Things To Do Near Tomales Bay
Hours and details change. Please check with each business before you go.
West Marin is our backyard, and we love sharing it. You can hike in the Point Reyes National Seashore, kayak on Tomales Bay, or take a birding tour when the season is right.
Or you can stay put. Relax on the upper deck with morning coffee, or take an afternoon nap in the garden hammock.
Start Here at the Ranch
Ask Michael or Vivien for a walking tour of the ranch. You'll learn about the history of the ranch and the region, meet the heifers, and take in sweeping views of Tomales Bay.
Our pastures are open only with a guide, which means one of us Straus siblings. There are many beautiful places nearby for walks and hikes.
There's a small stretch of beach right across the street, perfect for launching kayaks and canoes. We have beach towels and a cooler you can use. Bonfires aren't allowed on the beach, but on request Michael will set one up for you behind the Red Barn, with everything you need for s'mores.
Hiking
Hikes with MALT-protected views (PDF guide). This guide from the Marin Agricultural Land Trust points out the protected farms and ranches you can see from three public trails: the Millerton Point Trail in Tomales Bay State Park, the Tomales Bay Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and a Barnabe Road and Cross Marin Trail loop in Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Our mom and her friend Phyllis co-founded MALT back in 1980, so these views mean a lot to our family.
Tomales Point (aka Pierce Point Ranch). Tomales Point is home to tule elk. The first elk were released there in 1978, on the old Pierce Ranch.
Point Reyes National Seashore. The Seashore has rocky headlands, sand beaches, grasslands and forested ridges, and more than 1,500 species of plants and animals. Gray whales pass by from December through May, and you may also spot elephant seals and tule elk. Trails range from short walks to long day hikes, and the Point Reyes Lighthouse sits at the western end of the headlands.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park. This park is known for its redwoods along Lagunitas Creek. In season you can watch salmon spawn, and some trails climb to Barnabe Peak, which the park calls one of the best viewpoints in Marin County. You can also camp among the redwoods.
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding. This link opens a search for horseback riding stables near Point Reyes Station.
Kayaking on Tomales Bay
Go kayaking on Tomales Bay with Blue Waters Kayaking, including nighttime bioluminescence tours … exquisite!
We've also partnered with Point Reyes Adventure Company to offer customized kayaking tours on Tomales Bay, including nighttime bioluminescence tours. They also offer yoga in the barn and in-home massage.
Spa Day in Freestone
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary. Osmosis is a day spa in Freestone, set on five secluded acres with Kyoto-style Japanese gardens. Its signature treatment is the Cedar Enzyme Bath, a heat treatment. It also offers massage, facials and spa packages.
While you're in Freestone, stop by Wild Flour Bakery. It bakes sourdough breads and scones in a wood-fired brick oven.
Farm and Food Tours
Marin Agricultural Land Trust Farm Tours. MALT's events page lists public hikes on protected farmland, free family-friendly community days such as "A Day on the Ranch," and workshops.
West Marin Food & Farm Tours. This woman-owned small business runs small-group food tours in Marin and Sonoma counties. Its public tours include a Point Reyes sampler (with stops such as an oyster farm, a meadery and an organic vegetable farm), an Oyster Lover's Tour that starts at Nick's Cove in Marshall, and a Cheese Lover's Tour. It also plans custom tours for groups.
California Cheese Trail. Visit a local cheese maker! The Cheese Trail was developed by none other than … Vivien Straus. Its trail map helps you find nearby farms, cheesemakers and cheese shops.
Culture and Events
Book Readings (including many Best Selling Authors) at Point Reyes Books. Point Reyes Books hosts conversations with authors about their new books. Some events are held in person at local venues, such as the Dance Palace, and some are online.
Dance Palace Community & Cultural Center - Performances & Events. The Dance Palace is the community cultural center in Point Reyes Station. It hosts concerts, film screenings, lectures, book events and community meetings, plus classes for adults and kids.