Point Reyes National Seashore

Description:

• Amid the pounding surf and salty sea air, visitors can frolic along Point Reyes National Seashore's many hiking paths and coastal stretches. Yes, yes, there are many places along the entire California coast where one can do this, but Point Reyes is special. Featuring a striking amount of natural diversity, it is home to 45% of American bird species and 18% of California native plant species. But that's not all—visitors to Point Reyes can also be treated to whale, sea lion, and seal sightings from the beach, or glimpses of deer, elk, raccoons, and coyote in the interior forest. You may balk at the approximately one-hour drive from San Francisco to Point Reyes, but rest assured, it's well worth it—especially considering the gorgeous Marin County vistas and cute towns (such as the surfer and hippie enclave of Bolinas) you'll encounter along the way.
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