Hello everyone!

In less than a couple of weeks (yay!) I'll be in SF, and we're planning a day trip to visit Muir Woods and Point Reyes Natl. Seashore. I have some questions:

1. First, is doing both in one long day do-able? (We like to pack our days full...) I'm assuming it is, but want to be sure.

2. Directions: we'll visit Muir Woods first on our way north; should we then go back to 101 to head up to Point Reyes, or should we continue on 1 North? I read in one of the guidebooks that taking 1 is longer (if you're coming out of SF), but I'm not sure if it makes sense to get back on 101 going from Muir Woods to Point Reyes?

3. What should I expect regarding drive times? We will be doing this on a Saturday, so I know to expect traffic, but just some basic drive-time guidelines would be helpful to plan our day! And so I know when to pawn the driving off on my sister. Just kidding

4. Any suggestions about what to do once in Point Reyes -- I think we're missing the whale watching "season" (we'll be there April 25th) -- so is it worth it to head out to the lighthouse? I read it's about a 45 minute drive from the park entrance, so I was wondering if this was worth the long trek. Also, any other recommendations on trails or places to visit? We'll only have a few hours to spend, I assume... but I'm not sure how the day will time-out (since I don't know drive times and how long we'll spend at Muir Woods, etc.)

Any tips are surely welcome! Thanks again,
Carol

We only did Muir Woods when we were in San Francisco. It was about a 45 minute drive. We spent about three or four hours there and then headed up to Sonoma. Don't rush Muir Woods - taking the time to enjoy the peace and serenity is part of its charm. Can't help you on Point Reyes, sorry....

1. It's doable, however you must know that you will be significantly shortchanging Pt. Reyes a place one could spend
days.

2. No need to go back to 101 - catch up with Hwy 1 at Muir beach after Muir Woods-it'll take you about 40 mins. to get to Olema and another 5 mins. to the Pt. Reyes Park visitors center. The twisty turny part of this drive will be between
Muir Beach and Stinson Beach. Some spectacular views.

3. You need to be at Muir Woods when it opens at 8 AM
because it is Saturday.

4. The Lighthouse is a very special place ! So, I think it's worth the drive. The Winter Shuttle bus should be gone by the 25th, so you won't lose time waiting for the next shuttle.
You may have to cool your heels waiting for a parking spot
out at the lighthouse. I don't think it will be too bad as most people do not walk down (and back up) the 308 steps
down the cliff to the lighhouse. A hike out to Chimney Rock is must for the wildflowers.

Perhaps you time could go something like this
8-10 AM: Muir Woods
10-11 AM: drive up to Pt. Reyes (allowing time here for
a few Kodak moments along the way )
11AM: grab and early lunch at the Olema Farmhouse Cafe or drive in to Pt.Reyes Station and pick up picnic items at the Cowgirl Creamery.
12-1 PM Drive out to Lighthouse
1 - 3 Lighthouse and Chimney Rock
3-4 Drive back from Lighthouse and have a snack in Inverness,
Now you could:
head out to Limintour Beach for a stroll,
visit the Visitors Center,
Explore Pt. Reyes Station,

I would suggest heading back to the city via Sir Francis Drake Blvd. that will take you through some scenic Marin towns and hook yoo up to Hwy 101 for your ride back to the city.

R5

I just logged on and realized Razzle had already gotten here. Her advice is what I would give. Perhaps, with the one exception that those stairs at the Lighthouse are killer.

I would also recommend a walk out Tomales Bluff(just before McClure's Beach). You will wander up and down hill but easily so and see Tule Elk. At various points you will have vistas of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Tomales Bay on the other.

Chimney Rock is absolutely the best place for wildflowers and it's a relatively easy and flat walk albeit up on a bluff.

Point Reyes Station is fun. You might also have lunch at The Station House in downtown Point Reyes Station. There are a few sweet shops in which to poke about as well. There is a Farmers Market at Toby's Feed Barn on Saturday ams.

Just to add to what has been posted, although whale season is almost over, we did see one momma right whale with a baby when we were there a couple of years ago in late April. It was from the lighthouse so don't let the walk discourage you. Also there were flowers all over the area, it was beautiful. Enjoy your visit.

Razzledazzle got it right. Highway 1 is beautiful. One kodak moment that you shouldn't miss is Muir Overlook (not to be confused with Muir Beach). It is a bit north of Muir Beach and is spectacular. Walk all the way out on the path for great, rugged views of the ocean and coast.

Point Reyes is one of my favorite places on earth...it is just beautiful...you will LOVE it! I walked all those steps to the lighthouse almost 20 years ago (no way could I do it now, older and fatter!) and it was spectacular...what a view! Allow lots of time at Point Reyes...you won't regret it.

Thank you guys so much! Great info... I was worried that taking Highway 1 up to Point Reyes would take too long, so I'm glad to hear that's ok and has great views.

I've actually decided to switch days and go up to Muir Woods and Point Reyes on Sunday (so I can visit the Ferry Bldg. farmer's market on Saturday). Razzle, I'm assuming that I should still head out early enough to get to Muir Woods at 8am for a Sunday as well?

Any idea if tule elk will be around this time of year?

The Tule Elk live year-round at Tomales Point. The best time to see them near the farm house is in the evening so go there after you've seen the other sights.

There's a good chance you'll see whales. According to the National Park Service "late April and early May afford the opportunity to see mothers and calves close to shore". Bring binoculars.

For lunch, the best place is Drake's Beach. There are picnic tables there right next to the water or you can dine at the cafe which overlooks the bay. Why eat in Olema or Pt Reyes Station when you can have lunch on the beach?

If you are in decent shape and it's a nice day (not too windy), take the walk down to the lighthouse. Sure, there are a lot of stairs, but it's something you will not forget.

If you go to Chimney Rock, take a look at the beach below the parking lot. There still may be some elephant seals there.

In late April, it can be very nice weather wise at Pt Reyes. But, it can also be real windy like it is today. Wear several layers and bring a hat that won't blow off.