Visit: Point Reyes, CA
A weekend on the Marin Seashore
Over the years, and throughout most of my life, Point Reyes has been an important destination. I have so many wonderful memories along the seashore, and in the quaint inlets. I was baptized on McClures beach, the same place where I realized for the first time that I really loved my now husband. All this to say, it's a no-brainer getaway at least once a year.
While we often find ourselves planning these weekends last minute, this trip I felt like splurging a little and staying at Olema House, a place which has been on my wishlist for a while. Our four month old puppy Archie was also going to be joining us, so having pet friendly accommodations was a must.
Our Destination Favorites:
Stay: Olema House
Eat: Two Bird Cafe, Saltwater, Marshall Store, Cowgirl Creamery, Palace Market, Stillwater [Fairfax]
Explore: Kehoe Beach, McClures Beach, Tomales Point Trail,
Stay:
Olema House - This sweet boutique hotel is right on the main drag when you pull into Point Reyes. Just off Hwy 1, and close to beaches, restaurants & hiking trails, it is the perfect place to stay to adventure or just relax. The beds are comfy, and the grounds are beautiful; boasting a huge back lawn with lots of different lounge options. Our pup Archie was provided a super fluffy bed, dog treats, and poo bags; a sweet and convenient perk included in our pet fee.
Eat:
When staying in the Point Reyes area, it's worth a little drive to these food destinations (and winding through the country or seaside roads on the way doesn’t hurt either)
Two Bird Cafe - Four words. Whole-Wheat Blueberry Pancakes.I can’t speak more highly of the unpretentious atmosphere, the deck dining overlooking the creek, and the friendly staff. The first time I had the blueberry pancakes, our camp stove had stopped working and we were starving by the time we got to breakfast. Safe to say, at the moment, it was life-changing.
Saltwater - With a view of Tomales Bay, Saltwater is the perfect place for a dinner view. The modern coastal feel of the restaurant makes eating fresh seafood and drinking gorgeous local wine that much more enjoyable. If you can’t make it for dinner, then oysters & bites midday is just as tasty.
Marshall Store - If you like oysters, this is the place! The Marshall Store is an institution. It is exactly what you would expect a beautiful sea shack serving up freshly shucked Oysters to be.
Cowgirl Creamery - Cheese cheese and more cheese. Get yourself to this creamery. Our order: Mt. Tam, Red Hawk, Devil’s Gulch, or anything recommended at the counter. Pair with some Rustic Bakery crackers and you’re ready for a beach picnic.
Palace Market - If you are anything like me, I love a local, well-stocked grocery store. I could spend an hour at Palace Market. With a great mix of local and known options as well as specialty goods, this place makes stocking a hotel fridge, camping cooler, or picnic basket fun and exciting. Don’t forget to pick up a bar of Ritual chocolate while you’re there.
Stillwater - Located in Fairfax, this is a great place to stop for eats on the way up or back from Point Reyes. This sweet modern restaurant serves up some of the best Alaskan Cod tacos I’ve ever had, and the Albacore Tuna poke left our mouths watering for more. The cocktails are spectacular and refreshing, I had to include a photo since my husband’s cocktail [The Electric Horseman] had Willie Nelson etched into the ice cube(!). I myself had the cosmic crush which did not disappoint.
Explore:
Kehoe Beach - Walk out 10 minutes from the road and you will be on a beautiful, expansive beach stretching for miles. One of the only dog-friendly beaches on the Seashore, it is a great place to soak in everything the coastline has to offer with your four-legged friend.
McClures Beach - Down a sloped trail (about a 15-minute walk), you will find my favorite beach of all. It has everything you want from the California coast: soft sand, a cliff, large rocks engulfed in waves, and the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever witnessed.
Tomales Point Trail - From the trailhead of McClures (see above), you will find the Tomales Point trail; follow it to the very tip of Point Reyes National Seashore. This land is also an Elk reserve and is covered in amazing natural wildlife. For that reason, it is not dog friendly but still well worth it. I highly recommend doing this hike and ending up at McClures for a beer or a glass of wine at sunset.
No matter how you decide to spend your time, Point Reyes is the perfect place to getaway. Let us know your favorites, or what we should see next time!
-Veronica
