Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
282
some interesting exhibits on the ecology of the ar ea. Many trails begin here, including a
less-than-1-mile earthquake trail along the San Andreas Fault. Another park attraction is
Kule Loklo,
a Coast M iwok Native Indian village r eplica. If you're visiting during the
school year, you may run into groups of kids.
Hiking is the prime activity in the par k.
Abbott's Lagoon
is a flat, shor t hike that is
perfect for children, ending at the edge of the lagoon—offering plenty of bir d-watching
and sightings of local flora along the way . A drive to
Limantour Beach
is also a terrific
option. You get to the beach by turning left on Bear Valley Road and left again on Lim-
antour Road. Although swimming is not r ecommended (and it's usually too cold), y ou
can bird-watch and picnic here.
Point Reyes Lighthouse
is a big attraction in these par ts all year long, but especially
from January through March when migrating gray whales pass b y. From the Bear Valley
Visitor Center , the lighthouse is a 21-mile driv e along S ir F rancis D rake Boulev ard
through dairy farms and pastur es, where you can see many a co w lounging ar ound. At
the end of the r oad is a par king lot. The lighthouse is a half-mile walk away , and down
300 steep steps—with the ocean far belo w. It is a dramatic walk that will enthrall y our
kids; just be sur e to keep a firm grip on them. The cliffs all ar ound this ar ea are not
stable enough to climb on, and you'll see lots of warnings to that effect.
Sea Lion Over-
look
near the lighthouse is the place to watch those cr eatures as well as harbor seals.
From this stop, it's a short drive to
Drake's Beach
(just follow the signs as y ou drive
to or fr om the lighthouse). Another fine visitor center with friendly par k rangers is on
the beach parking lot, next to a cafe specializing in deep-fried foods. As is the case at all
the area beaches, ther e is no lifeguar d on duty and the under tow can be danger ous, so
swimming is absolutely discouraged. A t the end of D rake's Beach, past the P oint Reyes
Lifeboat S tation, is
Chimney R ock.
The
Elephant S eal Ov erlook
nearb y is a good
vantage point for observing elephant seals in the winter months.
At the nor thernmost tip of the seashor e at
Tomales Point
is the
Tule Elk Reserve,
where more than 500 of these once nearly extinct creatures live on 2,600 protected acres.
The reserve is a 30-minute driv e from Inverness. Stay on S ir Francis Drake Boulevard
until you reach Pierce Point Road, which takes you directly into the reserve.
WHERE TO DINE
If you're hungry or want to gather a picnic, continue on Sir Francis
Drake Boulevard until it meets Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. Drive across the little bridge
and you'll be in Point Reyes Station.
The Station House,
11180 State Rte. 1 (
&
415/
663-1515;
www.stationhousecafe.com; closed Wed), serves terrific breakfasts and lunch
and dinner specials that draw on local and organic ingredients, such as locally raised pork
chops or fish and chips. It's moderately priced, immensely popular, and hosts live music
on Thursdays and Sundays. For takeout,
Cow Girl Creamery,
80 4th St. (
&
415/663-
9335;
www.cowgirlcreamery.com), open Wednesday thr ough S unday fr om 10am to
11
Tips
Taking a Dip
If you're making this trip in August, in warmer weather, some wonderful swim-
ming beaches lie along Tomales Bay in Inverness. Look for signs on Sir Francis
Drake Boulevard leading to
Chicken Ranch Beach
or
Shell Beach.
Other times
of the year, dress warmly. Point Reyes gets foggy and cold.
