So you’ve got one day to explore the coast north of SF – here’s how to make the most of it! Stops include Mill Valley, Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir Beach and Sausalito. There’s a decent amount of driving but it’s on fun serpentine roads that offer diverse terrain views to gawk at every 10 minutes.
*Check sites and reservations beforehand, as time of year could affect hours and openings/closings.
Wake up early and hit the road driving north to Marin! First up, coffee and pastries from the hip/py Equator Coffee in Mill Valley. From there, hop on the US-101 N. The destination is Point Reyes, a federally protected strip of land separated from California’s mainland by Tomales Bay. A remote haven with acres of protected wilderness, beaches and wildlife sanctuaries, and that happens to home to some of the world’s best cheese and oysters. On the way, you’ll pass through beautiful valleys and farms, surprising lakes and the occasional forest with the renowned redwood trees.
Arrive at the adorable Point Reyes Station town and be first in line at Cowgirl Creamery when it opens at 10:00AM. Pick up meats, prepared sandwiches and wine/beer. Ask for cheese samples and participate in a mini tasting so that you can confidently leave with your favorite. Then drive up the coast along Tomales Bay to Nick’s Cove. Stop and explore the little towns and oyster hot spots.
Then head to Hog Island Oyster. Especially if you have a crew, make a reservation ahead of time for for the “Shuck Your Own Picnic” option. You’ll have access to a charcoal grill, oyster shucking tools, lemons, hot sauce and hogwash. Here you can picnic with your Cowgirl Creamery provisions, enjoy fresh oysters and people watch in this unique setting.
In the early afternoon, set your sights on the recently renovated and reopened Point Reyes Lighthouse. It’s about an hour drive total, but broken by some photo worthy stops: the Point Reyes Shipwreck and Cypress Tree Tunnel, both landmarks identified on Google Maps. Then consider a stop at the Chimney Rock Trailhead, for a short walk along the cliffs, or wander to the Elephant Seal Overlook, for a chance to see Elephant Seals, as well as dolphins and whales.
The lighthouse is open 10:00AM-4:30PM Monday-Friday, and the Lighthouse’s first gallery is open 2:30PM-4:30PM. It’s an uphill walk through the parking lot, and then 313 steps down to the precariously perched cliff-dwelling lighthouse built in 1870 to warn mariners of the hazardous headlands that jut 10 miles out to sea.
Drive south, this time on CA-1 S along the coastline. About an hour into the drive, you can take a pit stop at Stinson Beach for a (seasonal) swim overlooking a stretch of white sand set next to dramatic cliffs and forests. Another 15-minute drive will take you to Muir Beach Overlook. Stop to admire the tremendous views with an optional scenic two mile leisurely trek to local Slide Ranch.
You’ve now earned dinner! Pelican Inn, an old Tudor inn and refuge, is a 5 minute drive from the overlook. The menu is hearty English fare in a cozy (real!) candle-lit setting. Finally, it’s a 45 minute drive back to the city. For evening drinks and a fun scene, stop at Bar Bocce in Sausalito.
