- 1). Decide when to go. While many national parks are best in the summer season, Point Reyes has something to offer year-round. Read on for recreational opportunities and choose a time of year that suits you best.
- 2). Stop at the visitor center. The Bear Valley Visitor Center shows a 20-minute slide show about the park that's a good orientation before your visit. Pick up books, posters and maps at the bookstore and check on the schedule of ranger-led programs.
- 3). Get a map. To make the most of your vacation, you'll want to know where to find bike trails, tide pools, hiking trails, beaches, whale-watching spots (yes, you can see them from shore), birding spots and seal and sea lion overlooks.
- 4). Take a history lesson. From the expedition of Sir Francis Drake to the history of the coastal Miwok Indians, you'll find exhibits, slide shows and stories aplenty.
- 5). Go tide-pooling. Find out when a "minus low tide" will occur (tide tables are available at the visitor centers) and explore Sculptured Beach or McClure's Beach. Wear non-slip shoes and go ahead and touch!
- 6). Visit an elk. A herd of tule elk is located within the park in the area of Tomales Point. Ask for information at the visitor center.
- 7). Do some kayaking. The best launch spots within the park are Millerton Point, on the east side of Tomales Bay, and Hearts Desire Beach, on the west side of the bay off Pierce Point Road. There is a day use fee.
- 8). Go horseback riding. Horses are allowed on nearly all trails within the park (hikers and cyclists must yield); nearby stables can provide horses and guided rides.
- 9). Check out the seals. From January to March, elephant seals are breeding and can be observed from the park, while Harbor Seals pup from March to June.
- 10
Take a hike. More than 140 miles of hiking trails are available, including the popular Earthquake Trail, which is a 7-mile loop containing exhibits about the big 1906 California earthquake and the San Andreas Fault (yep, you're standing on it!). - 11
Go whale watching without getting on a boat. From December through May, watch the migration of California gray whales from the Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas. In late April and early May, you may see young whales close to shore with their mothers. - 12
Do some birding. Check out Five Brooks Pond, Estero Trail, Abbott's Lagoon and Bear Valley, and don't miss the action near the Lighthouse during migration. For an added treat, see what's going on at the nearby Point Reyes Bird Observatory. - 13
Explore the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Walk four miles from the parking lot to the Visitor Center, then descend 300 stairs - most likely in a stiff wind - to the lighthouse. Enjoy the fabulous view, catch your breath and climb up again!
Source...