Attractions and Places To See in Point Reyes National Seashore - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Point Reyes National Seashore include a diverse array of natural features and historical sites across over 70,000 acres. This protected area on the California coast features wind-swept beaches, coastal cliffs, estuaries, and dense forests. Visitors can explore dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural landmarks. The region offers a variety of experiences, from scenic trails to historic ranches.
Best attractions and places to see in Point Reyes National Seashore
- The most popular attractions is…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Alamere Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
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Tomales Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Pierce Point Ranch
Highlight • Historical Site
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Wildcat Campground just behind the beach
Highlight • Rest Area
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Coast Trail/Palomarin Trailhead - End of Mesa Rd
Highlight • Trail
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Tips from the Community
Pay attention to the "no parking" signs along the road. We got an $80 ticket!
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This point of land, just at the very northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore, is a great spot to watch for birds and elk, and admire the wildflowers in season. You have several options here, including a short trail down to nearby McClures Beach and a longer trail that hikes back along the ridge, offering great views.
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Really pretty after a wet winter with all the wildflower colors.
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Tomales Point (aka Pierce Point) is located at the northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. The Tomales Point area is a popular destination for visitors wishing to view tule elk, birds, and wildflowers. The historic Pierce Point Ranch offers a glimpse into the early dairy ranching days on the peninsula. A short 0.4-mile (0.6-km) trail leads down to the beautiful McClures Beach. The 9.7-mile (15-km) round-trip Tomales Point Trail leads along the ridge crest of a narrow peninsula, offering spectacular views of Tomales Bay and Bolinas Ridge to the east, Bodega Bay to the north, and the coastline of the Point Reyes peninsula stretching to the south.
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Established in 1858, Pierce Ranch (aka Pierce Point Ranch) was the largest of four independent ranches on the the Point Reyes peninsula in the late 1800s. The Shafter brothers sold a 2,200-acre tract of land on the end of Tomales Point to Solomon Pierce for $7,000 in 1858. Pierce Ranch excelled in the production of the finest quality of butter, as indicated by Goldberg, Bowen, and Company—a famous San Francisco fine food purveyor—which purchased the entire butter production of Pierce Point Ranch during late 1800s. The Point Reyes region ranches were, as a group, considered to be the best dairy ranches among the 300 in the state as of 1900, and Pierce Ranch was at the top among the Point Reyes ranches in the quality of its product. In recognition of its importance, it was written up in 1878 and again in 1880 as an outstanding example of a dairy ranch. The Pierce Ranch ceased operations in 1973. Beginning in 1980, the National Park Service invested in the rehabilitation of the ranch core, citing it as the best example of a west Marin dairy ranch from the 1800s. Among the many ranches of the Point Reyes peninsula and of the nearby Olema Valley, Pierce Ranch is the one with the greatest degree of integrity of early buildings in its physical complex. Pierce Ranch is probably the least altered, least modernized, physical complex of ranch buildings in the area. Part of the ranch's main house dates to 1856, making it the oldest surviving ranch house in the Point Reyes region, if not in the whole coastal section of Marin County. Pierce Point Ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, and was subsequently opened to the public as an interpretive site. Visitors are welcome to walk through the ranch complex, where interpretive signs describe the history and function of the various buildings. Historic features include the main house, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, barns, dairy houses, and many other structures.
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Founded in 1858, the Pierce Ranch was the largest of the four independent ranches on the Point Reyes Peninsula. Go to the visitor center to find out about the Tulle Elk. Endemic to the peninsula, you can spot herds during the hike.
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Very nice tour - duration 5 hours
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Very steep but ingenious 😁 you have to have walked it once
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features should I explore in Point Reyes National Seashore?
Point Reyes National Seashore is rich in natural beauty. Don't miss Alamere Falls, a unique waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach. For stunning coastal views and wildlife, visit Tomales Point, known for its Tule elk and seasonal wildflowers. Abbotts Lagoon is a haven for birdwatchers, and Drakes Beach offers opportunities to observe elephant seals.
Are there any historical sites to visit in the region?
Yes, the area has a rich history. Explore Pierce Point Ranch, an interpretive site showcasing the region's dairy ranching heritage. The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, built in 1870, offers panoramic ocean views. You can also see the Historic KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station at the end of the picturesque Cypress Tree Tunnel, or visit Kule Loklo, a re-created Coast Miwok village.
What are some family-friendly activities in Point Reyes National Seashore?
Families can enjoy a visit to the Bear Valley Visitor Center, which provides information and access to short nature trails. Pierce Point Ranch is also family-friendly, offering a glimpse into historical ranch life. Many beaches like Limantour Beach are suitable for relaxing walks, and tidepooling at McClures Beach can be a fun activity when the tide is out.
When is the best time to visit Point Reyes National Seashore for wildlife viewing?
The best time depends on the wildlife you wish to see. Elephant seals are particularly visible from December through March during their mating and birthing season, especially at the Elephant Seal Overlook or Drakes Beach. Tule elk can be observed year-round at Tomales Point, and spring (May to August) brings abundant wildflowers.
Are there good hiking opportunities near the attractions?
Absolutely. The region offers a variety of trails. For an adventurous hike to a unique natural feature, consider the trail to Alamere Falls. If you're looking for easier options, you can find several easy hikes in the area, such as the Bear Valley Trail or the Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail. You can find more details on various routes in the Easy hikes in Point Reyes National Seashore guide.
What kind of cycling routes are available in Point Reyes National Seashore?
Point Reyes National Seashore offers diverse cycling experiences. You can find challenging road cycling routes like the Lighthouse & Chimney Rock Road, or moderate options such as the Nicasio – Nicasio Reservoir loop from Point Reyes Station. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes in Point Reyes National Seashore guide.
Where can I see the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel?
The iconic Cypress Tree Tunnel is located on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, leading to the Historic KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station. It's a popular spot for photography and offers a memorable drive or walk.
What is the Point Reyes Shipwreck and where can I find it?
The Point Reyes Shipwreck, also known as the S.S. Point Reyes, is a picturesque and popular photography spot. This rusty fishing boat is located behind the Inverness Market in the town of Inverness, offering a unique visual attraction.
Are there any campgrounds near the attractions?
Yes, Wildcat Campground just behind the beach is a notable option. It's situated on a wide, flat terrace above the beach and provides toilets, potable drinking water, and trash cans for campers. It's a great base for exploring the coastal areas.
What are the best viewpoints for scenic photography?
For breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Tomales Point offers spectacular vistas of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Point Reyes peninsula coastline. Chimney Rock also provides mesmerizing views of the coast with its jagged cliffs and crashing waves.
Can I find any hidden beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore?
While many beaches are well-known, exploring areas like Sculptured Beach, accessible by walking south from Limantour Beach, can offer a more secluded experience with dramatic cliffs and rock formations. McClures Beach is also known for its tidepools, which can feel like a hidden gem when the tide is out.
What is the Philip Burton Wilderness Area?
The Philip Burton Wilderness Area covers over 30,000 acres within Point Reyes National Seashore. It encompasses diverse landscapes including forested ridges, coastal grasslands, sand dunes, and rugged shoreline, offering extensive opportunities for exploration and a true wilderness experience.
Most popular routes in Point Reyes National Seashore
Most popular attractions in Point Reyes National Seashore
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