Somehow, I lived in California for four years, wrote more than a dozen guidebooks on the state and countless magazine features, and yet explored so little of the North Bay beyond Muir Beach, where we got married. But isn’t that so often the case—you neglect what’s in your own backyard?
So on our recent trip back, I aimed to change that, and we planned a glorious day trip to Point Reyes National Seashore with SVV’s family.
Now, the weather did not cooperate, hardly. But then again, had we been blessed with sunny skies, there would have been no rainbows.
Besides, the drive up past Bolinas Lagoon is stunning no matter the weather.
We were staying on the coast in Marin County, and it was about an hour drive up to Olema, where we met up with the family. But first, I had one thing I just needed to see: the Cypress Tunnel, aka every Instagrammer’s dream.
After we arrived, found we were the only ones there (see: poor lighting and weather conditions), and snapped some photos, we looped back to Olema then up along Tomales Bay where we met the family at the Marshall Store, another place I had written about with some frequency yet never visited.
It’s known for its oysters and crab, but seeing as I eat neither, I consumed all the Cowgirl Creamery cheese (on ACME bread, natch) instead. I don’t regret that decision.
Once our bellies were full, SVV’s parents took us to their favorite beach, Limantour, a new spot to both SVV and me, despite him growing up in the Bay Area.
Again, it was too cold to be in anything shy of two layers (in other words, a typical Northern California day), so we bundled up and sought refuge against the dunes.
This day was a blessing for many reasons, but mainly because I got to spend it with my niece Kiva. She was only one when SVV and I started dating and somehow has now turned 14 in the blink of an eye. She’s sweet, compassionate, beautiful and has the biggest heart (basically, the opposite of me as a teen!). I look forward to her being a little bit older and (hopefully) flying her out to stay with us in Tennessee.
We were there during the breeding season for the elephant seals, but we somehow missed going out to Drakes Beach. If you’re visiting between December and March, I highly recommend making this a priority—though be forewarned: they stink! You also might have to take a shuttle out there from the visitor’s center, depending on the day you’re visiting.
After Lindamar, we went into the town of Point Reyes Station, another place I’d never actually explored, and went to the Cowgirl Creamery headquarters (started by two fellow UT alums, it bears noting!) then had dinner at Station House Cafe.
Our day was over far too quickly, and I was sad to say good-bye to SVV’s parents, Kiva and her dad Jim.
Planning a California vacation? I have plenty of travel tips here:
- Windswept + Wild Down Highway 1
- A Day Trip to Half Moon Bay
- A Magical Weekend in Muir Beach
- Planning a Family Vacation to Santa Cruz
- Sunny Days on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk
- Planning the Ultimate California Road Trip
- Art and Food in San Francisco’s Mission District
- Berkeley in Bloom: 24 Hours in the East Bay
- Skiing Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Resort
Hi Kristin!
Lived in the Bay Area for about 13 years until moving to Nashville in 2011 and we really love it here!
Love Point Reyes and your pictures! Brought back a lot of good memories! We rented this place: https://poetsloft.com/ for a long weekend for our anniversary years ago – I actually came across the pictures the other day. I don’t miss living in CA; however I do miss the ocean!! Other favorite spots are Monterey Bay, Carmel and Muir Woods for day-trips.
Wow the Poet’s Loft is beautiful! Also a former CA-er and like you, the ocean is something I really miss and thus relish it on trips back to the Bay 🙂
That’s all that Scott says he misses about leaving there, Grace. I will say, though, we hardly ever went to the beach when I lived there—it was always too cold!
That place looks dreamy, Traci! Thanks for passing it along!
Wow, the trees there remind me of the dark hedges in Northern Ireland!
I’ve never been there but I’ve seen photos. I can definitely see the resemblance!
Exactly my thought, too, Dominique 🙂 Awesome photos as always, Kristin!
I love Point Reyes! It’s one of my favorite places on the coast, mostly because it’s so dramatic and big enough that you can find your own little private spot. I haven’t been to Limantour but will check it out next time. I love how you captured the birds flying in your photos.
I also don’t eat oysters and am glad to know I’m not the only one!
Exactly, Jenna! It’s also just far enough from civilization (i.e. SF or another major tourist city) to ensure it’s never *too* crazy busy.
Fun! And obviously I support any visiting to a National Park unit!
Yes, girl! I need to start making a list of all the national park units I have left to visit. I think if you count seashores, historic sites, etc., they number more than 450, right?
There are 417 National Park units & Sara Beth at Inner Compass Blog has a checklist with all of them on it that’s one of my favorite things:
https://innercompassblog.com/national-park-checklist/