A day at Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Although the forecast for the weekend showed a cloudy/rainy weather but it all cleared up on Sunday. So we decided to take a trip to Point Reyes which is just one and half are drive from Bay Area. As it was a spur of the moment decision, we could leave by 11am only.
We reached Bear Valley Visitor Center around 1pm via San Rafael. We took a break for lunch and picked up the park's map. Next stop was Drake's beach where bus shuttles were taking folks to Lighthouse and Chimney Rock point. It seems this arrangement is for the winter (during Whale migration season). Drakes beach is good 20 miles from Bear Valley visitor center. Paid $10 for the tickets (2 adults, kids ticket was free). We had to wait some 40 mins as there was a long queue. Shuttle service was fast enough and we could get 3rd shuttle after getting in the queue.
From the bus, we got to see lot of cows (apparently this place is known for butter) and deer. Our first stop was Lighthouse drop-off point. From here, Lighthouse was good half mile walk. Here is one view from the trail to Lighthouse.
We decided to go down the stairs and were treated to really good views. Here is a photograph of the lighthouse.
We spent some good 20-30 mins and I really liked this view while looking out from the lighthouse.
As we were turning back to climb upstairs, we saw a whale in the ocean (our day was made :).
I was surprised that my daughter (who is 6 years old) was able to climb up the stairs without even a single complaint (strong girl). After reaching to pick-up point, we went to Chimney Rock point. But instead of Chimney rock, we decided to go to Elephant Seals lookout. This is a very small, easy trail from the drop-off point.
There are few binoculars fitted near this place which allow you to see Elephant Seals up-close. This was really nice facility and everyone there just loved it.
We returned back to the pick-up point and stood it in the queue for a while. It was getting really cold (and windy). Finally the shuttle came and we boarded the same (we had to come standing as there was no seat left). We left the place around 5:40pm and reached home just before 8.
Overall, it was a fun 3 hours in the park and this can be done again.
We reached Bear Valley Visitor Center around 1pm via San Rafael. We took a break for lunch and picked up the park's map. Next stop was Drake's beach where bus shuttles were taking folks to Lighthouse and Chimney Rock point. It seems this arrangement is for the winter (during Whale migration season). Drakes beach is good 20 miles from Bear Valley visitor center. Paid $10 for the tickets (2 adults, kids ticket was free). We had to wait some 40 mins as there was a long queue. Shuttle service was fast enough and we could get 3rd shuttle after getting in the queue.
From the bus, we got to see lot of cows (apparently this place is known for butter) and deer. Our first stop was Lighthouse drop-off point. From here, Lighthouse was good half mile walk. Here is one view from the trail to Lighthouse.
We visited Lighthouse visitor center (a nice small place with good vibes to it). The lighthouse was some 320 stairs down. There was a sit-out for the folks who did not want to down stairs (it can be difficult climbing up the stairs if one is not used to it). Here is a picture of the see from the sit-out. I really loved the colors that were visible at this point (I think the photo got the colors well).
We decided to go down the stairs and were treated to really good views. Here is a photograph of the lighthouse.
We spent some good 20-30 mins and I really liked this view while looking out from the lighthouse.
As we were turning back to climb upstairs, we saw a whale in the ocean (our day was made :).
I was surprised that my daughter (who is 6 years old) was able to climb up the stairs without even a single complaint (strong girl). After reaching to pick-up point, we went to Chimney Rock point. But instead of Chimney rock, we decided to go to Elephant Seals lookout. This is a very small, easy trail from the drop-off point.
There are few binoculars fitted near this place which allow you to see Elephant Seals up-close. This was really nice facility and everyone there just loved it.
We returned back to the pick-up point and stood it in the queue for a while. It was getting really cold (and windy). Finally the shuttle came and we boarded the same (we had to come standing as there was no seat left). We left the place around 5:40pm and reached home just before 8.
Overall, it was a fun 3 hours in the park and this can be done again.
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