“If you don’t have the time to travel, create a career that gives you more freedom…until then, take a 12-hour vacation.”
It’s a small town…a very small town and, unfortunately, it sometimes gets overlooked by tourists with the uber-trendy wine country of Napa & Sonoma nearby. Though they hold their own with outdoor adventurers flocking to Point Reyes to experience the amazing biking, challenging hikes and plentiful bird sightings. The downtown is quaint and features all the essentials of the more popular neighboring towns; shopping, dining, art galleries, etc.
COFFEE PLEASE 9:00am
Kick start your day with a cup of joe & pastry at Bovine Bakery. Here you will find monster size scones ($3), giant chocolate chip cookies and savory cheesy croissants. Don’t plan on getting your fancy espresso drinks at this bakery (it’s an espresso-free zone), but their straight-up coffee is a rich option.
11315 Shoreline Hwy, Point Reyes Station, CA, 415-663-9420
LUNCH FOR THE TRAIL 10:00am
Before you head out to explore the trails of Point Reyes, pick up a picnic lunch at Tomales Bay Foods. Order from their daily fresh gourmet sandwiches, visit the Cowgirl Creamery counter to select your favorite Artisan cheese and snag some fancy crackers or a loaf of crunchy bread for your trip.
80 4th Street, Point Reyes Station, CA 415-663-9335
THE TREK BEGINS 11:30am
Stop by the Bear Valley Visitors Center to pick up a free hiking trail map and learn more about the biological and historical interests of Point Reyes. Start your hike right outside of the visitors parking lot and onto the Bear Valley Trail. For a less strenuous walk, stroll on this trail round-trip (up to 3.1 miles). For the more adventurous, take a right onto the Meadow Trail and hike to the top of the mountain. Ease your way down the hill on the Mt. Witenberg Trail and back to the visitors center (4.8 miles).
1 Bear Valley Rd., Point Reyes Station, CA, 415-464-5100
SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP 3:30pm
Pay a visit to Toby’s Feed Barn, which has been serving the community since 1942. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift, gourmet jam, organic vegetables or souvenir t-shirts, Toby’s the place for you. Cross the street and take a peek into Flower Power, a charming gift shop with unique foliage, housewares and jewelry.
Toby’s, 11250 Hwy 1, Point Reyes Station, CA, 415-663-1223
Flower Power, 11275 State Route 1 N, Point Reyes Station, CA, 415-663-8221
HUNGER PAINS 5:30pm
By now you must have worked up quite an appetite. Dine at the Osteria Stellina where they focus on local, organic products. Start with some Hog Island Oysters ($15), move on to the Beet & Arugula salad ($9) and make the perfect finish with the Niman Ranch Osso Buco ($19).
11285 Hwy 1, Point Reyes Station, CA, 415-663-9988
