A perfect day trip to Point Reyes – The foggiest place on the West Coast
After nearly 13 years of living in the Bay Area, we finally gave Point Reyes the attention it truly deserves—and wow, we’ve been seriously sleeping on this gem. Both Aditya (my husband) and I had visited the area separately years ago, and each time we were greeted with classic coastal fog and barely-there views. It was the kind of weather that made it easy to say, “Eh, maybe next time.”
Well, this was finally the next time.
We planned it out just right, with clear skies in the forecast and a full bucket list in hand. From scenic hikes to jaw-dropping cliffs, this day trip turned out to be one of our favorite Bay Area adventures to date. If Point Reyes has been on your radar—or if you’ve written it off because of past foggy flops—this post is your sign to give it another shot.
When to visit Point Reyes: Timing is everything!
If you’ve ever driven out to Point Reyes only to be greeted by a wall of fog, you’re not alone. With over 200 foggy days a year, Point Reyes is officially one of the foggiest places on the planet—second only to Newfoundland! That iconic lighthouse view? It’s often hidden behind a thick marine layer, especially in the summer.
Fog is most common from July through September, when warm inland air pulls cool, moist ocean air over the coast, creating that classic “No Sky July” and “Fogust” effect. If you’re hoping for clear skies, your best bet is to plan your visit for late spring (May to early June) or early fall (late September through October). These shoulder seasons tend to offer the clearest days, milder temperatures, and fewer crowds.
Also good to know: The famous lighthouse stairs (all 313 of them!) are only open when wind speeds are below 40 mph. So even on a clear day, it’s worth checking the conditions ahead of time on the Point Reyes National Seashore website or at the Bear Valley Visitor Center before making the trek.
Pro tip: Fog often rolls in overnight and burns off by early afternoon, so if you’re aiming for those sweeping coastal views, time your hikes or lighthouse visits between late morning and early afternoon.
How much time do you need to explore Point Reyes?
We did Point Reyes as a day trip—and while we covered a lot, we quickly realized one day barely scratches the surface. This place is huge and packed with things to see, from dramatic cliffs and historic lighthouses to tule elk and hidden beaches.
We focused our time on some of the must-visit spots in the Point Reyes National Seashore and managed to check off a good chunk of our bucket list. But honestly? There’s still so much we didn’t get to—like hiking to Alamere Falls or spending time in the quieter northern stretches of the park.
If it’s your first time, a well-planned day trip can definitely give you a great taste of what Point Reyes has to offer. But if you have the flexibility, consider making it a weekend getaway. That way, you can explore at a slower pace, catch a sunset or two, and maybe even squeeze in some oyster tasting, a tide pooling stop, or a coastal hike that takes more than a couple of hours.
In short: one day is doable, two is dreamy.
1 Day Itinerary in Point Reyes
If you’re trying to see as much of Point Reyes as possible in one day, this itinerary is proof that it can be done—with a bit of planning, a lot of snacks, and the willingness to start early. Here’s everything we squeezed into our one-day adventure, complete with coastal views, wind-whipped cliffs, sleepy elephant seals, and some seriously good pastries.
9:00 AM – Breakfast at Brickmaiden Breads (Point Reyes Station)
We left home bright and early and made our first stop at Brickmaiden Breads in downtown Point Reyes Station. After a 1.5-hour drive, I was very ready for breakfast, and this little local bakery totally delivered.
The storefront is charming and rustic, with a tempting window display of flaky croissants, sourdough loaves, and just-baked goodies. We ordered a hot chocolate, an almond cake, and a quiche—and yes, we considered going back for more.
The real gem, though, is the peaceful garden out back. Tucked away behind the building, it’s full of scattered tables and shady spots perfect for a slow morning start. We found a sunny corner, took a deep breath, and enjoyed our breakfast under a warm blue sky. It felt like the calm before the (literal) windswept adventure.
Tip: If you’re planning a packed day, eat well in the morning. There aren’t a ton of food stops once you head into the National Seashore.
10:00 AM – Point Reyes Lighthouse
From there, we made our way to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, about a 40-minute drive out to the coast. If there’s one thing to know—it gets busy, fast. The main parking lot is tiny, and we were already seeing a line of cars parked along the road by the time we arrived around 10 AM. So if the lighthouse is high on your list, make it an early stop.
The walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse begins with a 0.7-mile paved trail to the Observation Deck. From there, if conditions are right (aka wind speeds below 40 mph), you’ll get the chance to descend the famous 313 stairs to the lighthouse itself. It’s a steep trek back up, but the views make it absolutely worth it.
The day we visited was incredibly windy—so windy I actually started to get a headache! I ended up buying a beanie from the visitor center, and it helped a lot. So if you’re planning to go out to the point, bring ear protection (seriously).
At the lighthouse, we were lucky to find a ranger on site who told us about the Fresnel lens and how it could project a beam of light—powered by just a candle—all the way out to sea, 22 miles away. We loved learning about the lighthouse keepers, the rotating clockworks, and how tough it must’ve been to live and work out here, isolated in the elements.
Tip: The stairs to the lighthouse are closed on days when wind speeds exceed 40 mph. You can still walk to the Observation Deck most days, though!
11:45 AM – South Beach Overlook
After making the trek back up from the lighthouse (yes, those 313 stairs will test your legs), we stopped at South Beach Overlook, just near the parking area. We had skipped it earlier to beat the crowds at the lighthouse.
This overlook offers incredible views of the coastline—stretching endlessly into the horizon with deep blue water and frothy surf. Honestly, this might’ve been one of my favorite lookout points of the day. You’ll catch similar glimpses on your walk back from the lighthouse, but the official overlook is worth a stop on its own.
12:00 PM – Chimney Rock Trail + Elephant Seal Overlook
Next, we drove a quick 5 minutes to the Chimney Rock Trailhead. This trail is short, sweet, and completely stunning. Rather than ending at a single jaw-dropping spot, the entire trail offers continuous views of the coastline, cliffs, and ocean below. It’s less about “the destination” and more about soaking up every second of the journey.
Since we visited on a clear day, the ocean was glowing in shades of teal and turquoise—almost tropical-looking against the rugged cliffs. It’s one of those hikes where you keep stopping just to take it all in. Bring your camera!
Right nearby is the Elephant Seal Overlook, where you can spot dozens of seals sprawled out on the sand like it’s their full-time job. We found ourselves giggling at how relaxed they looked, basking in the sun without a care in the world.
1:30 PM – Drakes Beach + Snack Break
By now, we were more than ready for a break, so we headed to Drakes Beach, a mellow stretch of sand backed by dramatic, sculpted cliffs. There’s a visitor center here with bathrooms and some picnic tables—perfect for refueling if you’ve brought snacks or a packed lunch.
After a quick bite, we strolled along the beach. This beach offers such a unique coastal vibe—tall cliffs lining the shore and soft sand underfoot. We loved walking along the beach and were thrilled to find dozens of sand dollars scattered in the sand. It felt like a mini treasure hunt!
But here’s an important note: even though it’s tempting to take some shells or sand dollars home, collecting natural objects—including shells—isn’t allowed within Point Reyes National Seashore. The National Park Service encourages all visitors to follow the Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the ecosystem. So, enjoy the beauty, take all the photos you want, but leave everything as you found it so future visitors can have the same experience.
2:15 PM – Cypress Tree Tunnel
The Cypress Tree Tunnel is one of the most iconic photo ops in Point Reyes, with a long row of Monterey cypress trees creating a naturally arched canopy over the road. We had passed it early in the morning and noticed it was almost empty, but by the time we returned in the afternoon, it was absolutely packed.
We didn’t feel like jostling for a photo, so we snapped a quick one from the car and kept moving. If this spot is a must-see for you, plan to visit before 10 AM if you want that empty, peaceful look.
3:00 PM – Late Lunch at The Farmer’s Wife
We returned to Point Reyes Station for a well-earned lunch at The Farmer’s Wife. The sandwiches are delicious but on the pricier side, so keep that in mind. What stood out more, though, were the unique local treats—buffalo milk ice cream (surprisingly creamy and rich) and fermented fruit sodas. I tried the hibiscus apple flavor and it was so refreshing after a long day outdoors.
They also have a nice lawn in the back where you can relax and enjoy your meal—an ideal post-hike picnic spot if you didn’t get enough of nature already!
3:45 PM – Honey & Mead Tasting at Heidrun Meadery
We had made a reservation at Heidrun Meadery and it was such a relaxing way to wind down our day. They offer sparkling mead and honey tastings, and you can bring your own food or snacks to pair with your flight.
The grounds are gorgeous—open, peaceful, and surrounded by wildflowers and fruit trees. Our favorite discovery was the massive willow tree, which you can actually go inside. Hidden beneath its curtain of leaves is a little seating area with benches. We sat there sipping our mead, completely in our own little world.
Tastings were $25 for mead and $30 for honey when we visited, and the staff were lovely—happy to explain the process and offer pairing ideas.
5:00 PM – Little Wing Farm Stand (Final Stop!)
On our drive back home, we couldn’t resist stopping at the Little Wing Farm stall, which we’d spotted earlier. It’s a small, honor-system flower stand stocked with beautiful, hand-tied bouquets. The blooms were gorgeous—wildflower-style arrangements in soft, natural colors.
They were a bit too pricey for us to take one home this time, but the stop itself was so charming and felt like the perfect way to cap off the day.
🌿 Still on Our Bucket List
Even with a full day of exploring, we barely scratched the surface of everything Point Reyes has to offer. That’s the thing about this place—you could come back again and again and still discover something new. Here are a few gems we didn’t get to check out this time, but they’re definitely staying on our list for next time.
Point Reyes Shipwrecks
This weathered fishing boat, stranded in a shallow inlet near Inverness, is a magnet for photographers and Instagrammers alike. We’ve seen so many dreamy sunset shots of the shipwreck, and we were hoping to catch it on our way out. But after a full day of adventuring (and with dinner on our minds), we decided to save it for next time. It’s easy to access—just behind the Inverness Store—and looks especially beautiful in soft evening light or early morning fog.
Tule Elk Reserve
Point Reyes is one of the few places where you can still see tule elk, a species native to California. The Tule Elk Reserve is located at Tomales Point and offers sweeping views and a good chance of spotting these majestic animals, especially during late summer when the rut (mating season) begins. It’s a bit of a longer hike (around 10 miles round trip), so it’s best saved for a full-day adventure of its own.
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company
This one hurt a little—we were really looking forward to stopping here on our way back home for some creamy local cheese. Unfortunately, we didn’t check the closing time ahead of time and missed it by just a little! (Pro tip: they usually close by 5 PM, so plan accordingly.) From everything we’ve heard, their organic cheeses are top-notch, and they have a lovely little tasting room and shop. Next time, we’re making this an earlier-in-the-day stop for sure!
Elephant Rock – A Negative Tide Adventure
We stumbled across this gem while planning our trip, but the timing didn’t line up. Elephant Rock is only accessible during a negative tide and involves some rock scrambling and a spirit of adventure. But the payoff? A stunning sea arch and dramatic coastal views that feel like a hidden world. We’re keeping our eyes peeled for the next negative tide weekend!
Sculptured Beach – Also for Negative Tide Days
Another tide-sensitive wonder, Sculptured Beach is known for its intricate sandstone formations that have been carved by wind and waves over millennia. It’s only accessible during low or negative tide from Limantour Beach, and we’ve seen photos that look straight out of a fantasy movie. This one is at the top of our list for a return visit, especially paired with a peaceful Limantour Beach walk.
Point Reyes truly surprised us in the best way. After years of overlooking this coastal gem, we’re so glad we finally gave it the full-day adventure it deserves. From windswept cliffs and historic lighthouses to peaceful meadows and lazy seals, this place has a little magic for everyone.
And while we covered a lot in just one day, we left with even more to come back for. It’s the kind of destination that invites you to return with every season, every tide, and every craving for a quiet slice of California’s wild beauty. If you’re planning your own Point Reyes day trip, I hope this guide helps you soak in the best of it—and inspires you to create your own unforgettable adventure.
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