The NWS has issued a High Surf Advisory for the Coastal North Bay, including Point Reyes NS. Use extra caution near the surf zone as the large breaking waves of 25 to 30 feet are capable of sweeping people into the sea. Never turn your back to the ocean. More
Park Closures
Drakes Beach Road now only open 10 am to 4 pm to better protect elephant seal pups.
Northern elephant seals have returned to Drakes Beach and given birth close to beach access points. To better protect the pups during this important time, this area will only be open when park staff and volunteers are present. The beach itself is closed. More
Point Reyes is located along the west coast of California approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of San Francisco. Travelers may approach the park from the winding scenic Highway 1, either from the north or the south. Visitors can also reach the park via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or the Point Reyes/Petaluma Road.
Point Reyes National Seashore is open to visitors every day of the year! The park is open from 6 am to midnight. (Visit our Visitor Centers web page, for the hours for the Bear Valley Visitor Center, the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center at Drakes Beach, and the Point Reyes Lighthouse and the stairs leading down to the lighthouse.) Overnight parking is only permitted in the park with a valid backcountry camping permit or for visitors staying at the Point Reyes Hostel.
The moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean creates a climate with no great extremes of heat or cold. Any season can bring interesting weather during your visit to Point Reyes National Seashore. Come prepared!
The park's primary visitor center provides an orientation of the park's roads, trails, and human and natural history. The interior exhibit space provides a glimpse of the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of the park. Audio-visual programs, shown in the auditorium, are available upon request. Natural history books, cards, and posters are for sale in the bookstore. Beach fire permits may be obtained here.
Every Day:9:30 AM–5:00 PM
The Bear Valley Visitor Center is scheduled to be open daily from 9:30 am until 5 pm.
The Bear Valley Visitor Center is closed on December 25 and usually closes at 2 pm on Thanksgiving.
Located at beautiful Drakes Beach, the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center contains exhibits that focus on maritime exploration in the 1500s, marine fossils, and marine environments. A minke whale skeleton is suspended from the ceiling. Allow 20–30 minutes to view exhibits. Park- and ocean-themed books, guides, and postcards, and maps, along with coffee and packaged snacks are for sale in the PRNSA bookstore adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.
Current Hours (Elephant Seal Pupping Season)
December 26–April 27
Every Day:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center is tentatively scheduled to be open from 10 am to 4 pm, seven days a week, from Thursday, December 26, 2024, until Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Standard Hours
Sunday:10:00 AM–4:30 PM
Monday-Friday:Closed
Saturday:10:00 AM–4:30 PM
Provided there are no active exceptions, the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm on weekends and federal holidays that fall on Mondays; closed on weekdays.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Elephant Seal Pupping Season
December 26–April 27
Every Day:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center is tentatively scheduled to be open from 10 am to 4 pm, seven days a week, from Thursday, December 26, 2024, until Sunday, April 27, 2025.
The Lighthouse Visitor Center (LHVC) offers exhibits on the Point Reyes Lighthouse, marine life, & maritime history, as well as a small bookstore. The stairs down to the lighthouse are only open when the LHVC is open and wind speeds remain below 40 mph (64km/h). The Observation Deck at the top of the stairs is open daily from 6 am to ~11:45 pm and offers a great view on a clear day.
Sunday and Monday:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday:Closed
Thursday-Saturday:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Lighthouse Visitor Center (LHVC) and the stairs leading down to the lighthouse (LH) are open from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursdays through Mondays (provided there are no active exceptions), and closed Tue. & Wed. The stairs to the LH are closed when winds exceed 40 miles per hour. The LH's clockwork room, which houses the original clockworks & from which one can get a close look at the first-order Fresnel lens, is usually open on days the stairs are open from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, as staffing & weather permit.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Closed Saturday, March 1, 2025
March 1–March 1
Sunday and Monday:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday:Closed
Thursday and Friday:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Saturday:Closed
The Lighthouse Visitor Center and the stairs leading down to the lighthouse will be closed on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Holidays
2025–2026
New Year's Day
January 1, 2026
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 19, 2026
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Washington's Birthday
February 16, 2026
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Memorial Day
May 26, 2025
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Juneteenth National Independence Day
June 19, 2025
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Independence Day
July 4, 2025
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Labor Day
September 1, 2025
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Columbus Day
October 13, 2025
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2025
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Christmas Day
December 25, 2025
Closed
Holiday
Date
Hours
Public WiFi is available.
Free WiFi is available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, as well as at the libraries in Inverness and Point Reyes Station.
Reliable AT&T and Verizon cell service is largely limited to the communities of and along the roads connecting Inverness, Inverness Park, Point Reyes Station, and Olema. Cell service elsewhere in the park and by other carriers tends to be extremely limited with weak signals, or nonexistent.
When planning a family vacation, a weekend get-away, or even just a Sunday drive, it often helps to know what you will encounter along the way and at your destination. This section will assist you in locating basic information for your trip, such as:
Do you plan to travel to the Point Reyes in an electric vehicle? Find out where you can charge your EV.
Last updated: September 20, 2024
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station,
CA
94956
Phone:
415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.
