Welcome to the Point Reyes California Tour
Experience the breathtaking majesty of northern California with this self-guided driving tour of Point Reyes National Seashore. Discover fascinating maritime history at the Point Reyes Lighthouse and the Point Reyes Lifesaving Station, then turn back the clock even further and hear true tales of the famed privateer Sir Francis Drake, who landed on these shores hundreds of years ago! Plus, take a detour up to Tomales Point for even more unforgettable ocean views!
About the Tour
Your Point Reyes adventure begins at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. From there, you’ll head toward the town of Inverness, home to a very peculiar landmark: A shipwreck that never actually wrecked!
Learn more about the area’s rich avian and marine wildlife as you drive, then take an optional detour up toward Tomales Point. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to hike a couple incredible trails, like the Kehoe Beach Trail, and learn about the unique geology of this peninsula.
After taking in the astonishing views from Tomales Point, you’ll return to the main route and pay a visit to the Drakes Estero Trail, offering breathtaking estuary views. After that comes the ethereal beauty of the Cypress Tree Tunnel, leading to the historic KPH Radio Station. Next, uncover the mystery of a missing brass plate left here long ago by none other than Sir Frances Drake himself.
Next, take your pick of beaches with detours to Point Reyes Beach and Drakes Beach, the latter of which offers a chance to see the shore where the legendary privateer is said to have landed! Your journey continues at Chimney Rock and Elephant Seal Overlook for a great look at some of the peninsula’s most fascinating wildlife. Then you’ll head to Sea Lion Overlook for even more marine mammals!
Finally, you’ll head to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, the quintessential destination on this beautiful point and a place where you’ll definitely want to snap some photos to remember your trip!
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Map Of Point Reyes National Seashore
Where To Start?
Point Reyes: 1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
(The tour begins in the parking lot of the Visitor Center. Please note this is a suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the Visitor Center, so their staff won’t have information about the tour.)
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Point Reyes National Seashore Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome
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San Andreas Fault
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Birds & Butterflies
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Point Reyes Shipwreck
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Marine Life
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Planting Christmas Cheer
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Tomales Point Beaches
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Sir Francis Drake
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Drakes Estero and Trails
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Secrets of the Realm
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$8 Million Heist
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Cypress Tree Tunnel
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KPH Radio Station
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Sir Francis Drake’s Brass Plate
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Point Reyes Beach
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Tricky Historians
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Drakes Beach
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Whales
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1995 Vision Fire
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Chimney Rock and World War II
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Point Reyes Lifeboat Station
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Elephant Seal Overlook
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Sea Lion Overlook
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South Beach Overlook & Lighthouse Parking
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Leaning Tree
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South Beach Overlook & Lighthouse
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected coastal area located in Northern California known for its rugged shoreline, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
Some of the main attractions include the Point Reyes Lighthouse, Tomales Point Trail, Drake’s Beach, and Chimney Rock.
Point Reyes is accessible by car from San Francisco and other nearby cities. There are multiple entrances and visitor centers with parking facilities.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for vehicles entering the park. However, some days offer fee-free access. Check the park’s website for details.
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, making it a popular destination for hikers.
Yes, there are several campgrounds within the park, and reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
Point Reyes is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including Tule elk, gray whales, harbor seals, and numerous bird species.
Yes, there are tidepools along the coast where you can observe marine life such as anemones, sea stars, and crabs during low tide.
The park is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit for pleasant weather is typically in the spring and early fall. However, different seasons offer unique experiences.
While dogs are allowed in some areas of the park, they must be on a leash at all times, and there are restrictions on which trails and beaches they can access.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
