A Natural Sanctuary, A Human Haven

From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. Home to several cultures over thousands of years, the Seashore preserves a tapestry of stories and interactions of people. Point Reyes awaits your exploration.

A male elephant seal rears up as a host of other seals sleep on a beach around him.
Viewing Elephant Seals

While some elephant seals may be present on any given day of the year, the greatest number of seals haul out on park beaches December–March.

A park volunteer behind a desk talks to a man and a woman at a visitor center.
Start Your Visit Here

Stop by one of our three visitor centers to grab some maps, learn about the park and plan your visit with park staff!

Two kids petting a horse atop which is a smiling park ranger.
Park Programs and Events

Get to know your Seashore by going to a ranger program or attending one of these special events!

A group of visitors watching for gray whales.
Watch for Whales at Point Reyes

Gray whales migrate past Point Reyes from December through May and can frequently be seen from the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas.

Three people hike along a dirt path through coastal grasslands under a blue partly cloudy sky.
Where Can I Hike?

Hiking opportunities in Point Reyes are seemingly endless. Use this guide to search for hikes by time, habitat or location.

Three snowy plovers at the edge of vegetation on a sandy beach.
Snowy Plover Docent Training

Saturday, May 4. Become a Snowy Plover Docent and help educate visitors about the natural history and protection of the snowy plovers.

Waves wash in from the right onto a sandy beach. A forested ridge rises in the distance.
Have a Beach Day!

Point Reyes National Seashore contains ~80 miles of shoreline, including dozens of miles of sandy beach which park visitors may explore.

A 40-foot-tall waterfall cascades over coastal bluffs on the right onto a sandy ocean beach.
Alamere Falls

A 13-mile minimum round-trip hike is required to safely visit this coastal waterfall. Please respect the Wilderness and Leave No Trace.

Seven youth wearing yellow hard hats and khaki-colored shirts shovel dirt from a trail.
Join the Youth Conservation Corps

Point Reyes NS is now accepting applications for the Youth Conservation Corps 2024 Summer Program.

A young person wearing a variety of traditional beads and shells.
Coast Miwok Culture, Heritage & Craft

Learn more about the peoples who have called this area home for thousands of years.

A man carrying a young child walks a dog on a sandy beach.
Where Can I Walk My Dog at Point Reyes?

Pets are welcome on only a few trails and beaches at Point Reyes. Pets must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times.

Black and white photograph of concrete stairs leading down to a cliffside lighthouse.
Point Reyes: Then and Now

Point Reyes National Seashore has changed a lot; both in it's sixty years as a National Park, and in it's long history prior.

An aerial photo of a long green peninsula of land, with steep cliffsides and sandy beaches.
Tomales Point Area Plan

The public scoping comment period closed on September 25, 2023. Check back in spring 2024 for the Environmental Assessment comment period.

A bull tule elk flanked by two female elk.
Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve Update

Check out our FAQ on the tule elk at Tomales Point.

Spaletta (C) Ranch with the Point Reyes Headlands in the background.
General Management Plan Amendment

Two-year interim leases for beef and dairy ranching are now posted.

Last updated: March 11, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Phone:

415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.

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