The Perfect Weekend Getaway in Tomales Bay, California
Find oysters, cheese, and nature in this underrated coastal destination.
The original boat shack at Nick's Cove (it burned down and has since been replaced but this is an older photo).
Before I moved to San Francisco over 12 years ago, I had never heard of the Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay. But thanks to the delicious, fresh oysters, beautiful hikes, fun bike rides, and scenic water to kayak in, it quickly became one of my favorite places to go to get out of the city. Although most people will just visit as a day trip from San Francisco or elsewhere in the Bay, I think it’s worth spending a night or two and turning it into a weekend getaway. In fact: before we owned a car, Jon and I would often bike up here for overnight trips.
Tomales Bay and Point Reyes actually refers to a large(ish) area with a number small towns (like Marshall, Olema, Inverness, and Point Reyes Station—the main town in the area). The bay makes getting from places like Inverness, on the west side, to Marshall, on the east side a decent drive (despite being close, as the crow flies), so taking your time here will allow you to see more of the area’s beautiful trails, nature, and seafood joints.
If that sounds like a good time to you, here’s how I’d spend a perfect weekend in Tomales Bay and Point Reyes.
Short on time? Here’s a quick overview.
➛ If you can only do 3 things: Go for oysters at Marshall Store or Hog Island; drive up to Tomales Point for a short hike followed by a visit the Cypress Tree Tunnel + Point Reyes Lighthouse; and visit the quaint town of Point Reyes Station. Bonus: If it’s August - November, don’t miss a nighttime, bioluminescence kayak paddle.
➛ Can’t miss restaurants: Sandwiches from The Farmer’s Wife, soft serve ice cream at Palace Market, and seafood from Tomales Bay Oyster Co. (oysters only), The Marshall Store, Tony’s, or Hog Island. I’ve yet to try it, but Bar Aucklet in Point Reyes Station is a new restaurant with rave reviews.
➛ Where to stay in Point Reyes + Tomales Bay: Olema House is the best situated hotel for exploring both the Inverness and Marshall side, since you’re right near Point Reyes Station; The Lodge at Marconi is a beautifully refurbished lodge in Marshall with a fun on-site bar and restaurant; and Nick’s Cove is a collection of stylish, cozy cabins right on the water, but further north on the Marshall side (so: close to all the oyster shacks but a bit of a drive from Tomales Point, etc.)
In this article:
Things to Do in Point Reyes + Tomales Bay
Tomales Bay is right next to the Point Reyes National seashore, so much of the area’s activities revolve around being outside. It’s also a major area for oyster and cheese production, so a good snack is never far either. Here are a few popular things to do while in Point Reyes / Tomales Bay:
Go for a hike
Hiking is one of the most popular activities for day trippers and weekenders alike. Most of the hikes are on the west side of Tomales Bay in the Point Reyes National Seashore, though there are a few smaller,
Tomales Point Trail: The full trail is a 9.6 mile out-and-back with spectacular views of Tomales Bay and lots of wildflowers in the spring. However, you can easily walk a mile or two in and still enjoy some lovely scenic outlooks. This is one of my favorite hikes in the area, especially if you get lucky and spot some Tule elk.
Laguna Trail and Coast Trail Loop: This moderate, 5.7 mile loop has minimal elevation gain but lots of stunning views along the way. It also passes by a beach that makes a lovely place to stop and have lunch.
Point Reyes Lighthouse: Less of a nature hike and more of a long-ish walk to a local landmark, this 1.3-mile out and back (or should I say, up-and-down) is a really popular one.
McClures Beach: You can hike about 0.4 miles down to this rugged beach. If the weather is cooperating, it’s a nice place to hang out and enjoy the ocean views, but you can’t swim here (not that you’d necessarily want to. It’s very cold.)
Alamere Falls: This is a challenging, 13-mile hike to a tidefall waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. Though hard, it’s a bucket-list hike for many Bay Area folks and the end is very special and rewarding. Just note that the trail can get very muddy and it’s not the best after heavy rains, and it is very popular so best to start early in the day. It’s also on the southern end of Point Reyes National Seashore about 35 minutes from Point Reyes Station and closer to Bolinas/Stinson Beach, so not really my top pick while here on a weekend getaway—but iconic enough that I couldn’t not mention it.
Bike the backroads
This area is really popular among road cyclists (myself included!) and there are some really awesome rides you can do out here. I love biking from Samuel P. Taylor Park to Marshall (and vice versa), though if you’re starting from the area, I’d recommend biking around from one side of Tomales Bay to the other.
See the Cypress Tree Tunnel
Confession: I’ve never actually been to the Cypress Tree Tunnel myself but it’s a well-known and beautiful landmark in the area worth visiting if you’re able to fit it into your itinerary.
Go kayaking in the morning or night
Want to get out in the water? Rent a kayak from Tomales Bay Expeditions or Blue Waters Kayaking to experience the Bay’s nautical side. The waters are usually calmest the earlier in the day you go. However, from August through November, you might want to trade that early morning kayak paddle for a nighttime tour to see the area’s bioluminescence—a kind of plankton that glows neon green-blue when disturbed (e.g. by paddling in the water) but only visible at night.
Explore the shops at Point Reyes Station
Although there are several very tiny towns scattered along the Bay, Point Reyes Station is the main town in the area. It has a quaint Main Street lined with restaurants, shops, and a couple of cafes. Point Reyes Books is a popular shop to swing by, though I also like some of the more offbeat, quirky boutiques like VISIONS, Monk Estate, and Coyuchi. The Cowgirl Barn also has a few places where you can pick up local goodies like fermented goods from West Marin Culture Shop, or cheeses made nearby.
But my best local secret? Go to the grocery store for ice cream. They have some seriously good soft serve.
Where to Eat: Restaurants in Point Reyes / Tomales Bay
The Marshall Store
Just want a list of places to eat? Here are my favorites — all of which are also saved in this Google Map list:
The Marshall Store: My absolute favorite place to eat in the area. Great oysters and smoked fish. Get the Dungeness if they’re in season. Also surprisingly great tri-tip sandwiches and beef jerky.
Hog Island Oyster: This locally famous oyster farm is one of the most popular joints in the area. Get a reservation if you’re coming on the weekend.
Tomales Bay Oysters: Is generally less expensive, but also a no-frills, nothing-but-oysters pitstop. Just bring your shucker, because you’ll have to open your own. You can also take them to the lawn at nearby Lodge at Marconi (it’s public, state park land) for a picnic.
Tony’s: Also owned by Hog Island, and has a similar menu to the Hog Island location in San Francisco. Which is fine by me: it’s all fresh, delicious, and the views of the bay are beautiful.
Inverness Park Delicatessen and Tap Room: This Inverness grocery store is surprisingly great for a quick coffee or sandwich, either for there or to-go. It’s en route to a lot of the area’s best hikes too, making it an easy pit stop if you plan to be out all day. There’s also a tap room attached to it where you can sit and have snacks and beers in the afternoon.
Bayside: After the closure of Saltwater Depot, there aren’t a lot of food options around Inverness. However, Tomales Bay Resort opened their seafood focused restaurant, Bayside, recently. I’ve yet to try it but it looks solid—especially if you find yourself hungry on the west side.
Side Street Kitchen: Cute little spot in town, known for their roast chicken. If you happen to be in town on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday morning, swing by for breakfast and order the hot apple fritters.
Heidrun Meadery: Small, locally owned meadery worth stopping by if you like mead. There’s not much in the way of wineries or breweries in this area, and this is the closest thing if you’re craving that kind of experience.
Palace Market: Locals know, the best ice cream is hidden in Point Reyes Station’s local grocery shop, Palace Market. Ask and pay for a cone at the register, then go grab your order at the dairy counter.
Bar Auklet: In 2026, the team behind the Marshall Store and Route One Bakery took over the former Station House Café space to open Bar Auklet, a seafood restaurant and wine bar with a wood-fired grill. They also have a great happy hour.
Oh and bakeries? A lot of people rave about Bovine Bakery but I prefer Brickmaiden Breads around the corner if I’m really craving a scone or cookie. That said, I don’t get super excited about either bakery and think they’re fine to skip if you’re not feeling it.
Where to Stay in Point Reyes / Tomales Bay
Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, there’s are lots of accommodation options in Point Reyes and Tomales Bay. Here are my top picks for hotels and lodges:
Olema House
Olema House is a luxurious, modern hotel and one of the best accommodation options in the area. As the name suggests, it’s located in the tiny “town” of Olema (which is barely more than a few buildings), just near the entrance to Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s a popular spot for cyclists to stop and refill on water, but also a charming and comfortable hotel with a large, bucolic lawn for lounging after a hard days’ ride. With an onsite restaurant and bar, you won’t need to worry about cycling into town for dinner after dark, though Point Reyes Station is only a quick, 2.5-mile bike ride away should you want the option.
The Lodge at Marconi
The Lodge at Marconi has a storied history. It started as a trans-Pacific radio communications station for the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company in the early 1900s and over the years has been a corporate conference center, rehab center, and historic state park. In 2023, though, they completed renovations of several historic buildings, transforming it into a boutique lodge and hotel on the grounds of Marconi Conference Center State Park. The retro design and Sea Ranch-esque architecture of the rooms were delightful but it was the 62 acres of meadows, wildflowers, bay views, and eucalyptus groves that really won me over. Evenings wind down early in this area, but fortunately the Lodge has a communal firepit (and s’more kits for sale) and an on-site restaurant and bar—perfect for a happy hour, dinner, or a nightcap.
Nick’s Cove
Nick’s Cove got its start as a herring smokehouse and curing facility in the 1930s but today is a charming waterfront hotel and restaurant towards the north end of Tomales Bay. The boutique hotel has five unique, cozy cottages, each of which have been recently renovated. They’re a bit of a splurge, but super comfortable and design-forward. Thanks to its location on the northern end of Tomales Bay, Nick’s Cove is best for those who mostly want to hang out on the Marshall side of the bay, kayak, and perhaps pop into Point Reyes Station.
Whether you book a room here or not, don’t miss a chance to eat at the restaurant, which focuses on sustainable seafood classics. Expect dishes like fresh oysters, a Nick’s Cove louis salad (their take on the classic), and fish and chips. They also recently rebuilt their iconic boat house, which sits at the end of a long pier in the Bay itself, so guests can finally enjoy a drink or meal while literally sitting in the bay again.
Camping in Samuel P Taylor State Park
Samuel P Taylor State Park is one of the most popular campsites outside of San Francisco, nestled in a cool redwood grove alongside a creek. While car camping sites book up far in advance, the hiker/biker campsites are first come first serve (no need to reserve) and cost about $7 per bike per night. It’s still another 8 or so miles to Point Reyes Station, but this is by far the best campground in the area, and an excellent option for last minute bikepacking trips. Sky Campground is another, closer option but does not offer first come first serve for hiker/bikers. Both campgrounds require reservations for car campers.
Limantour Lodge
Formerly a Hostelling International property, Limatour Lodge is the only hotel within the National Seashore boundaries. I’ve biked and stayed here a few times before it transferred ownership, but the main perk of staying here remains the same: it’s a beautiful, peaceful, and remote place to stay (literally: no cell reception). Though basic, I loved that the space itself was homey, clean, and simple. Like HI, Limantour continues to offer beds in a shared dorm room as well as a variety of private rooms and cabins, making it a great choice for solo and group travelers alike.
Tomales Bay + Point Reyes 3-Day Travel Itinerary
The Boat Oyster Bar at Hog Island Oyster
Tomales Point Trail in the spring
Prefer to have your day to day planned? Here’s a sample 3-day getaway itinerary for Point Reyes and Tomales Bay.
Day 1: Drive north and get fresh seafood for dinner
Try to leave the city by 3pm to give yourself enough time to check-in and grab an early dinner at Bar Aucklet (bonus points if you make it in time for their happy hour!). This area goes to bed early, so don’t expect much to be open past 8 p.m. If you arrive early enough, though, you could also spend some time exploring the shops in Point Reyes Station, or go for a quick hike at the Tomales Bay (trailhead) or Bolinas Ridge Trail (trailhead).
Day 2: Explore Point Reyes National Seashore
Dedicate your one full day in the area to visiting the area’s highlights. Most of these are clustered on the western side of the bay (which is a bit of a drive if you’re staying in Marshall—plan accordingly) in the Point Reyes National Seashore. So long as you get an early-ish start (say, 8 or 9am), you should have time to see quite a bit before lunch. I’d start with:
Visiting the Point Reyes Lighthouse
Hike all or some of the Tomales Point trail
Drive to the Cypress Tree Tunnel for a photo op
If you plan to be out on Tomales Point all day, I’d recommend stopping by Inverness Park Delicatessen on your way up to grab a to go lunch for the day. This little grocery store is one of the best places to grab coffee, snacks, and a to-go sandwich for your adventures.
Otherwise, plan to make it back to Point Reyes Station for lunch and nosh on the area’s other delicacy: cheese. You’ll find plenty of cheeses to sample at the old Cowgirl Barn, which is also home to West Marin Culture Shop, specializing in fun fermented foods. Just save room for some soft serve ice cream at Palace Market (yes, the grocery store!) If you’re up for the drive, you could also keep on going up towards Marshall and grab a late lunch / early dinner at Tony’s for some of the area’s iconic seafood.
If you’re in the area between August and November so you can embark on an evening bioluminescence kayaking tour. This rare natural phenomenon is one of the most glittering and beautiful ways to see Tomales Bay. Blue Waters Kayaking runs tours several times per week, and also rents kayaks if you prefer to DIY it. If you go with them, their 3-hour tours depart around 5:30-6:30pm in the evening from Miller Park Boat Launch near Nick’s Cove. Plan to grab a bite to eat before or after your tour at Nick’s Cove, which has an excellent selection of California seafood dishes, with a New England twist (think: Dungeness crabs alongside lobster rolls, depending on the season). On Saturdays, their restaurant is open until 9pm — things close early in these parts — so I’d err on the side of caution and eat an early dinner or grab a few items to go for later.
Day 3: Leisurely Food Day
Take your time getting up and making your way back to the city, and dedicate your last day in the area to hopping around all of the area’s best food spots—especially those you may have missed so far. Sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast (maybe pop out for a morning paddle or hike, if you’re feeling so inclined?) then check out of your hotel.
One place you definitely should not miss while you’re here is The Marshall Store. While Hog Island might be the most popular and well-known place (it is undeniably good), I like the more low-key vibes at Marshall. Plus: it has some great tri tip sandwiches and other options for anyone in your crew who is seafood adverse. Make this your lunch spot, then wind your way back to the city with stops for:
A mead tasting at Heidrun Meadery, a local meadery right outside of Point Reyes Station.
Be sure to pack a cooler so you can grab a couple dozen of oysters to bring home at Tomales Bay Oyster Co.
Stop by the Cowgirl barn in Point Reyes Station so you can taste and buy cheese and fermented food at West Marin Culture Shop.
Finally, keep an eye out for Little Wing Farm Stand on the road out of town. It can be hit or miss but worth a stop to see what kind of produce is in stock—especially since it’s barely a detour at all.
