Rate Point Reyes National Seashore
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Seashore
Operating Hours & Seasons
Point Reyes National Seashore
The park is open to visitors every day of the year. All areas in the park are closed to visitor vehicle parking between midnight and 6 am, with the exception that visitors holding backcountry camping permits may park at established trailheads and authorized visitors staying overnight at the Clem Miller Environmental Education Center, the Point Reyes Hostel, and the Lifeboat Station may park at those locations. Any other overnight parking and use must be approved by the Chief Ranger’s office.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:6:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Monday:6:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Tuesday:6:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Wednesday:6:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Thursday:6:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Friday:6:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Saturday:6:00 AM-12:00 AM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Point Reyes National Seashore Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to visit Point Reyes National Seashore.
About
A Natural Sanctuary, A Human Haven
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. Home to several cultures over thousands of years, the Seashore preserves a tapestry of stories and interactions of people. Point Reyes awaits your exploration.
Directions
Point Reyes is located along the west coast of California approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of San Francisco. Travelers may approach the park from the winding scenic Highway 1, either from the north or the south. Visitors can also reach the park via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or the Point Reyes/Petaluma Road.
Visitor Centers
Bear Valley Visitor Center
The park’s primary Visitor Center provides an orientation of the park’s roads, trails, and human and natural history. The interior exhibit space provides a glimpse of the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of the park. Audio-visual programs, shown in the auditorium, are available upon request. Ranger-led programs are offered on weekends. Natural history books, cards, and posters are for sale in the bookstore. Permits for backcountry camping, as well as beach fire permits, may be obtained here. Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center
Located at beautiful Drakes Beach, the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center contains exhibits that focus on 16th century maritime exploration, marine fossils, and marine environments. A minke whale skeleton is suspended from the ceiling. Allow 20–30 minutes to view exhibits. Park- and ocean-themed books, guides, and postcards, and maps, along with coffee and packaged snacks are for sale in the PRNSA bookstore adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center. Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center
The Lighthouse Visitor Center offers exhibits on the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, as well as on whales, seals and sea lions, wildflowers, birds, and maritime history. The Lighthouse Visitor Center is located 45 minutes west of Bear Valley on the Point Reyes Headlands, at the end of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. On weekends and holidays from late December through mid-April when visitation by whale watchers to the Lighthouse area is heavy, visitors may be required to ride a shuttle bus from Drakes Beach.
Weather
The moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean creates a climate with no great extremes of heat or cold. Any season can bring interesting weather during your visit to Point Reyes National Seashore. Come prepared! Visit our Weather & Tides page
Own or work here?
Nearby Businesses
