among the freshest oysters you’ll most likely ever slurp. Their “oysters of the day” (mine had been the Hog Island Sweetwaters) are at all times a protected guess, however please don’t skip the grilled oysters with chipotle bourbon butter.
All the pieces—from the bread to the cheese—is regionally sourced, and the bayside seating? Completely dreamy for a sunny lunch.
➞ Tip: Thursdays are walk-in solely and method much less crowded. Some other day? You’ll need to make a reservation.
Nick’s Cove
Nick’s Cove restaurant is a vibe—like if a comfy old-school roadhouse met trendy coastal cool. It’s been round eternally, and not too long ago, “Prime Chef Masters” winner Chris Cosentino sprinkled his magic on the menu. You’ll discover New England-inspired seafood dishes (his roots are in Rhode Island), like cioppino and fish & chips—but in addition enjoyable surprises like “Fries with Eyes” (yep, complete fried smelt—and yep, they’re good).
Cafe Reyes
Hi there, wood-fired pizza yummyness! Cafe Reyes is cozy, rustic, and filled with small-town attraction. Their wood-fired pizzas have cute native names (just like the Miwok, which we liked—it had salami, olives, and gooey mozzarella), and you may completely add oysters or a recent mozzarella salad on the aspect if you happen to’re feeling fancy.
The barn-like vibe and stacks of firewood simply add to the attraction, and if the solar’s out? Seize a desk on the patio.
Facet Road Kitchen
If consolation meals and farm-to-table cooking had a child, it will be Facet Road Kitchen. Hidden on—you guessed it—just a little aspect avenue in Level Reyes Station, this spot is all about soul-warming meals made with native love. Their rotisserie rooster? Juicy and full of taste. The mac & cheese and crispy Brussels sprouts are additionally scrumptious.
In addition they do sandwiches (attempt the rotisserie tri-tip with wild arugula!) and recent, wholesome bowls if you happen to’re within the temper for one thing lighter.
Brickmaiden Breads
This tiny, tucked-away bakery is an area secret and smells like heaven as quickly as you stroll up. I often seize a ginger scone (completely spicy!) and might’t resist snagging a loaf of their seeded levain to carry dwelling. Their little backyard seating space is peaceable and charming—excellent for sipping espresso, nibbling on pastry, and pretending you’re in a European backyard.
➞ Need much more scrumptious locations to eat in Level Reyes? Take a look at my full foodie information right here: Finest Level Reyes Eating places and watch my Level Reyes Eating places video:
Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Assets for Reserving Your Journey!
Ebook Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you possibly can simply discover one of the best fare offers. You may as well choose ‘least expensive month’ to search out the bottom fares to your vacation spot (I take advantage of this on a regular basis!).
Ebook Your Lodging
I take advantage of each Reserving.com and Expedia for resorts, as a result of every provides a pair totally different resort selections and I like to match the critiques on each. If in case you have a bunch or are searching for extra of a house ambiance, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, residences and even only a room for lease in each worth vary.
Ebook Your Rental Automotive
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the most suitable choice! I at all times ebook with Uncover Automobiles for one of the best costs and high model choices.
Ebook Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to search engines like google and yahoo for cool bucket record experiences! Every one can have totally different excursions, so verify each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey may be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an damage, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed here are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Take a look at the Bucket Listing Journey Amazon Retailer to search out all my favourite journey necessities. All the pieces from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling sneakers.
*Lastly, verify journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security data.
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