Last weekend ( in the month of May) I yearned for a breath of fresh air, and…. oysters. I know oysters sound so random, but I just wanted to eat fresh oysters. And I knew that there is no better place for oysters than in Point Reyes. Fueled by snacks, protected by sunscreen, and armed with a good book, I ventured out on a road trip from San Francisco to Point Reyes. My goals: oysters and epic coastal drives. Spoiler alert: I completed both, and maybe even discovered a secret waterfall or a local cheese haven on this perfect day trip to Point Reyes from San Francisco
How long does it take to Drive from San Francisco to Point Reyes
The drive from San Francisco to Point Reyes National Seashore depends on your chosen route. The scenic route via Highway 1 takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (59.4-92.2 miles), offering stunning coastal views but with potential for slower speeds. Faster options using I-80 or US-101 shave off time (around 1 hour, 45-46 miles) but sacrifice scenery. For this trip, the extra beauty of Highway 1 outweighs the slightly longer drive.
When is the best time to take a road trip from SF to Point Reyes
For the most comfortable and scenic experience, aim for spring or fall on your Point Reyes road trip. These shoulder seasons offer mild temperatures, sunshine, and less fog compared to the cooler, wetter winters and potentially foggy summers.
Fog Alert: Fog can be a frequent visitor along the California coast, especially in the mornings and evenings. Be sure to check the fog forecast before you head out and pack a light jacket in case the temperatures dip. Point Reyes is typically fog covered most of the summer and also can be very windy.
Driving Hwy 1 in the fog is no fun. There are a lot of twisty curves and driving can get pretty dicey in the fog.
In the event fog rolls in, a last minute option could be visiting Mt. Tamalpais. This mountain is usually above the fog and the views are truly outstanding. There’s a lot of hiking trails up there as well.
Day Trip from San Francisco to Point Reyes
O.k., first of all:
Pt. Reyes is the name of the small town close to the Pt. Reyes National Seashore. I was always confused between the two, but now I understand the geography and want to make sure my readers understand the geography as well.
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Best Places to Stop Between San Francisco and Point Reyes
An early start on this day trip from SF to Point Reyes is key to maximizing your day. Rise and shine before 7:00 AM and get ready to hit the road.
Stop 1: Breakfast and Coffee in Sausalito (8 miles from SF)
Sausalito is a super nice spot to stop at early in the morning, before the traffic comes in.
The town is a wonderful place to just stroll down along the shops and restaurants and then back along the water.
Drive or walk through the town and stop for breakfast at The Anchorage.
As you sip your coffee and savor fluffy pancakes with a view of bobbing boats, the city fades away, replaced by a postcard-perfect panorama.
Stop 2: Muir Beach Overlook ( 4 miles from Sausalito)
Hope back onto Highway 1 and stop at Muir Beach Overlook. At Muir Beach be sure to:
- Take a short walk down a winding path that leads to a panoramic vista of Muir Beach. Big views, small effort.
- At sunrise, this small hike takes the views to another level. It is definitely worth a quick stop.
It’s a small overlook with limited parking( about 20 spots).
Stop 3: The Town of Bolinas (12 miles from Muir Beach )
Carve out some time to explore the quirky town of Bolinas, a hidden seaside town tucked away off Highway 1. While in Bolinas:
- See the colorful houses lined on Wharf Street
- Browse through the eclectic shops of Bolinas
- Grab a coffee at the local cafe, browse through unique art galleries
- Simply wander the streets and soak up the charm
- Go back in history and visit the old Saloon of Bolinas
- Visit the Bolinas Lagoon, one of the last estuaries on the West Coast
- Depending on the time of day, have a beach picnic at Bolinas Beach
Stop 4: Muir Woods National Monument (9 miles from Bolinas)
After Bolinas, you will drive inland for a dose of sky high Redwood Trees at Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley. Every time I visit, I can’t stop marveling at the sheer size and beauty of these trees. I would love to bottle up earthy scent and keep it forever (I understand some may think this is weird). While here:
- Hike along the Redwood Creek Trail, marveling at the sheer size and majesty of these giants. Trails vary in length.
- Breathe in the earthy scent of the forest floor and feel a sense of peace wash over you in this emerald sanctuary
Reservations are mandatory: You cannot secure parking upon arrival at Muir Woods. Reservations are required seven days a week, year-round.
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Stop 5: Tomales Bay (30 miles from Muir Woods)
As we continue north, the landscape transforms into rolling hills dotted with grazing sheep. Our destination? Tomales Bay, a haven for oyster lovers like myself. And at this point you are probably really hungry, so I would recommend that you skip your lunch plans and enjoy a late lunch at the best oyster place there is: The Marshall Store. This is where I found peace. Truly.
- Make a full stop at Marshall Store ( not the department store) who has only the best oysters and fish you’ll ever have. Shuck them yourself and savor their briny goodness with a squeeze of lemon and a splash of mignonette. Plan accordingly, the wait can be long on a weekend( 30 minutes)
- Instead of just admiring the bay from the shore, rent a kayak and paddle around Tomales Bay State Park. Definitely kayak or paddle board to go up Lagunitas Creek. It’s so peaceful, with giant alder trees and ferns, and you’re guaranteed to see some otters or herons or turtles. Go at high tide if possible as there are lots of gravel bars and other obstructions.
- Anyone who has the opportunity to do a bioluminescence tour in Tomales Bay, do so with utmost urgency. One of the most surreal things I’ve ever seen. For this activity you definitely have to be able to stay overnight in Tomales Bay
- Hike Tomales Point Trail, the views and wildlife are unbeatable. During summer and fall, you can get a chance to hear bugling and rutting Tule Elk
Stop 6: Point Reyes (12 miles from Tomales Bay)
You could easily spend a whole day, or more, at Point Reyes. It is 65,000 acres of miles of secluded beaches, rolling hills, freshwater lakes, campgrounds and a ton more.
Here, time seems to slow down. On a clear day in Point Reyes, the scenery is just unbeatable.
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The Best Things to do in Point Reyes
1. Hike Along the Windswept Trails
Marvel at the migrating whales (during peak season) all at Point Reyes National Seashore
2. Simply relax on a secluded beach (there are many)
Let the sound of the waves lull you into a state of tranquility
My personal favorite is Kehoe Beach via the Kehoe Beach Trail. Walk to the far right once the trail ends and head to where the water meets the cliffs – there are hundreds of little tide pools to explore.
My other favorites are Drake’s Beach and Limantour Beach, both pretty secluded and having sweeping views of the cliffs and ocean.
I also highly recommend Sculpture Beach and Secret Beach, a few miles down the coast trail from Limantour: come at low tide if possible for some cool sea caves, arches and tide pooling – requires some clambering.
Also, these beaches are amazing for a picnic. Bring an IP market sandwich
3. Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse
No trip to Point Reyes is complete without a visit to the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse ( it’s free). Hike the scenic trail to the top for breathtaking views of the coastline and the chance to explore this historic landmark.
In order to actually get to the lighthouse you need to descend 200 steps from the observation deck down a narrow staircase. If you can’t walk the stairs, there are great views from the observation deck. On days of high wind the staircase is closed.
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4. Visit the Toluma Dairy Farm
If you are a cheese fanatic like me, First Sunday of the month there are tours at the Toluma Dairy Farm in Tomales. You get to eat a beautiful board of cheese at this pretty farm.
5. Stock up on snack and local goods from Point Reyes Farmers Market
I am a sucker for farmers markets and Point Reyes has the most charming farmers market ever. If you find yourself there on a Saturday morning, do yourself a favor and stop at their stellar farmers market. Great place to stock up on snacks before a day of hiking.
Ughh.. as I type this, I reminisce on how much I just adore Point Reyes.
6. Lunch at West Marin Culture Shop ( which used to be Cowgirl Creamery..)
Sandwiches and cheeses at the West Marin Culture shop is another idea for a perfect lunch.
Imagine perfectly toasted bread overflowing with a symphony of local cheeses, perhaps a sharp cheddar from Point Reyes mixed with creamy Mt. Tam.
7. Brickmaiden for Delicious scones and coffee
If you do go into Point Reyes, you need to stop at the Brickmaiden for their delicious scones and coffee. Tobeys is also another exceptional bakery and coffee house. On this day trip to Point Reyes, just ditch the Starbucks and Peets and all other local chain coffee shops and get your coffee local.
8. Wonder through a Tunnel of Cypress Trees
The Cypress Tree Tunnel is a short but captivating walk through a tunnel formed by towering Monterey cypress trees.
These majestic trees, with their windswept branches and fragrant bark, create a cathedral-like atmosphere. Imagine strolling through this natural wonder, sunlight filtering through the dense canopy overhead.
9. Head out on The Chimney Rock Trail
Chimney Rock offers a hidden gem experience. Here, you’ll be rewarded with equally stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Drakes Bay, minus the crowds.
The trail itself transforms into a vibrant wildflower haven during spring, bursting with colorful blooms that will leave you in awe.
Keep an eye out for migrating gray whales breaching in the distance, especially during March and April when cow and calf pairs make their annual journey north from Baja California.
Sometimes you can see and hear the elephant seals thunderous barks on the isolated colonies below.
