Point Reyes, the only National Seashore on the Pacific Coast, is truly a one-of-a-kind location. Not only is it the windiest land mass on the Pacific Coast and the second foggiest in North America, but its shape is visually unique to the rest of the Pacific coastline – hook your right pointer finger then make an L with your middle finger and thumb for a rough visual. This may have to do with the fact that Point Reyes is literally on a different type of land than the eastern shore of Tomales Bay. Let me explain: The waters of Tomales Bay, which divides Point Reyes with the rest of California, cover a sunken piece of rift zone in the San Andreas Fault – to put it more succinctly, Point Reyes is literally on a different tectonic plate than the eastern shore of California. The difference you find in vegetation on Point Reyes as compared to the main California coast is actually because Point Reyes' vegetation grows on a different soil!
Point Reyes' Northern tip is home to the Tule Elk Reserve, a veritable photographer's dream – nothing like snapping shots of a herd of elk against the backdrop of a Pacific sunset – while on the beaches between the western and southern tip you'll likely find groups of Elephant Seals sun tanning. If you make it all the way to the western tip, which juts starkly into the Pacific, you'll find the infamous Point Reyes Lighthouse. Built in 1870 to warn ships of the dangers hidden within the encompassing fog, the previously coal-powered Point Reyes Lighthouse is an eerie destination, to say the least. Steep cliffs, heavy fog, and nothing beyond but the great blue ocean. If you make it for a visit, ask the friendly Park Ranger on duty to regale you with tales of workers past – rumor has it that many went insane due to extreme isolation, heavy fog cover, and the perpetually flashing light.
Despite the heavy fog cover, Point Reyes is a gorgeous location by anyone's standards. Hiking trails traverse the southern, northern, and western shores of this peninsula, and are saturated with backpacking campsites available year-round. If you find that reservations are too far out for your liking, here's a little known secret for those willing to go the extra mile: The beaches lining Tomalas Bay on the eastern part of the peninsula don't require reservations. If you're willing to ford the Bay – the beaches are only accessible by watercraft – you're guaranteed a campsite, and you'll likely be the only campers out there. These beaches are, in my humble opinion, the best camping options in the region. Since they're east-facing, they're mostly protected Pacific winds, and since you're camping on the beach, fires are allowed. Your mornings will likely begin with the sun evaporating heavy fog over the bay, while your nights may feature a vibrant moon glowing over the rippling waters. If you don't have a water craft of your own, call ahead to rent kayaks at Blue Ocean Kayak in Marshall, located opposite the beaches on the eastern side of Tomales Bay.
Speaking of the beaches, Point Reyes' are the cleanest in California. Though the winds be rough, there's likely some waves to surf on either the north or southern beaches if you're willing to huff it, though the strong currents, tides, and nearby Great Whites make is a burly spot for any water-goers outside the Bay.