Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore contains unique elements of biological and historical interest in a spectacularly scenic panorama of thunderous ocean breakers, open grasslands, bushy hillsides and forested ridges. Native land mammals number about 37 species and marine mammals augment this total by another dozen species. The biological diversity stems from a favorable location in the middle of California and the natural occurrence of many distinct habitats. Nearly 20% of the State's flowering plant species are represented on the peninsula and over 45% of the bird species in North America have been sighted. The Point Reyes National Seashore was established by President John F. Kennedy on September 13, 1962.

Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes, CA 94956
(415) 464-5100 - Visitor Information
(415) 464-5100 - Headquarters
(415) 464-5225 - Volunteer Information

By Plane
The closest major airports are San Francisco International and Oakland Airport. You will most likely need to rent a car to reach the park.

By Car
Point Reyes is located approximately 22 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1 along the west coast of California. Travelers may approach the park from the winding scenic Highway 1, either northbound or southbound. You can also reach the park via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or Point Reyes/Petaluma Road.

By Plane
Limited public transportation is provided by Golden Gate Transit. To contact GGT's automated phone system call (415) 923-2000.
To reach Point Reyes National Seashore by bus, you will want to take the #65 bus from the San Rafael Transit Center at 3rd and Hetherton. The bus runs only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Getting Around
You will need a car to visit areas beyond Bear Valley, such as the lighthouse and the beaches.

Point Reyes Peninsula's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters, similar to the type of climate that prevails on the Mediterranean. There are constant winds of moderate to strong velocity on the exposed headlands and outer beaches. Headlands and beaches on the Pacific Coast are subjected to frequent heavy fogs. Such heavy fogs are most common in the months of July, August and September. Sunshine and higher temperatures occur inland. The east side of Inverness Ridge and the beaches of Tomales Bay are sheltered from the summit of the ridge westward to the ocean, leaving sunny areas for picnicking and swimming. Inland temperatures in the summer are often 20 degrees warmer than temperatures on the Headlands and outer coast. The rainy season is December through March. We recommend bringing and wearing layers.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Biking
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Kayaking

Recommended Activities
Trails may be used by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Leisurely drives throughout the seashore to beaches and wildlife areas; such as the tule elk range or historic lighthouse. Picnicking at beaches and trailheads is also recommended. NOTE: Some restrictions apply to trail usage by bikers and horses, so please pick up free park maps with specific trails marked. Birdwatching is exceptional, especially during fall and spring migrations. The park beaches are also excellent places to view the annual gray whale migration, January through April.