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

Nick’s Cove or Olema House, which btw was voted #1 USA hotel by Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Award!!!

Where to Eat and Drink

• Bovine Bakery (Point Reyes): amazing scones. Get there early- on the weekends the line is out the door.
• 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.
• 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

What to Pack