Point Reyes National Seashore is by far one of my favorite places to visit from Sacramento. It is a pristine example of the “California Coast.”
Just a little over a 2-hour drive from Sacramento, make a day trip to one of the 30 named beaches or go camping at one of the 5 campgrounds Point Reyes has to offer! Coast, Sky, Glen, Wildcat campgrounds as well as boat-in camping.
For camping: (scroll down a little more if you want to read about doing a day trip!) After many 7am wake up calls to reserve a camping spot on nps.gov. (It’s a hot spot!) We finally were able to reserve a spot in February at the Coast Campground.
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hour drive.
DIFFICUTLY: Easy/Moderate
LENGTH: 3 days, 2 nights Friday-Sunday February 2021
DISTANCE: 1.8 miles
This is a 1.8 mile hike to the campsite from Laguna Trailhead.
Parking for the trailhead is right past the Limantour Lodge.
We decided oh only 1.8 miles, that’s easy! Let’s pack up a wagon with our nice pillows, big sleeping bags, beach chairs and even a fine dinner of steaks, asparagus and mashed potatoes!
Well the route to the campsite is an old fire lane trail and has eroded over time with deep divets that were not kind to our wagon. Our poor wagon by the time we got to the campsite had lost all its wheels. (We were not the only ones with this idea! Seems like wagons are normal)
We finally made it to our camp site and got all set up just in time for sunset on the beach.
Steak Dinner at your campsite after setup and beach >
Good Morning from Campsite 005! There is a bear box, grill and picnic table at the site.
I have to note: On your way to the beach there is an absolutely stunnnningggg eucalyptus trees that I feel in love with. This giant standalone tree has had to survive and thrive at the foot of sand dunes for knows how long! She will be your beckon to get back to the campsite when at the beach! Hopefully she is still standing strong today.
NOTE: Check on when the high and low tide is!! I HIGHLY recommend making your way to the sculptured beach at low tide.
https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/California/Point-Reyes-ca/tides
You have lots of beach to explore! From the campsite looking out at the beach, to your right you have Limantour Beach, this beach has public access, so there will be more people in this direction. We saw a giant Elephant Seal sleeping on the beach! These seals are present in Point Reyes. Truly incredible creatures to see up close. But as you always should, show respect and keep your distance! Elephant Seal will mess you up especially during mating season!!
NOTE: In the morning we took a walk right towards Limantour beach and explored that way, came back to the campsite for lunch and played dice catan (we did get checked by a ranger for our permits at this time) Then packed up a picnic backpack spent the rest of the evening walking along sculptured beach and on for sunset. I would recommend this exploration route! Sunset at secret beach is a core memory.
If you continue down the beach, you will reach a drop off, we were able to get up and down but if you feel uncomfortable, don’t put yourself at risk, and always be aware of when high tide is.
The low tide exposes sea caves eroded into the coastal mountains that’s truly a site to see! You work you way down the beach along several breathtaking sea arches, eventually coming to a giant sea cave whose ceiling has sunken in, exposing the sky! I believe it is known as secret beach.
10/10 camping experience here!
Day Trip to North Shore Beach
If you are looking for a day trip, our favorite spot in Point Reyes to visit for the day has been North Shore Beach! It’s a beautiful drive passing through Point Reyes Station. Stop for snacks at the Palace Market, fresh oyster at Tomales Bay Oyster Company or maybe ice cream from Bovine bakery on your way home!
Head into the breathtaking park and explore your little heart out! Check out Cypress Tunnel, North Beach, Point Reyes Light House, Sealion Overlook, Chimney Rock and Point Reyes Lighthouse!
If you are bringing a dog, check out their website below on where pets are allowed.
https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/pets.htm
This is truly a gem of a gem, and im so grateful that this place can be preserved for us to explore once more what mother nature has to offer us. Her beauty always making us be present and in the moment.
I cant recommend Point Reyes Enough!
