The Area

The Tomales Bay Resort is an ideal starting point for exploring the Point Reyes Seashore National Park, Tomales Bay, Muir Woods, Wine Country, San Francisco, and all Northern Bay Area cities. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to offer suggestions and maps for all areas of interest.

Activities List from "A" to "Z"
Click on the links below for Area Activities. For detailed information about the Point Reyes Seashore National Park, click here.

Art Galleries | Birding | Beaches | Books | Cycling | Dining | Golfing | Hiking and Walking | Horseback Riding | Kayaking | Lighthouse | Pacific Ocean | Redwoods | Shopping | Tide Pooling | Whales | Wildflowers | Wildlife Excursions | Wine | Yoga | Zen 

Art Galleries  West Marin is home to several well-known artists. Our guest rooms feature beautiful paintings and photographic art by West Marin artists  Richard Blair and Kathleen Goodwin and Birgit O'Connor.  Art by other local artists can be viewed in nearby art galleries such as Gallery Route One  located in Point Reyes Station.

Birding  The Point Reyes National Seashore offers some of the finest birding in the United States. More than 70,000 acres of habitat harbor an incredible variety of bird life. Nearly 490 avian species have been observed in the park and on adjacent waters. Birds of Point Reyes.  If you prefer to forego the walking, you can stay at the Resort, relax in a beach chair overlooking Tomales Bay and enjoy sedentary bird watching. There are all kinds of seabirds including sandpipers, California Black Rail, egrets, Osprey, and maybe even a Bald Eagle or two flying overhead searching the bay waters for food.

Beaches  If you are ready to get your feet in some ocean beach sand there are several beaches in the park: Beaches.  A Resort guest favorite is Limantour Beach located about 12 miles from the Resort. Enjoy a long walk on Limantour's beach looking for sand dollars and seashells, or take nap in the sand dunes lulled to sleep by listening to the crashing waves and seagulls.

Bookstore  Visit our local independent bookstore, Point Reyes Books, located in Point Reyes Station.  They carry a vast array of local bird books and history as well as a nice armchair vacation read.  The Resort also has a "take one, leave one" bookcase located near the front office.

Cycling  Marin County, and in particular, Point Reyes and West Marin, is famous for the abundant selection of both road and mountain biking terrain. A few of the well-known road cycling challenges are the Marshall Wall, Ridgecrest Boulevard and Fairfax/Bolinas Road and are reached from the Resort and can be included in simple or epic rides beginning at our front door. It was Mount Tamalpais and the surrounding ridge, which inspired mountain biking pioneers such as Charlie Kelly, Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher and Tom Ritchie to build bikes suited for rough mountain terrain. Bolinas Ridge and Fir Top Pine Mountain are fan favorites that can be experienced during a stay at the Resort. In addition, Samuel P. Taylor Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin Municipal Water District lands and the Point Reyes National Seashore are home to miles of trails. 

Dining  The Restaurant and Bar at the Tomales Bay Resort opens in Summer 2021!   A list of other area restaurant options is available at the front desk.

Golfing  Indian Valley Golf Club is about 20 miles from the Resort and nestled in the rolling hills of Indian Valley, this popular course provides challenges for players of all skill levels.  Holes: 18 | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,205

Hiking and Walking  With thousands of acres located in six nearby park systems and monuments, the options for exploring trails are endless. Ask for a recommendation and Park trail map upon check in.

Horseback Riding  Five Brooks Ranch offers an array of services for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the Point Reyes Seashore National Park in the company of horses. With professional led guided trail rides, they can help you have the time of your life experiencing the trails of the seashore.  Five Brooks Horse Ranch

Kayaking  Tomales Bay Expeditions is located onsite at the Tomales Bay Resort.  The knowledgeable owners of this local business, Cooper and Brett, will be happy to take your reservation for a kayak rental, tour or special event during your stay or visit at the Resort.

Lighthouse  The Historic Point Reyes Lighthouse is located on the tip of the Point Reyes Peninsula. Originally built in 1870 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this popular destination is the best place to view whale migration. Located on a jutting cliff side, the lighthouse offers a stunning visual tableau, as well as an unusual physical challenge - more than 300 steps leading down to the lighthouse. It is easy enough going down, but it is like climbing a 30-story building coming back up!

Pacific Ocean  Crashing waves, soft rolling waves and memorable sunsets. The Point Reyes peninsula is surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean.  There are several beaches and overlooks to see the Pacific Ocean.  Gaze for hours from atop a cliff overlooking the ocean or from your own private sand dune, you will surely be mesmerized by the miles and miles of the stunning Pacific Ocean.

Redwoods  Muir Woods National Monument, January 9, 1908 marked the Muir Woods National Monument proclamation by President Theodore Roosevelt. Consisting of 295 acres, Muir Woods become the 7th National Monument.  Open year 'round, and located about 28 miles from the Resort, Muir Woods is situated in an isolated canyon and is home to ancient coast redwoods. Some trees are 1,000 years old and towering 260 feet high. John Muir thought Muir Woods to be the "best tree-lovers monument found in the world". Note:  Parking and shuttle reservations are required to visit Muir Woods  A smaller redwood park, Samuel P. Taylor Park, is about 10 miles from the Resort and offers hiking trails and picnic sites.

Shopping  Point Reyes is known for locally produced oysters, cheese, and organic farming. Many local companies have received awards for their delicious farm fresh products. Enjoy browsing in the local stores and you'll be sure to find the perfect keepsake of this area whether it may be art, jewelry, or a simple T-shirt. 

Tide Pooling  Explore the microcosms of ocean life left behind when the tide recedes from the beach creating little marine worlds among the rocks. Best tide pooling zones are up at McClure's Beach and down at Sculptured Beach. Arrive an hour or so before low tide for best viewing of mussels, barnacles, seastars, limpets, sea anemones, crabs, snails and countless other creatures. 

Whale Watching  Some Gray Whales begin their southern migration to Baja California from Alaskan waters in October and don't return to Alaska until June.  However, here at Point Reyes National Seashore, the peak of the southern migration usually occurs in mid-January and that of the northern migration in mid-March. Late April and early May afford visitors the best opportunity to see mothers and calves close to shore.  California Gray Whales.

Wildflowers  Usually the looping path at Chimney Rock is overrun by blooming wildflowers from the end of April through early summer. After the rains of Spring, flowers can't wait to enjoy the sunshine. Poppies, lupines, mission bells, sagebrush, buttercups, coast fiddlenecks...the list is endless and with so many regions of various types (marshland, grassland, redwoods, etc.) to investigate, you'll need an extra day or two to see them all.

Wildlife Excursions  The Point Reyes National Seashore boasts some of the most diverse wildlife viewing opportunities in the country. Point Reyes Safaris and Point Reyes Tours offer excursions for wildlife viewing or photography, visiting the lighthouse, the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel, scenic and historical sites, or for long guided hikes. 

Wine  Located about 35 miles from Inverness, the Town of Sonoma has numerous wineries offering a true taste of this authentic Wine Country. With more than 425 wineries, Sonoma County has a varietal to suit any taste. Rustic hospitality at small family-run wineries and internationally heralded wine houses invite you to explore your own way.  Or stay closer to Point Reyes and enjoy Point Reyes Vineyards which has delicious sparkling wine and estate Pinot Noir.  For something new and interesting, try the the local Heidrun Meadery that produces naturally sparkling varietal meads (wine made from honey rather than grapes) using the traditional French Methode Champenoise. 

Yoga  Point Reyes Yoga is a cozy studio located in Point Reyes Station and classes are given by independent yoga teachers in the area.  Or bring your own mat to any secluded area of the Resort and enjoy your own private yoga bliss.

Zen  Spirit Rock Meditation Center is located in San Geronimo Valley, just minutes away, and offers classes, lectures, and guided meditation for those interested in Buddhist thought and practice.