West Marin, California

• More about your oliver guide: Jen Lane
• Trip type: Family, Group getaway, Beach
• Activity level: moderate
• Ideal length of trip: 2 DAYS (OR EVERY WEEKEND)

to & from

An hour drive north of San Francisco. The most direct route is thru Nicasio to the town of Point Reyes station. If time isn’t an issue, then I would suggest taking the Stinson Beach route…a little curvy, but the views of the ocean are amazing.

Where to Stay

Mankas in Inverness or Nick’s Cove in Marshall.

Where to Eat and Drink

• Bovine Bakery (Point Reyes): amazing scones. Get there early- on the weekends the line is out the door.
• Stellina (Point Reyes): The best, local food- highly recommend. More formal than other spots.
• Salt Water (Inverness): Great oysters in the charming town of Inverness
• Marshall Store (Marshall): Our favorite place for oysters. Get a beer and sit on the side of the road staring out onto Tomales Bay. Quintessential West Marin.
• Coffee Stand in Tobys Feed Barn: the best coffee right in the feed barn. Make sure to take a peek inside Toby- cute shop.
• Cafe Reyes: Favorite pizza spot in town.
• Inverness Park Market: The best spot to get a gourmet sandwich and goodies for a picnic!

What to Do

• Stand Up Paddleboard: There’s no better way to experience Tomales Bay.
• Kayak: Rent from Blue Waters, same spot as Stand Up Paddle board rental.
• Chicken Ranch Beach: the best beach for kiddos: Remember that it can get chilly, so pack a jacket.
• Hearts Desire Beach: Pack a picnic lunch and head to Hearts Desire. A little farther of a drive than Chicken Ranch, but perfect for the kids.
• Cowgirl Creamery: Watch the cheese being made. This is a perfect spot in Point Reyes to pick up fixings for a picnic.
• Farm Tour or Cooking Classes at The Fork: Gorgeous farm setting. Fun place to take cooking classes!
• Kehoe Beach: One of the only dog friendly beaches in West Marin. Beautiful beach to take a long walk. Often windy- perfect to fly a kite.
• Limantour Beach: Wide and amazing beach. A little bit of a drive, but worth it. Your family could spend all day here.
• Picnic at Hog Island Oyster: Get there early, fills up fast.
• Chimney Rock: Gorgeous hike, especially in the spring when the hills are filled with water flowers.

inside scoop

• The Palace Market in Point Reyes has some of the world’s best soft serve ice cream. Go in the back to the deli to get the ice cream.
• Kehoe & Limantour Beaches are some of the only dog friendly beaches
• Chicken Ranch beach is the best for families
• Marshall Store is the BEST stop for oysters & roadside beers - breathtaking views of the Tomales Bay