Just an hour north of San Francisco, Point Reyes is a low-key weekend haven for outdoor enthusiasts and foodies. The city of Point Reyes is tiny but beautiful and filled with lots of local personality and charm. And the fact that it is surrounded by winding roads, rolling green hills, secluded bays and beaches, and some of the best food California has to offer doesn’t hurt either.
Where to Stay
Country Chic: The Olema Inn. The Olema Inn is one of the prettiest and most romantic spots in the area. Technically the inn is just down the road from Point Reyes, but the short 10-minute drive (a spectacularly scenic one at that) is well worth it—you’ll enjoy downy beds, rooms filled with pretty antiques, and a country breakfast of croissants, coffee, and jam. Rooms range from $175 to $225 a night; there are only six rooms at the inn, so book early! 10000 Sir Frances Drake Boulevard, Olema; 415.663.9559; theolemainn.com
Eco-Bella: One Mesa Bed & Breakfast. This lovely and private B&B will help you really enjoy the beauty and solitude that Point Reyes offers. Your room will have its own secluded entrance, views, nearby gardens, and an unstaffed but well-stocked coffee and tea bar. All rooms come with fluffy feather beds, but be sure to ask about a room with a soaking tub for two. Rooms range from $120 to $200. 1 Mesa Road, Point Reyes; 415.663.8866; onemesa.com
Funky Victorian: The Abalone Inn. The Abalone Inn is like the best of Point Reyes: funky, pretty, and very laid-back. This restored Victorian offers a super value for its simple and antique-filled rooms—prices range from $110 to 150 a night. Its location is ideal for days spent hiking, biking, or wildlife watching. 12355 Sir Frances Drake Boulevard, Point Reyes; 415.663.9149; abaloneinn.com
Where to Eat
Sweet Start: Bovine Bakery. The cases are filled with large croissants, scones, cookies, and other delectable sweet and savory treats. The caramel-y morning bun was divine, and the white chocolate strawberry scone was good enough to be dessert. 11315 Highway 1, Point Reyes; 415.663.9420
Delectable Diner: Pine Cone Diner. A local’s favorite, the Pine Cone is the place to go for tasty and organic grub. Visit in the early morning and load up on house-made granola with Strauss organic yogurt, or visit after your hike or bike ride for the Country Mile Club—chicken, bacon, jack cheese, avocado, tomato, and caramelized onions. 4th and B Streets, Point Reyes; 415.663.1536; thepineconediner.com
Cozy Cuisine: The Olema Inn & Restaurant. Recently reopened after a renovation, the restaurant at the Olema Inn is a beautiful and romantic spot. The menu is almost entirely organic, so any choice is bound to be fresh. But be sure to savor the best of the area by ordering local oysters, Neiman Ranch pork or beef, produce, and cheeses. 10000 Sir Frances Drake Boulevard, Olema; 415.663.9559; theolemainn.com
Where to Drink
Saddle Up: The Old Western Saloon. A true dive bar, this is a low-key and authentic place to get a beer or two, shoot some pool, watch the game, or listen to live music. If you don’t care about a swanky interior but love to people watch and chat with the locals, this place is for you. 11000 State Route One, Point Reyes; 415.977.0202
Java Jolt: Toby’s Coffee Bar. I had the best cup of coffee of my life at this walk-up coffee shack located inside Toby’s Feed Barn. The coffee and milk are organic, the lattes are lovely, and the voodoo chocolate cookies (chocolate, more chocolate, dried cherries, and almonds) are to die for. 11250 State Route One, Point Reyes; tobyscoffeebar.com
Where to Shop
If you’re looking for high fashion or kitschy souvenirs, you’ve come to the wrong place. But if you’re into food, Point Reyes is organic foodstuff heaven. Try the following spots for treats to take home or send as gifts to family and friends.
One-Stop Shopping: Toby’s Feed Barn. This is the place to come for everything you might need from gardening and animal-care supplies to handmade baskets, organic produce, and delicious treats such as chocolate bars and jars of jam. 11250 State Route One, Point Reyes; 415.663.1223; tobysfeedbarn.com
Oyster Outing: Hog Island Oyster Company Farm. Marin County is famous for its oysters, and you can try them fresh from the waters at this oyster farm. Reserve a picnic site or buy a dozen to take back to your B&B and eat on the half shell with a bottle of champagne, your sweetheart by your side. 20215 Highway One; 415.663.9218; hogislandoysters.com
Cheese, Please: Cowgirl Creamery. The cowgirls make small batches of artisan cheeses to swoon over. Visit their Point Reyes creamery Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Call ahead to arrange a tour.) There are so many delectable cheeses, but Cowgirl Creamery is best known for the Mt. Tam and the Red Hawk, both triple cream cheeses that would be a great addition to any picnic. Cowgirl Creamery at Tomales Bay Foods; 80 4th Street, Point Reyes; 415.663.9335; cowgirlcreamery.com
Where to Chill
Bring a Map: Visit the National Parks Service Point Reyes website at www.nps.gov/pore for help planning your visit. You can find suggested hikes and trails, plus spots to view wildflowers, ride your bike, or camp. Point Reyes is beautiful, so for the best vacation come prepared to spend time outside.
Get a Guide: If you aren’t entirely outdoor-savvy and want a guide to help with your adventures, visit pointreyesoutdoors.com. Schedule a guided hiking or kayak tour of the area’s beautiful rolling hills and waters. Marin County offers lots of amazing wildlife, so if you’re interested in birds, seals, or whales, be sure to let your guide know. Hopefully they can help you spot one!
Wander Point Reyes: From July to October, Point Reyes hosts the Bay Area’s only all- local, all-organic produce market. You’ll find berries, fruit, veggies, flowers, local meats, wines, and cheeses, as well as handmade clothing and other artisan products. The market takes place in front of Toby’s. 11250 State Route One, Point Reyes
