Want a bit of 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 realm stretches from Inverness to Bolinas, and has a bit of little bit of every thing—seashores, wild elk, cute little cities, unimaginable hikes, and a few severely scrumptious seafood. This information will assist you benefit 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 just a few “don’t miss this!” detours, so you can also make the right itinerary.
➞ In the event you’re brief on time, try my itinerary for the good day journey to Level Reyes, California.
The place to Keep
Nick’s Cove
In the event you’re into cozy, rustic appeal with a waterfront view, Nick’s Cove is your home. Their lovable 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 embellished—suppose a mixture of Americana appeal meets fashionable stylish. The grounds are lovely, with backyard paths, lawns, and comfortable Adirondack chairs good for sipping a glass of wine after a day of exploring.
They usually’ve acquired an on-site restaurant, Due West, plus a cute little market subsequent door if you wish to fill up on snacks to your subsequent hike.
Windsong Visitor Yurt
In the event you in search of a singular bucket record expertise, then try the Windsong Visitor Yurt simply exterior Level Reyes Station. This fancy rounded tent is equal components cozy, peaceable, and a bit of 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
In the event you like being on the water, then kayaking in Tomales Bay is the journey to place on the prime of your record. Through the day, you’ll paddle previous rugged shoreline, peaceable coves, and possibly spot seals or seabirds. However in case you’re feeling a bit of extra daring, go at night time—that’s when the bioluminescence within the water create the last 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 in case you’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 understood for its fog and wind—examine the climate earlier than heading out!
The trail to the principle overlook is a brief stroll, however in case you’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: In the event you 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 timber appears straight out of a fairytale!
Discover Downtown Level Reyes Station
Downtown Level Reyes Station is tiny however stuffed with appeal. Cease by Toby’s Feed Barn, a cool mixture of farm retailer, espresso store, and native artwork area. Then head to Cowgirl Barn Store for the cheese of your goals (plus crackers, jams, and picnic-perfect snacks).
For a bit of purchasing repair, pop into Vita Collage—I needed every thing in there, from handmade jewellery to boho residence 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 in case you don’t wish to waste a full day of you weekend climbing.
Listed below are just a few of my favourite trails which are all underneath 3 miles:
- Kehoe Seaside Path (1.8 miles round-trip): A flat, scenic stroll by wildflowers and marshland that ends at a large, typically empty seaside.
- Chimney Rock Path (1.75 miles round-trip): Simply 5 minutes from the Level Reyes Lighthouse, this brief and gorgeous hike is particularly nice in spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom and elephant seals lounge beneath.
- Earthquake Path (0.6 miles): A fast, simple loop with informative indicators concerning the San Andreas Fault and the 1906 earthquake.
One among 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 simple and exquisite!
Go Wine Tasting
Mead isn’t the one sip-worthy factor round right here. In the event you’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 by 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—comfortable, creamy, and ideal with a glass of wine.
Their on-site kitchen, The Fork, additionally serves up some yummy consolation meals—like their Mac and Cheese. And 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 submit: 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 a few of the freshest oysters you’ll in all probability ever slurp. Their “oysters of the day” (mine have been the Hog Island Sweetwaters) are all the time a secure guess, however please don’t skip the grilled oysters with chipotle bourbon butter.
All the pieces—from the bread to the cheese—is domestically sourced, and the bayside seating? Completely dreamy for a sunny lunch.
➞ Tip: Thursdays are walk-in solely and approach much less crowded. Every other day? You’ll wish to make a reservation.
Nick’s Cove
Nick’s Cove restaurant is a vibe—like if a comfy old-school roadhouse met fashionable coastal cool. It’s been round perpetually, and just lately, “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, entire fried smelt—and yep, they’re good).
Cafe Reyes
Hi there, wood-fired pizza yummyness! Cafe Reyes is cozy, rustic, and stuffed with small-town appeal. Their wood-fired pizzas have cute native names (just like the Miwok, which we cherished—it had salami, olives, and gooey mozzarella), and you may completely add oysters or a recent mozzarella salad on the facet in case you’re feeling fancy.
The barn-like vibe and stacks of firewood simply add to the appeal, and if the solar’s out? Seize a desk on the patio.
Aspect Road Kitchen
If consolation meals and farm-to-table cooking had a child, it could be Aspect Road Kitchen. Hidden on—you guessed it—a bit of facet road 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.
Additionally they do sandwiches (strive the rotisserie tri-tip with wild arugula!) and recent, wholesome bowls in case you’re within the temper for one thing lighter.
Brickmaiden Breads
This tiny, tucked-away bakery is a neighborhood secret and smells like heaven as quickly as you stroll up. I often seize a ginger scone (completely spicy!) and may’t resist snagging a loaf of their seeded levain to convey residence. Their little backyard seating space is peaceable and charming—good 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 Sources for Reserving Your Journey!
E book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you’ll be able to simply discover the most effective fare offers. You can too choose ‘most cost-effective month’ to search out the bottom fares to your vacation spot (I exploit this on a regular basis!).
E book Your Lodging
I exploit each Reserving.com and Expedia for accommodations, as a result of every provides a pair totally different resort selections and I like to check the evaluations on each. You probably have a gaggle or are in search of extra of a house ambiance, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each value vary.
E book Your Rental Automotive
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the most suitable choice! I all the time ebook with Uncover Automobiles for the most effective costs and prime model choices.
E book 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 examine each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey will 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 below 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, examine journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security info.
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