Point Reyes National Seashore

Tomales Point at the Point Reyes National Seashore.

In 1579, Sir Francis Drake, sailing his Golden Hind, explored this treacherous and windy coastline that had been home to the Coast Miwok people for thousands of years.

Today, this harsh region is home to more than 470 species of birds that thrive in the 70,000-acre park.

The park is also home to the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, built in 1870.

The park lacks developed campgrounds, but operates four hike-in wilderness campgrounds, which require a permit and 20 boat-in campsites on Tomales Bay that also require a permit.

In the park are the Morgan Horse Ranch, a replica of a Coast Miwok Indian village called Kule Loklo and three easy, self-guiding trails. The Earthquake Trail follows the San Andreas Fault for 0.7 mile.

The 140 miles of trails in the seashore cross the pasture lands of Pierce Point and the Estero, chaparral ridges, California-laurel valleys, forests and meadowlands.

Scenic roads lead to beaches, panoramic views, outstanding bird watching areas and a tule elk grazing area.

Visitors can watch bird banding activities at the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and explore the fascinating tidepools, which teem with life especially during winter and spring.