Point Reyes National Seashore: The Lighthouse

25 March 20253 May 2025

During a previous stay in San Francisco, I tried to reach the Point Reyes National Seashore to watch the sunset, but I had failed. Not anticipating the hour long, intense drive of switchbacks and winding roads, I knew I was not going to reach the lighthouse in time for the sunset. I was so disappointed and began the drive back in hopes to make this trek again in the near future.

A couple of months later, I found myself leaving from San Francisco driving north to Marin County. This is not a road for the faint of heart, but I was determined to make it this time, on time and with enough time to reach this spectacular view.

Having navigated through the challenging landscape, I turned into the entrance of the park. I was surprised to find that I was driving through private farmlands, but continued to stay on course. Posted signs clearly explained that the cattle farms were under the purview of the California government.

The roadway through the park continued until I finally arrived at the entrance to the park, a short distance from the lighthouse. The parking lot was practically empty with only a couple of cars and I noticed ahead there was a gate at the entrance to the lighthouse. I was confused but started my hike when I was welcomed by a herd of deer grazing alongside of the path.

I continued along the paved pathway noticing the spectacular view of the seashore to my right. Within a few hundred feet and around the bend, I noticed what appeared to be living quarters. Thinking that I may be trespassing on private property, I thought about turning back towards my car. At that time, a young girl was driving towards the house and mentioned that I was heading in the right direction to see the lighthouse.

It was turning out to be a great time to view the local wildlife. Within a few hundred feet, I noticed a hawk-like bird sitting on the power line.

As I edged closer towards the Point Reyes Light, I was reminded of why I love west coast sunsets. Having lived in Southern California, I couldn’t wait to head down to San Clemente pier each night to watch the sun disappear into the horizon. The reflecting colors of the sun through the cloudy sky creates a different experience each time.

Around the corner, I noticed a fenced off area and as I approached closer, there was a set of stairs leading to the lighthouse. While I had a great view through the fence, I wished I could have visited when it was open. I’m just not sure if I could handle a third attempt on those crazy roads, but it won’t be anytime soon.

Have you been to the Point Reyes National Seashore? Were you able to visit the lighthouse? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my trip to Point Reyes National Seashore. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Point Reyes National Seashore
1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Telephone: 415 464 5100

Admission Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit Point Reyes National Seashore.
Hours: Open all year from 6:00AM to 12:00AM; Bear Valley Visitor Center is open (March through October) on weekdays from 10AM to 5PM and on weekends and holidays from 9AM to 5PM. From November to February on weekdays from 10AM to 4:30PM and weekends and holidays from 9AM to 4:30PM
Amenities: Lighthouse, visitor center, parking, camping, boat-in camping, ranger-guided programs, habitat restoration program, yoga classes, salmon spawning (seasonal)
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the coast from the hiking trails and this is the perfect place for watching the sunset.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The road to reach Point Reyes National Seashore from San Francisco may affect those that are prone to car sickness. The length of the trip (1 hour each way) is long, so provide enough time if you are interested in watching the sunset. Bring plenty of water and snacks and ensure that your vehicle has plenty of fuel for the drive. You can take the hike to the lighthouse or an easier option to park near it and take the short trail. Summer is the best time to visit due to fog.

Where to Stay:

Tomales Bay Resort & Marina
12938 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Inverness, CA 94937
Telephone: 415 669 1389

Where to Eat:

Saltwater Oyster Depot
12781 Sir Frances Drake Boulevard
Inverness, CA 94937
Telephone: 415 669 1244

Did somebody say oysters? I was ready for about a dozen raw oysters on the half shell! As if that was not enough, Peter and I split the Shellfish Risotto….crazy amazing!

John Muir and His Love for Tall Trees

29 July 202319 April 2025

I became an admirer of John Muir during high school, learning about his conservationist efforts along the west coast state of California. While I had not visited until my mid-twenties, I loved the idea of preserving our country’s parks on a national and state level. On a business trip to the San Francisco Bay, I set out for the Muir Woods National Monument to see for myself, the extraordinary Redwoods in Marin County, It was a quick stop on my way to Point Reyes National Seashore and a most enjoyable one.

President Theodore Roosevelt declared Muir Woods a national monument in 1908. The 295 acres was donated by a private family becoming the 7^th National Monument of the United States. Today it is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offering 6 miles of trails and is a popular location for birdwatching.

I began my visit with a stop at the Visitor’s Center to pick up a park map with detail of the trails. Cars are not permitted within the monument so I parked my rental car in the lot. Within minutes I found the trailhead to one of the paved trails and laced up my boots.

The redwood trees are home to several species of mammals and birds to include spotted owls, pileated woodpeckers, chipmunks, grey squirrels, bears and bats. I continued along the trail in anticipation in hopes of catching of glimpse of one or two, preferably a bear or a bat.

Muir Woods National Monument was a well-needed stop on my way traveling north and I thoroughly enjoyed the visit. If the owners of the land had not dedicated the acreage to preserve for years to come, I wonder what this land could have been? A precious resource and solitude for future visitors, Muir Woods represents the wishes of the most well-known of all conservationists, John Muir. A refuge for both humans and animals alike.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Muir Woods National Monument? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my short visit to Muir Woods National Monument and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Muir Woods National Monument
1 Muir Woods Rd.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Telephone: 415 561 2850

Admission Fee: $15 per person 16 years of age and older; Children, ages 15 years and under are free.
Hours: Open daily yet the times of operation vary by season.
Amenities: Restrooms, ADA accessible, café, park maps, Visitor’s Center
Length of Visit: 1-2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Reservations are now required for all visitors who enter the park by car. You can book your tickets in advance online. Ther are two bathrooms within the park (at entrance and near the gift shop/café. Pets and picnicking are not permitted. There is no cellular service at Muir Woods.

Where to Stay:

San Anselmo Inn
339 San Anselmo Avenue
San Anselmo, CA 92960
Telephone: 415 455 5366

Where to Eat:

Piazza D’Angelo Restaurant
22 Miller Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: 415 388 2000

What to Read:

Our National Park by John Muir
Muir Woods National Monument, by John Hart

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

San Francisco’s Iconic Golden Gate Bridge

26 January 201514 September 2024

Whether it is the Arch of St. Louis, the Alamo in San Antonio, or the Space Needle in Seattle, very few iconic images compare with the glorious representation of a city than San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

It is impossible to imagine San Francisco without thinking of its spectacular bridge. Regardless of the number of times I travel to San Fran, I am not satisfied until I drive over it or walk the span for breathtaking views of the city. Once the largest suspension bridge in the world, visitors can walk, bike, drive or ride over the two-mile platform that connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County.

It was an overcast day on my last visit, but I layered up and made sure I would be comfortable for a stroll across.

The Golden Gate Bridge was not named for its color but for the strait that it spans, Opening in May of 1937, this steel suspension bridges retains a main span measuring 4,200 feet.

As cars drove across the bridge during my walk, I could hear the whirring sound of the tires and the hollow thumps from the grates that offer views into the water below.

The men who designed the bridge were Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow, and Charles Ellis. But it was Joseph Strauss, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, who provided oversight for the day-to-day construction of the bridge beginning in January of 1933.

It is said that Strauss became fascinated by bridges during a hospitalization in Cincinnati. With a view of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge from his hospital room, he would later be employed by a company that specialized in building them.

The view of the bridge from the southeast side visitor parking lot shows the roadway straight through to the other side. The visitor’s center, gardens and café are accessible from this lot and it is a great starting point for enjoying scenic overlooks and vistas.

The Golden Gate Bridge is open 24 hours a day and it is estimated that approximately 110,000 vehicles travel over the bridge on a daily basis. That does not include the 10,000 pedestrians and 6,000 cyclists that cross as well.

Tolls are only collected in one direction as you head into San Francisco from Marin County. There is a toll charge of $7.25 for 2 axles and motorcycles (as of this writing).

Enjoy the San Francisco rite of passage by walking or biking the Golden Gate Bridge and you will see San Francisco from a whole new perspective.

Have you visited San Francisco and was the Golden Gate Bridge on your itinerary? How did you cross it? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my short post about the Golden Gate Bridge! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Golden Gate Bridge
P.O. Box 9000, Presidio Station
San Francisco, CA 94129-0601
Telephone: 877 229 8655 or 415 486 8655

Admission Fee: Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge at no charge. There is a fee to travel by car, so check the website for the most recent information.
Hours: The Golden Gate Bridge is open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Amenities: Parking, welcome center, cafe, bookstore, historical site
Scenic View: From several vantage points from the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains.
Length of Visit: 1 – 5 hours depending on how you explore the park
Tips for Your Visit: Access the bridge from both the north and south. Where comfortable shoes for walking across the bridge. The six lanes for cars is tight, so be mindful of other drivers and keep your eyes on the road.

Where to Stay:

Sheraton Palace Hotel, now The Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: 415 512 1111

Where to Eat:

Castagnola’s – The restaurant is known for its soups served in bread bowls. Select the clam chowder bread bowl or the lobster bisque bread bowl.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company – The world famous hot fudge sundae is the best seller.

Where to Drink:

Iron Horse – Their signature drinks include the James Bond Martini, Goldfinger, Alice in Wonderland, Tiki Temple and Happy Fortune.

What to Read:

Cool Grey City of Love by Gary Kamiya
San Francisco Stories by Jack London
Zodiac by Robert Graysmith
Alcatraz-1259 by William Baker

Photo Guide for San Francisco:

Aquatic Park is the best place to photograph San Francisco’s waterfront
Broadway Street in North Beach for its neon signs and was formerly known as the area’s “red light district”
Chinatown is absolutely amazing for taking photos of America’s oldest Chinatown.
Coit Tower for 360 degree views of San Francisco and the harbor
de Young Museum Observation Deck located at Golden Gate Park is perfect for panoramic photos of the city. Bypass the line to enter the museum to reach the Hamon Observation Tower to take your photos.
Fort Point is a decommissioned military base on the waterfront which provides outstanding views of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
The Marin Headlands is one of the best places to photograph the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
Treasure Island for spectacular views of San Francisco’s skyline
See the entire city of San Francisco from Twin Peaks