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Weather in Point Reyes
Fog, oysters, and elephant seals on edge
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About Point Reyes
Windswept granite cliffs plunge into churning Pacific fog where elephant seals haul out on protected beaches.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Point Reyes
Hike to Point Reyes Lighthouse through wind-scoured bluffs
Watch elephant seals and harbor seals from safe overlooks
Kayak the lagoons and sea caves at Drakes Beach
Explore Alamere Falls trail to hidden waterfall and beach
Taste fresh oysters at Tomales Bay oyster farms
Birdwatch for tufted puffins and peregrine falcons
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Point Reyes demands respect—the fog and cold Pacific are unforgiving, but reward the hardy with raw beauty and wildlife encounters that feel prehistoric. This is California at its most untamed, where the land literally cracks and slides toward the sea.
Best areas to stay in Point Reyes
Drake's Bay
A protected crescent beach where Sir Francis Drake may have careened his ship—today it's the gateway to sea caves, tide pools, and elephant seal colonies.
Tomales Bay
Sheltered bay famous for oyster farms and kayaking routes past sea otters, harbor seals, and dramatic rock formations.
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Built in 1870 on a 250-foot bluff, this working lighthouse is one of California's most photographed, set against churning white-capped seas.
Alamere Falls
The only beach waterfall in California—a seasonal cascade that plunges directly onto the sand, a 5-mile hike through coastal scrub.
Getting to Point Reyes
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Flights
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 60 miles south
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From London
2 hours drive via US-101 and CA-1
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Getting around
Rent a car; no public transit reaches most trailheads.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to swim at Point Reyes?
Swimming is dangerous due to cold water, strong currents, and undertow. Wetsuits are essential if you venture in, and designated beaches are safer than others.
When is the best time to visit?
April–May brings migrating gray whales and calmer seas. Summer offers better visibility but more fog. Fall has clearer skies and fewer crowds.
Can I see elephant seals year-round?
Elephant seals are present most of the year, with peak pupping season December–March when viewing is restricted for protection.
How long is the hike to the lighthouse?
The round trip is 4.4 miles on an easy trail with dramatic coastal views but very exposed to wind.
Are there lodges near Point Reyes?
The closest towns are Point Reyes Station and Inverness, about 30 minutes away, with B&Bs and small hotels.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The lighthouse hike was breathtaking—fog rolled in and out like a living thing. Saw seals, whales in the distance, and felt genuinely remote despite being near San Francisco.
Margaret Chen · May 2024
★★★★☆
Beautiful and wild, but crowded on weekends. Go on a weekday if you can. The oysters at Tomales Bay were incredible.
David Rodriguez · September 2024
★★★★★
A hidden gem. The combination of geology, wildlife, and isolation makes it feel like another planet. Bring a warm jacket and binoculars.
Lisa Morrison · August 2023
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