Map of Point Reyes National Seashore in California

This peninsula north of San Francisco is noted for long beaches  backed by tall cliffs and lagoons; forested ridges; and offshore bird  and sea lion colonies. Highlights include the short Earthquake Trail,  which passes  by what was likely the epicenter of the devastating 1906  quake, and the late 19th-century Point Reyes Lighthouse, a good spot to  watch for whales. There's also a bird observatory (most easily reached  via Boli-nas). The small towns of Olema, Point Reyes Station, and  Inverness are in or border on the park. The seashore was authorized in  1962, established in 1972, and designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1988.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Beachcombing, bicycling (rentals, Olema), bird-watching,  fishing, hiking, horseback riding (rentals, Fivebrooks, tel.  415/663-1570), kayaking, tide-pooling, whale-watching. Facilities: 3  visitor centers: Bear Valley (Bear Valley Rd., Olema), Lighthouse (Sir  Francis Drake Blvd., 23 mi from Bear Valley), and Ken Patrick (Drakes  Beach, off Sir Francis Drake Blvd.); 140 mi of hiking trails, beaches,  outdoor exhibit panels. Programs & Events: Programs on lighthouses  and lifeboat stations, gray whales, seals and sea lions, wildflowers,  birds, geology, Native Americans, tide pools (throughout the year).  Native American Big Time Festival (4th Sat., July), Sand Sculpture  Contest (Sun. of Labor Day weekend). Tips & Hints: The lighthouse  can be reached only by climbing 300 stairs. Its occasionally closed due  to high winds. Check tide tables before walking on the beaches; high  tides can trap you. Stay away from the cliff edges and do not walk below  the cliffs; the cliffs are unstable and there may be falling rocks. Not  all beaches have lifeguards on duty. After hiking, carefully check your  body for ticks, as ticks carrying Lyme disease have been found in the  area. Go Feb.-May for flowers, Dec.-Apr. for migrating gray whales,  Nov.-Apr. for breeding elephant seals, Aug.-Feb. for migrating birds.  Busiest in Aug. and Dec, least crowded in Feb. and Apr.    

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES    

Camping: 5 campgrounds (permit required) in the park: Tomales  Bay (boat-in beach camping area; $12-$35; pit toilets), Coast Camp  ($12-$35; pit toilets), Glen Camp ($12-$35; pit toilets), Sky Camp  ($12-$35; pit toilets), Wildcat Camp ($12-$35; pit toilets).  Hotels: In  the park: Point Reyes Hostel (tel. 415/663-8811; 44 beds; $10-$16). In  Inverness Park: Blackthorne Inn (266 Vallejo Ave., tel. 415/663-8621; 5  rooms; $225-$325). X Restaurants: In the park: Drakes Beach cafe (tel.  415/669-1297; $4-$12). In Inverness: Priscilla's (12781 Sir Francis  Drake Blvd., tel. 415/669-1244; $6-$20).    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Free. Shuttle fee for whale viewing ($4). Camping permits  required (available at Bear Valley Visitor Center). California fishing  license required. No hunting. No pets or bikes in wilderness. No car  camping. Seashore open daily sunrise-sunset. Bear Valley Visitor Center  weekdays 9-5, weekends 8-5. Lighthouse Visitor Center Thurs.-Mon.  10-4:30. Ken Patrick weekends and holidays 10-5.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

45 mi north of San Francisco via U.S. 101 and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. or via Rte. 1. Closest airport: San Francisco.

CONTACTS    

Bear Valley Visitor Center (Point Reyes National Seashore, Point  Reyes, CA 94956, tel. 415/464-5100). Administrative office: Point Reyes  National Seashore (Point Reyes Station, CA 94956, tel. 415/464-5100,  fax 415/663-8132).    

Point Reyes  National Seashore. How to get by car  to the Point Reyes  National Seashore. How to book a room and its price  in the Point Reyes  National Seashore