Hungry for Point Reyes, CA
San Francisco Bay Area is known for her iconic Golden Gate bridge, fresh seafood and wine country, but located just 40 miles north of San Francisco is a hidden gem called Point Reyes. Good Morning America recently named Point Reyes the “Most Beautiful Places in America”.
From the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean to the smell of sea air mixed with eucalyptus trees, the natural beauty you see at Point Reyes is all created by earthquakes. Point Reyes offer more than 150 miles of hiking and biking trails, over 450 species of birds for bird watchers and over 30,000 gray whales migrate pass Point Reyes from December to April each year. Point Reyes is also home to several oyster farms, dairy farms and cheese makers. Take a day trip to Point Reyes for a spectacular and gastronomic experience. Here’s a list of what are the must see, must do and must eat at Point Reyes, CA.
1) Bear Valley Visitor Center
Located on Point Reyes National Seashore, your first stop has to be the Bear Valley Visitor Center. It’s important to get maps here and ask for any help to plan you trip. There isn’t any cellular or 3G network in Point Reyes, so having a map is really handy for the rest of the day.
2) Drakes Bay Oyster Farm
You got to try some FRESH OYSTERS, right from the farm! Drakes Bay Oyster Farm is run by the Lunny Family and they have been operating this farm for more than a century. They offer many picnic tables for free. Bring you own grill/bbq, shucking knife, gloves and beer. If you are not into shucking oysters, they can do it for you too. We brought some homemade sauce for the raw oysters. See below for recipes.
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3) Drakes Beach Cafe
Need some coffee after slurping too many fresh oysters? Drakes Beach Cafe is a small, rustic cafe that offers unobstructed views of the Drakes Bay, seabirds and other coastal wildlife.
4) Chimney Rock Trail
A spectacular easy 2 mile hike with views of Drakes Bay and the Pacific Ocean and renowned for great spring wildflowers. The view is simply impressive and beautiful. Carpets of flowers such as golden fields, blue-eyed grass, and mule ear sunflowers, are dramatic against a backdrop of cliffs receding sharply to the ocean.
5) Point Reyes Historical Lighthouse
Point Reyes is the windiest place on the Pacific Coast and the second foggiest place on the North American continent. Weeks of fog, especially during the summer months, frequently reduce visibility to hundreds of feet. Point Reyes lighthouse which was built in 1870 warned mariners of danger for more than a hundred years. Be warned, you have to descend 800 steps to view the historic lighthouse! But it’s worth the workout!
6) Bovine Bakery
Time to snack after some serious workout at the lighthouse! Bovine Bakery is a must stop destination in Point Reyes Station for the last 20 years. Their wholesome display include gooey Morning Bun, Blueberry Buttermilk scones, savory croissant and many more!
7) Cowgirl Creamy
Producers of organic and artisanal cheese. If you love CHEESE, you got to stop at Cowgirl Creamy. They even offer Cheese Class and Tasting.
8) Station House Cafe
A great way to end the day is to have dinner at the Station House Cafe. Open since 1974, this casual cafe serves American comfort food using fresh, organic, local and sustainable ingredients from its own garden or grown by local farmers. They serve warm popovers after 5pm (see picture below). It’s warm, spongy and fragrant, what a way to start a meal!
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