sacasey

We live in the Central Valley and are driving over to the Pt. Reyes Inverness area next Friday for a three day weekend. We are staying at Windsong Cottage, which is supposed to be very nice. We have reservations for dinner at Osteria Stellina and Olema Inn. We are interested in any comments you have about these places, good or bad, and would like suggestions for lunches. However, the main question is - what are the best things to do? While we like the outdoors, we are not into long hikes. We are thinking of going to the lighthouse, and maybe taking a short hike at the seashore. We used to love Bear Valley Trail, but that may be too long a hike for us now. Any shorter trails? We are also foodies (sort of) and wanted to stop in at the Cowgirl Creamery and maybe McEvoy Ranch. Lastly, we can take several routes to get there - through Petaluma, around Port Costa, up to Bodega Bay, via Marin - what would you recommend for pretty scenery and maybe some interesting destinations along the way? Our point of origin is Stockton. Appreciate any suggestions to make our weekend special!

fball

We always go kayaking at Pt. Reyes. There is a kayak rental co. in Tamales Bay. They will take you out to Drake's Estero where the wildlife viewing is amazing. One trip we saw huge skates (sting rays), leopard sharks, many seals, a family of racoons, including six tiny babies, tule elk and numerous species of birds.

Michael

Go to the northern end of Point Reyes and from the parking lot walk to McClure beach (you might also see some elk on the way). Once on the beach, go to your left all the way to the end and walk through the slot to relax on the small beach beyond. Take a blanket and a picnic lunch and relax. If it's high tide, you won't be able to go beyond the main beach without some difficulty.

If going to the lighthouse (lots of steps down and back up), you might want to go to Drake's Beach and stroll on the beach. There are picnic tables at the visitor's center.

abranz

if you are into cheese, check out the rouge et noir cheese factory.

i think it is in west pt. reyes since that is the way i have accessed it although i have been corrected otherwise on the forum.

at any rate, it is the oldest cheese factory in marin. they are known for their camembert and brie.
you can take tours of the cheese making facility, buy cheese and other picnic items from their deli and have a lovely picnic by the pond on the property.

Centralparkgirl

We had a great lunch at Nick's Cove overlooking Tomales Bay.

sacasey

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. We are leaving tomorrow and plan to have a great time!

Michael

You can pick up lunch items or sandwiches at the Cowgirl Creamery outlet behind the main street in Point Reyes Station--it used to be their production area in a converted barn.

elnap29

We were just there for a daytrip this week.  We really enjoyed the Bear Valley Trail, but only strolled to the meadow.  It feels like a level trail because the incline is so gradual; you can walk as far as you like and turn around. It is such a lovely thick forest with rushing stream, ferns, California native plants/wildflowers.Another highlight was driving to Chimney Rock and taking the short walk to the Elephant Seal Overlook.  Spent a long time, fascinating view of the elephant seals.  (The Lighthouse was closed and the fog was thick - no visibility that day).Enjoyed a pleasant lunch at The Pinecone Diner in Pt. Reyes Station, where the waitress knows every local by name as well as their usual order.  She was just as sweet and friendly to us as she was to the locals.We were underwhelmed by Cowgirl Creamery, perhaps because we have access to all these cheeses in our town.To get there#160; Recommend the drive up 101 to Novato; exit at Rowland; turn left, going over freeway, to Novato Blvd.  Turn right on Novato Blvd. and follow all the way out to Petaluma Rd.  Turn left and this road will take you right to Pt. Reyes Station.  You will also pass the Rouge et Noir cheese factory on this rd.On your return trip, head south on Hwy 1 and take the road that goes through Lagunitas/San Anselmo/ San Rafael.  Have fun!

sacasey

We just spent the weekend at Point Reyes, with winery stops in Sonoma. The high points: Bouchaine Winery, in the Carneros region of Napa/Sonoma, where we loved every wine we tasted and immediately joined the wine club. No tasting fee, gorgeous view, and a the personal attention of Luke. A must stop unless you are one of those obnoxious types. We had lunch in Somoma, at La Salette, an upscale Portuguese restaurant. Lovely continental food, friendly staff, right off the square. Then we arrived at Windsong Cottage in Point Reyes, and for us, from the amenities to the view, it was absolute perfection. We decided on it because it looked beautiful on the website and the price was very reasonable compared to some of the other cottage lodgings in the area. We arrived and let ourselves in, and were soon greeted by Tony, the proprieter, who warmly welcomed us, showed us the basics, and left us to our privacy. The view, out of 3 large windows, is of a 4-horse pasture with Tomales Bay and hills in the background. It is calming and mesmerizing. The bed is extremely comfortable. Here are the amenities: kitchenette - table, stove, sink, well stocked cupboards & fridge, including fresh fruit, homemade banana bread, english muffins, milk, juice, coffee, eggs, butter. Microwave, coffeemaker & toaster. Tap water is delicious to drink. Big, tiled shower and big showerhead, fluffy towels. Wood burning stove. Big, clean, private hottub with view of stars. Big windows that open to let in the breeze. Comfortable, big couch. Rocking chair. Small TV & telephone (in case you must).NO INTERNET & LIMITED CELL RECEPTION - YEAH!! Plenty of lamplight - or not. Small, newish weber BBQ. Walking sticks and information about what to do in the area, books. Plenty of closet space and extra blankets. Small table & chairs outside. Since it is a yurt, it is a round cottage with a big round skylight right over the bed - sublime! The space is roomy and the decor eclectic. The attention to detail to provide every comfort was amazing. It is almost one mile north of town on Hwy 1, very easy to get to. We had sunny weather, but are returning when it's not - this place is great, rain or shine. We also had great meals at Stellina, Olema Inn and Olema Farmhouse, and also a great picnic with cheese, bread and deli stuff from cowgirl Creamery. We ate at the picnic tables at Drake's Beach - the visitor center there blocks the wind. Hiking around the Lighthouse, Chimney Rock and Limantour was windy but worth it. And Tony was a great host. This is a place for people who don't want everything new and matching, or maid service. This is not a hotel. If you stay, remember - this is someone's home - just not attached. Pick up after yourself, do your dishes and leave it better than you found it. All in all, a perfect weekend in every way. Thanks again for everyone's input - we'll go back again!

Supercilious

Nice trip report! It sounds like you had a great weekend. There's also some good tips here for future trip planners. Just watch out for those obnoxious types and make sure you pick up after yourself.