14 Finest Issues to Do in Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore

When you’re planning a visit to Sonoma County, don’t skip taking a detour alongside the coastal stretch of Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore—simply 20 minutes from my hometown and one among California’s most underrated getaways. It could not have the identical buzz as Napa or Sonoma, however it’s filled with its personal type of magic: wild coastlines, scenic hikes, charming small cities, and ridiculously good cheese and oysters.

I’ve spent numerous afternoons right here and nonetheless discover new issues to like, and I wish to share them with you! These are my private favourite issues to do in Level Reyes and all of the must-see spots I inform my very own pals about. 

➞ If you wish to delve deeper, don’t miss my Level Reyes Weekend Information. Quick on time? Try my Good Day Journey Itinerary to Level Reyes.

Hike All the way down to the Level Reyes Lighthouse

Though it’s not operational, the  Level Reyes Lighthouse is without doubt one of the extra widespread issues to do within the space—and for good purpose. In-built 1870, it’s dramatically set on the backside of a cliff. There’s a brief stroll to the overlook, however when you’re up for it, you’ll be able to descend the 313 stairs to get an up-close look. (Yup, you’ll must climb again up too—name it your exercise for the day!).

Simply you’ll want to verify the climate first—Level Reyes is thought for its moody fog and loopy winds.

➞ PS: An ideal place to cease for photos whereas strolling from the car parking zone to the Lighthouse is the Leaning Tree, which has been featured on many Instagram feeds (together with mine!)—possibly yours subsequent?

Do a Native Cheese Tasting 

Cheese lovers, this one’s for us. From spring by means of September, you are able to do a sit-down tasting at Level Reyes Farmstead, the place a good looking board of native cheeses and seasonal bites awaits. (I’m keen on the Quinta—smooth, creamy, and virtually begging for a glass of wine on the aspect—however the basic Level Reyes Blue is all the time a standout too.) Their on-site kitchen, The Fork, additionally whips up comforting favorites like ooey-gooey mac and cheese, and when you’ve obtained room, don’t skip the house-made ice cream sandwiches.

Wish to hold the cheese tour going? Head over to Toluma Farms, one of many uncommon dairies on the earth that milks each goats and sheep. They craft eight seasonal cheeses in smaller batches, and the farm’s peaceable vibe makes the expertise really feel further particular.

Stroll By way of The Cypress Tree Tunnel

The Cypress Tree Tunnel is lined with Monterey cypress bushes planted again within the Nineteen Thirties, this tunnel of inexperienced arches results in a historic white Artwork Deco constructing that when housed the KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station. 

It’s obtained a little bit of that “secret fairytale lane” vibe, combined with actual historical past. This was as soon as the beating coronary heart of ship-to-shore communication on the West Coast—one of many final Morse code stations of its type, nicknamed the Wi-fi Large of the Pacific. At present, it’s all in regards to the views (and the picture ops!). 

Do a Mead Tasting at Heidrun Meadery

When you’ve by no means tried mead earlier than, that is the place to do it. Heidrun Meadery makes bubbly, honey-based wine utilizing nectar from totally different areas—and the result’s one thing completely distinctive (and completely scrumptious). You possibly can go for a glass, a full bottle, or a tasting flight if you wish to pattern a couple of. 

It’s obtained that informal, flower-filled allure that makes you wish to sit back and keep awhile. I like bringing alongside some native cheese and crackers to show it into slightly picnic. Bonus: when you’re visiting on a Saturday, you’ll be able to hop on their behind-the-scenes tour to see the way it’s all made!

Store & Stroll By way of Level Reyes Station

Downtown Level Reyes Station could also be small, however it’s filled with allure, nice espresso, and a few critically cute outlets. 

Begin your morning with a flaky pastry from Bovine Bakery—their scones and quiche are native favorites for a purpose. Then swing by Toby’s Feed Barn, a unusual combo of present store, espresso bar, and artwork gallery the place you’ll be able to seize a latte and a enjoyable memento. Don’t miss Level Reyes Books for a well-curated mixture of reads, or Vita Collage for swoon-worthy jewellery, house items, and items you didn’t know you wanted. And naturally, Cowgirl Barn Store is a should for cheese lovers—howdy, picnic provisions!

Don’t miss ending your stroll with a drink on the Previous Western Saloon. It has been slinging drinks for the reason that Nineties, making it one of many oldest bars in Marin County. Step inside and also you’ll discover creaky flooring, classic allure, and an entire lot of native historical past—it as soon as served as a gathering spot for ranchers, loggers, and fishermen again within the day. 

Additionally, take a fast peek at a Ten Thousand Buddha mural (proper exterior Level Reyes Yoga), painted by a neighborhood artist Amanda Giacomini who vowed to color 10,000 Buddhas across the globe.

Tour Historic Pierce Ranch at Tomales Level

As soon as thought of the highest dairy ranch in all of California, Pierce Level Ranch is now a quiet slice of historical past tucked into the northern finish of Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore. Whereas it’s not operational, wandering the grounds provides you a glimpse into what ranch life was like over a century in the past. The weathered barns, outbuildings, and gorgeous coastal backdrop make it a stunning place for a stroll—and some images.

It’s additionally the start line for the Tomales Level Path, one of the scenic hikes within the space (and a terrific spot to identify tule elk!). Whether or not you’re doing the total 9.7-mile hike or simply exploring the ranch and close by McClures Seaside (solely 0.4 miles away), this space is a mixture of nature and California historical past.

Kayak Tomales Bay 

Probably the most memorable methods to expertise Level Reyes is from the water—and kayaking on Tomales Bay is the way in which to do it. You possibly can lease a kayak or e-book a guided tour (extremely really helpful for first-timers!). Daytime paddles supply peaceable views, chicken sightings, and possibly even a curious seal or two. However the true magic occurs at evening—when the water comes alive with glowing bioluminescence. It’s like paddling by means of stardust!

For leases or excursions, try Blue Waters Kayaking or Tomales Bay Expeditions—each are nice native choices that’ll get you out on the water safely and easily. When you favor, you too can lease paddle boards.

Eat Oysters

Oysters are type of a giant deal in Level Reyes—due to the nutrient-rich waters of Tomales Bay, this space produces a number of the freshest, tastiest oysters on the West Coast. Whether or not you want them uncooked, grilled, or slathered in chipotle bourbon butter, there’s a spot right here along with your identify on it. 

Hog Island Oyster Co. is probably the most iconic (sure, it’s touristy—but additionally completely price it), with BBQ oysters and bay views that hit good. For a extra laid-back expertise, The Marshall Retailer serves up oysters six alternative ways, plus a couple of different menu gems, all with a seat proper on the water. A lot of the eating places serve oysters too!

➞ Nonetheless hungry? See my picks for the 14 Finest Eating places in California’s Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore.

Discover Your Favourite Hike

There are so many trails in Level Reyes that it could take weeks (possibly months!) to cowl all of them. The excellent news? Meaning there’s a hike for each type of adventurer—whether or not you’re searching for a scenic stroll or an all-day problem. Listed here are a couple of of my favorites so as to add to your listing:

• Alamere Falls – 13 miles round-trip. A difficult, all-day hike that rewards you with a shocking waterfall spilling straight onto the seashore.
• Johnstone & Indian Nature Trails – About 2 miles round-trip. A simple, breezy hike that results in a pair of peaceable seashores in Tomales Bay State Park.
• Tomales Level Path – 9.7 miles round-trip. Sweeping coastal views, tule elk sightings, and wildflowers galore alongside a scenic ridge.
• Chimney Rock Path – 1.75 miles round-trip. A brief and candy path with huge payoffs—assume elephant seals, wildflowers, and ocean panoramas.
• Estero Path – As much as 8.8 miles round-trip, relying in your turnaround level (Drakes Head or Sundown Seaside). Nice for birding and coastal views.
• McClures Seaside Path – 0.5 miles round-trip. A fast and quiet downhill stroll to a wild and rocky seashore.
• Abbotts Lagoon – 2.3 miles round-trip. Mild terrain with lagoon and ocean views, particularly gorgeous throughout wildflower season or winter chicken migrations.

Earlier than heading out, cease by one of many customer facilities for maps, suggestions, and slightly native perception. Every one presents one thing totally different:

• Bear Valley Customer Heart – The primary hub for information, with cultural displays and path suggestions.
• Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore Customer Heart – Study in regards to the lighthouse and native marine life.
• Kenneth C. Patrick Customer Heart – Situated close to Drakes Seaside with displays on maritime historical past and fossils courting again to the 1500s.

Earlier than you head out to discover, be sure that to cease by one of many customer facilities for maps, suggestions, and a few native perception. Bear Valley Customer Heart is the primary hub with path data and cultural displays, whereas the Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore Customer Heart presents fascinating shows in regards to the lighthouse and native marine life. If you end up close to Drakes Seaside, pop into the Kenneth C. Patrick Customer Heart to dive into maritime historical past and take a look at fossils courting again to the 1500s—every middle has its personal distinctive allure that can assist you profit from your go to.

Take a Guided Path Trip on Horseback

When you favor driving horseback to climbing, Level Reyes has some improbable guided path rides fo all expertise ranges. 5 Brooks Ranch presents rides by means of lush forests, rolling hills, and even alongside sandy seashores, with choices for newbies and youngsters too (sure, there’s pony rides!). Then there’s Level Reyes Arabian Adventures, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from breathtaking 360-degree views of Tomales Bay on their non-public ranch whereas studying to attach along with your horse. 

Chill out at One of many Many Seashores

There are greater than 80 miles of shoreline right here, so when you’re a seashore particular person (and even when you’re not), you’ll discover your type of spot. Every seashore has slightly one thing totally different—some are nice for sunbathing, others for dramatic coastal views. Listed here are a couple of of my favorites:

• Drake’s Seaside is an easy-access, huge sandy spot with gorgeous white sandstone cliffs and calm waves, making it excellent for households with youngsters.
• Coronary heart’s Want Seaside, nestled in Tomales Bay State Park, is right for swimming, kayaking, picnicking, and even has close by climbing trails for slightly journey.
• Limantour Seaside stretches for 4 miles with light waves nice for households, plus close by picnic spots and climbing trails if you need a break from the water.

Go Whale Watching

Whale watching in Level Reyes is fairly superb—particularly when you time your go to throughout peak season, which runs from December by means of April when grey whales make their migration alongside the coast.

Two of the very best locations to identify them are the Level Reyes Lighthouse (simply be ready for these 300+ stairs!) and Chimney Rock, which additionally comes with stunning views of wildflowers and dramatic coastal cliffs. Carry binoculars when you’ve got them, and costume heat—it may get windy on the market!

Take within the View on the South Seaside Overlook

The South Seaside Overlook path is only a quick stroll from the Level Reyes Lighthouse car parking zone. Most individuals are right here to stroll to the lighthouse and miss this, don’t be one among them! This cliffside spot provides you front-row seats to “The Nice Seaside”—an 11-mile stretch of untamed, rugged shoreline. 

Carry your binoculars and also you may simply spot grey whales cruising by within the winter or elephant seals lounging down under (the colony arrange store right here after a giant storm within the ‘90s). 

See the Earthquake Fence on the Earthquake Path

When you’re in any respect fascinated by pure historical past (or simply wish to see one thing kinda loopy), take a stroll down the Earthquake Path close to the Bear Valley Customer Heart. It’s a brief and straightforward 0.6-mile loop, however it holds numerous historical past.

The land right here sits proper on the San Andreas Fault, and this path provides you a front-row have a look at how highly effective the notorious 1906 earthquake actually was. There are informative plaques and you may see components of the fence the place it was separated by the quake.

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