Point Reyes National Seashore
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Point Reyes National Seashore

Untamed windswept cliffs, historic lighthouses, and thriving tule elk herds on the Pacific edge.

Arrival airport
STS
Airport drive
1 h 45 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–3 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Standard vehicles are suitable for main roads; check rental contracts for restrictions on unpaved trailhead access.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Point Reyes National Seashore

Know before you go

Trailhead Capacity

Lots at Palomarin and Bear Valley often reach capacity on weekends; have a secondary destination in mind. Use the designated overflow areas only if permitted by local signage.

Connectivity Gaps

Cellular service is non-existent in most western valley and coastal areas. Download all navigation maps and digital permits before leaving Point Reyes Station.

Gateway Supplies

Point Reyes Station and Olema serve as the final locations for fuel and groceries. No gasoline or prepared food services exist within the Seashore boundaries.

Seasonal Transit

Winter whale-watching months often trigger road closures to private vehicles at the South Beach junction. Check for the Sir Francis Drake shuttle operation dates usually starting in late December.

Coastal Weather

Temperatures can drop sharply when the marine layer moves in, regardless of inland heat. Layered clothing is essential for the variable conditions at the Lighthouse cliffs.

Check current conditions:National Park Service: Point Reyes

2RVs, campervans & cars near STS

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
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Flights to STS

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at STS
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at STS

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at STS
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at STS
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at STS

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at STS
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Point Reyes National Seashore

  1. 01

    Headlands, Marine Life, and Maritime History

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Point Reyes Station

    • Point Reyes Lighthouse

      Descend the historic stairs to the 1870s light station for expansive Pacific views and seasonal whale watching.

    • Elephant Seal Overlook

      Observe the resident colony of massive marine mammals from a safe distance near the Chimney Rock trailhead.

    • Cypress Tree Tunnel

      Walk through the interlocking Monterey cypress canopy leading to the historic maritime radio station.

    Allow 90 minutes total; narrow, winding roads require cautious speeds.

    Fog can significantly reduce visibility on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard at any time.

    Pick up your vehicle at STS →
  2. 02

    Coastal Bluffs and Tule Elk Wilderness

    Suggested: 9 AM from Inverness

    • Tomales Point Trail

      Hike through the Tule Elk Preserve to see herds grazing against the backdrop of Bodega Bay.

    • Pierce Point Ranch

      Explore the well-preserved 19th-century dairy complex that highlights the region's agricultural heritage.

    Allow 60 minutes; the northern peninsula involves paved but rural stretches.

    Bring water as the Tomales Point area is exposed with no shade or potable sources.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Tidefalls and Fault Lines

    Suggested: 8 AM from Olema

    • Alamere Falls

      Trek to the rare coastal tidefall where freshwater drops directly onto the beach sands.

    • Earthquake Trail

      View the 1906 San Andreas Fault displacement at the Bear Valley Visitor Center interpretive walk.

    Allow 45 minutes to trailheads; parking at Palomarin is limited and fills quickly.

    The Alamere Falls hike is a strenuous 13-mile round trip; monitor tide levels for beach safety.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Official Shuttle and Parking Checks for Point Reyes Coastal Access

Backcountry camping and certain group activities require permits. The former winter shuttle to the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock has been indefinitely suspended; plan private-vehicle access subject to current road conditions, parking availability, and closures.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

STSPoint Reyes National Seashore

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport · 1 h 45 min drive

Find flights to STS

Plan your road trip

From Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport

1 h 45 min

about 63 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Point Reyes on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Point Reyes on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Point Reyes

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Point Reyes National Seashore

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Point Reyes National Seashore

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Point Reyes National Seashore

Explore guided activities around Point Reyes National Seashore. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Point Reyes National Seashore

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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