Just north of San Francisco, in Marin County, Point Reyes National Seashore presents a panorama of thunderous ocean breakers, open grasslands, bushy hillsides, and forested ridges. Native fauna includes the Tule elk and numerous shorebirds. The biological diversity stems from a favorable location in the middle of California and the natural occurrence of many distinct habitats. Nearly 20 percent of America's flowering plants grow on the peninsula, and over 45 percent of North American bird species live here or visit.

One of the best ways to explore Point Reyes is on the saddle of a bicycle. Yes, you may have to dismount for that last snippet of trail to the overlook or the beach, but otherwise this has to be one of the most bike-friendly National Park Service sites in the United States.

Most bikers take off from Bear Valley Park Headquarters in Olema. If you're seeking to go the distance, try the Saint Frances Drake Highway to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. You'll pass from forest to open rolling hills with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean on the right. In season, your destination, the Point Reyes Lighthouse, is one of the best spots in California for whale watching. The total distance of this trip is about 45 miles.

	More things to do at Point Reyes Hiking, wildlife viewing (birds, Tule elk), biking, luxury picnicking on Northern California food and wine

The 4.5 mile Bear Valley Trail is an easy trip—especially suited for young children. The trail follows Bear Valley Creek, passing through bucolic Divide Meadow, which is an excellent place for a picnic and cartwheels. At the end of the trail you can lock up your bike and walk about a mile to Arch Rock for yet another terrific view of the Pacific coastline. Tip: You'll probably have a much better time if you bike this trail during the week; on weekends hiker traffic is heavy (and you know how grumpy they can be).

For a rough-and-tumble mountain bike jaunt, try the Estero Trail, and for a decent swimming beach, Limantour and Drakes Beach are both reachable by bike.

Camping is available at Point Reyes with reservations (very limited). Marin County has a full range of lodging options.

Check out more info on Point Reyes National Seashore

What do you want to do?
Hike the Olympic Wilderness Coast
Biking Point Reyes
Kayak Pictured Rocks
Surf Fish Assateague
Watch wildlife at Padre Island

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