Tom’s guidebook
Food scene
The crab mac and cheese and garlic truffle fries are sublime.
103 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nick's Cove
23240 CA-1The crab mac and cheese and garlic truffle fries are sublime.
Owned by Hog Island Oyster Company
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tony's Seafood Restaurant
18863 Shoreline HwyOwned by Hog Island Oyster Company
best clam chowder east of the Farallones!
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Marshall Store
19225 CA-1best clam chowder east of the Farallones!
Heidrun Meadery
11925 CA-1Its the bee's knees!
Cold beer and pizza, great baked goods and coffee. On the motorcycle and collector car club circuit for Sunday mornings.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tomales Bakery
27000 CA-1Cold beer and pizza, great baked goods and coffee. On the motorcycle and collector car club circuit for Sunday mornings.
Try the Red Hawk. It can only be made with West Marin microbes!
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cowgirl Creamery
80 4th StTry the Red Hawk. It can only be made with West Marin microbes!
Valley Ford is en route to Bodega and Bodega Bay and this gem of a restaurant is on the must-stop list. If you'd rather hang out at High Tide Cottages and Farm, Firefly Catering (Rocker Oysterfeller's catering arm) will come to you.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rocker Oysterfeller's
14415 CA-1Valley Ford is en route to Bodega and Bodega Bay and this gem of a restaurant is on the must-stop list. If you'd rather hang out at High Tide Cottages and Farm, Firefly Catering (Rocker Oysterfeller's catering arm) will come to you.
Sourdough olive loaf with mixed Greek olives, Nigella seeds and topped with Zaatar. Need I say more?
Okay, I will say more. . . Check out their garden (freshly grown fruits, berries and vegetables that go into the 900 loaves that are baked daily) during the summer months. Freestone is the fermentation capitol of Sonoma County. So stop by Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary (actually make reservations), Freestone Artisan Cheese while you are there. Also a must-stop en route to Occidental's several extraordinary eateries.
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wild Flour Bread
140 Bohemian HwySourdough olive loaf with mixed Greek olives, Nigella seeds and topped with Zaatar. Need I say more?
Okay, I will say more. . . Check out their garden (freshly grown fruits, berries and vegetables that go into the 900 loaves that are baked daily) during the summer months. Freestone is the fermentation capitol of Sonoma County. So stop by Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary (actually make reservations), Freestone Artisan Cheese while you are there. Also a must-stop en route to Occidental's several extraordinary eateries.
Exquisite picnic items. Load up here on your way to Southern Sonoma beaches.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery
14390 Valley Ford RdExquisite picnic items. Load up here on your way to Southern Sonoma beaches.
Bring your extended family to this culinary icon in Bohemian Grove country. Spend a lot of time eating and drinking amazingly delicious food. Even the most ambitious eaters leave with a doggy bag. Worth the 40 minute drive.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Union Hotel Restaurant & Cafe
3731 Main StBring your extended family to this culinary icon in Bohemian Grove country. Spend a lot of time eating and drinking amazingly delicious food. Even the most ambitious eaters leave with a doggy bag. Worth the 40 minute drive.
For a long time they only took cash. But the food was worth it. Now you can use your credit card and the food is just as good! Opens at 7:30. Fill up and spend the day exploring the Russian River, beaches and Sonoma Wine Country.
91 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Howard Station Cafe
3611 Bohemian HwyFor a long time they only took cash. But the food was worth it. Now you can use your credit card and the food is just as good! Opens at 7:30. Fill up and spend the day exploring the Russian River, beaches and Sonoma Wine Country.
Built by Robert Ayres in 1859 as a stage stop and "watering hole". Wikipedia notes that, according to local tradition, Ulysses S. Grant once made a speech from the balcony of Washoe House, but adds that historical evidence for this is lacking.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Washoe House
2840 Roblar RoadBuilt by Robert Ayres in 1859 as a stage stop and "watering hole". Wikipedia notes that, according to local tradition, Ulysses S. Grant once made a speech from the balcony of Washoe House, but adds that historical evidence for this is lacking.
Sightseeing
300 steps, half a mile walk from parking to the visitor center, roughly an hour drive from Point Reyes National Seashore Visitor Center in Olema. Getting to the Lighthouse is half the fun. Think Ireland in No. California.
46 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Point Reyes Lighthouse
300 steps, half a mile walk from parking to the visitor center, roughly an hour drive from Point Reyes National Seashore Visitor Center in Olema. Getting to the Lighthouse is half the fun. Think Ireland in No. California.
One of the oldest ranches on the Point Reyes Peninsula (1858) and the gateway to the Tomales Point Tule Elk Preserve. Bring your hiking boots, bring food and water and leave early in the morning to hike to make it all the way to Tomales Point and back. Also, check out the mysterious 820-foot long row of boulders named "Spirit Jumping Off Rocks" by the Coastal Miwok Tribe. Stonehenge of Tomales Bay?
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pierce Point Ranch
Pierce Point RoadOne of the oldest ranches on the Point Reyes Peninsula (1858) and the gateway to the Tomales Point Tule Elk Preserve. Bring your hiking boots, bring food and water and leave early in the morning to hike to make it all the way to Tomales Point and back. Also, check out the mysterious 820-foot long row of boulders named "Spirit Jumping Off Rocks" by the Coastal Miwok Tribe. Stonehenge of Tomales Bay?
Great first stop for anyone wanting to get a sense for the immense biodiversity of the Point Reyes National Seashore's 71,000 acres and 80 linear miles of coastline. Great interpretive exhibits.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bear Valley Visitor Center
1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Access RoadGreat first stop for anyone wanting to get a sense for the immense biodiversity of the Point Reyes National Seashore's 71,000 acres and 80 linear miles of coastline. Great interpretive exhibits.
Quintessential Sonoma County. This is a 40 minute drive if you don't stop. But you will want to stop in Tomales, Valley Ford and the town of Bodega (different than Bodega Bay).
291 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bodega Bay
Quintessential Sonoma County. This is a 40 minute drive if you don't stop. But you will want to stop in Tomales, Valley Ford and the town of Bodega (different than Bodega Bay).
Favorite Beaches
Believed to be where Sir Francis Drake careened his ship in 1579, thus designated a National Historic Landmark District.
Drakes Bay
Believed to be where Sir Francis Drake careened his ship in 1579, thus designated a National Historic Landmark District.
Dog (on leash) friendly to the south. Sans K9 beach walk to the north. Stop by Inverness Park Deli en route. Great place for picnics unless it's windy.
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Limantour Beach
Dog (on leash) friendly to the south. Sans K9 beach walk to the north. Stop by Inverness Park Deli en route. Great place for picnics unless it's windy.
Abbotts Lagoon
3.6 miles from parking lot to beach. no dogs. amazing wild flowers.
Parking lot is just below Pierce Point Ranch. The beach is a 1.25 mile hike down a mostly maintained trail but do not try to bring a stroller. It's definitely worth the hike.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kehoe Beach
Parking lot is just below Pierce Point Ranch. The beach is a 1.25 mile hike down a mostly maintained trail but do not try to bring a stroller. It's definitely worth the hike.
This is a great beach to gain some perspective on Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay (when it is not foggy). Nice walking. Watch fishing boats heading in and out of Bodega Harbor.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Doran Beach
201 Doran Beach RdThis is a great beach to gain some perspective on Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay (when it is not foggy). Nice walking. Watch fishing boats heading in and out of Bodega Harbor.
Rentals, Charters and Guided Tours
Kayak rentals and tours. Summer and fall bioluminescense tours at night (and winter and spring with increasing frequency).
Tomales Bay Expeditions
12948 Sir Francis Drake BlvdKayak rentals and tours. Summer and fall bioluminescense tours at night (and winter and spring with increasing frequency).
Blue Waters night bioluminescence, private camping and many other tours, classes and exerience are enchanting and mesmerizing ways to meet some of the amazing creatures that inhabit Tomales Bay -- such as Dinoflagellates who light up its dark waters on summer evenings, particularly on the western side of the bay.
T
23240 CA-1Blue Waters night bioluminescence, private camping and many other tours, classes and exerience are enchanting and mesmerizing ways to meet some of the amazing creatures that inhabit Tomales Bay -- such as Dinoflagellates who light up its dark waters on summer evenings, particularly on the western side of the bay.
This is but one of several charter services available in Sonoma County. These charters generally go out into the open ocean rather than inside Bodega or Tomales Bays.
North Bay Fishing Charters
1501 Eastshore RdThis is but one of several charter services available in Sonoma County. These charters generally go out into the open ocean rather than inside Bodega or Tomales Bays.
Wineries, Oysters, Farms and Creameries
Secluded Mediterranean-style inn and winery just north of Point Reyes Station.
Point Reyes Vineyards Tasting Room
12700 Shoreline HwySecluded Mediterranean-style inn and winery just north of Point Reyes Station.
24 varietals, several remarkable food venues close by (relaxed atmosphere and staff say "yes, please bring your food purchased next door to our table," join their wine club and get free tastings. Vroom, vroom!
Adobe Road Winery
1995 South McDowell Boulevard Extension24 varietals, several remarkable food venues close by (relaxed atmosphere and staff say "yes, please bring your food purchased next door to our table," join their wine club and get free tastings. Vroom, vroom!
A great one-hour drive that will take you into the heart of Dry Creek Road's famed but not stuffy wine district. Make this your destination (make reservations) but stop a lot on the way. Papapietro knows Pinot and Chard. Delizioso!
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Papapietro Perry Winery
4791 Dry Creek RdA great one-hour drive that will take you into the heart of Dry Creek Road's famed but not stuffy wine district. Make this your destination (make reservations) but stop a lot on the way. Papapietro knows Pinot and Chard. Delizioso!
150 sheep at White Whale Farm make Pugs Leap all farmstead cheese. Tours available. Call ahead.
White Whale Farm
5880 Carroll Rd150 sheep at White Whale Farm make Pugs Leap all farmstead cheese. Tours available. Call ahead.
Five minute drive south of High Tide Cottages and Farm in central Marshall. Hogg Island Oysters are grown in the front yard (practically speaking) of High Tide Cottages and Straus Milk (yogurt, ice cream, etc.) is grown in bovine hills adjoining the Farmhouse's backyard.
118 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hog Island Oyster Co
20215 Shoreline HwyFive minute drive south of High Tide Cottages and Farm in central Marshall. Hogg Island Oysters are grown in the front yard (practically speaking) of High Tide Cottages and Straus Milk (yogurt, ice cream, etc.) is grown in bovine hills adjoining the Farmhouse's backyard.
Bohemian Creamery
7380 Occidental Rd16 minutes from Bodega Bay
Cheeses from Sonoma, Marin and Napa , raw local honey, small-batch jams and charcuterie.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Freestone Artisan Cheese
380 Bohemian HwyCheeses from Sonoma, Marin and Napa , raw local honey, small-batch jams and charcuterie.
30 minutes from High Tide Cottages and Farm. Olive oil, wine and a lot more. Spectacular setting. Great people. This is a must-do. Call ahead.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
McEvoy Ranch
5935 Red Hill Rd30 minutes from High Tide Cottages and Farm. Olive oil, wine and a lot more. Spectacular setting. Great people. This is a must-do. Call ahead.
Locally made cheese before locally made cheese was cool. You can get this in local stores or go right to the source. Check to see if tours are happening.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Marin Cheese Factory
7510 Pt. Reyes - Petaluma RdLocally made cheese before locally made cheese was cool. You can get this in local stores or go right to the source. Check to see if tours are happening.
winetasting by reservation only (Mary@Stubbsvineyard.com). Close to McEvoy and Marin French Cheese. Take the back roads north and then West back in the direction of Tomales. Have dinner at the William Tell or at the Washoe House.
Stubbs Vineyard
1000 Marshall Petaluma Rdwinetasting by reservation only (Mary@Stubbsvineyard.com). Close to McEvoy and Marin French Cheese. Take the back roads north and then West back in the direction of Tomales. Have dinner at the William Tell or at the Washoe House.
Hikes
The hikes in this section range from short strolls to more strenuous and are within a 35 minute drive (or paddle). We recommend you consult the county, state or national agency for weather conditions, hazards or recent closures due to fire or Covid. Please bring water and extra clothes, use your judgement and stay safe.
This 3.6 mile round trip hike through open pastureland along side Abbotts Lagoon to the Ocean. It is well-traveled and has limited parking so leave early and bring a lunch and plenty of water.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead
This 3.6 mile round trip hike through open pastureland along side Abbotts Lagoon to the Ocean. It is well-traveled and has limited parking so leave early and bring a lunch and plenty of water.
My favorite hike is the 3.2 mile round trip hike to Divide Meadow from the Bear Valley parking lot. But, if your not sure how long or how far you want to hike, several other trails start and end at Bear Valley which is also Point Reyes National Seashore's main interpretive center. We recommend you speak to the National Park Service staff at the Visitor Center, pick up a map, find out about trail closures, etc. before setting out.
Bear Valley Trailhead
Bear Valley Visitor Center Access RoadMy favorite hike is the 3.2 mile round trip hike to Divide Meadow from the Bear Valley parking lot. But, if your not sure how long or how far you want to hike, several other trails start and end at Bear Valley which is also Point Reyes National Seashore's main interpretive center. We recommend you speak to the National Park Service staff at the Visitor Center, pick up a map, find out about trail closures, etc. before setting out.
If you look to the east from Pierce Point Ranch (and the weather cooperates) you will see High Tide Cottages and Farm on the opposite side of Tomales Bay. You may also hike to McClure's Beach (reasonably short hike west from the lower parking lot) or north to Tomales Point (a beautiful but tortuous (because you think you are almost there and then there's more) hike to the terminus of land that forms the West Shore of Tomales Bay. Leave early in the morning, bring lots of water, get a weather report and, as with all hikes above the bluffs, don't climb on the cliffs.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pierce Point Ranch
Pierce Point RoadIf you look to the east from Pierce Point Ranch (and the weather cooperates) you will see High Tide Cottages and Farm on the opposite side of Tomales Bay. You may also hike to McClure's Beach (reasonably short hike west from the lower parking lot) or north to Tomales Point (a beautiful but tortuous (because you think you are almost there and then there's more) hike to the terminus of land that forms the West Shore of Tomales Bay. Leave early in the morning, bring lots of water, get a weather report and, as with all hikes above the bluffs, don't climb on the cliffs.
Muddy Hollow Trail
Muddy Hollow TrailEstero Trail
Estero TrailBolinas Ridge Trailhead
Bolinas Ridge TrailMarshall Beach Trailhead
Marshall Beach RoadSky Trailhead
Kehoe Beach Trailhead
Kehoe Beach Trail