You can make San Francisco to Point Reyes Station in about 1.25 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 40 miles on US-101 and Sir Francis Drake Blvd, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the flyway.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving San Francisco
Aim to clear San Francisco before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 15 miles to Mill Valley.
The headline stop on this route is Point Reyes Lighthouse whale and seabird watch. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Mill Valley
Mill Valley sits about 15 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Tomales Bay shorebirds is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Olema, the last stretch
Olema sits about 37 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Rolling into Point Reyes Station
The final 3 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Tule elk at Tomales Point; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Point Reyes Lighthouse whale and seabird watch, Tomales Bay shorebirds and Tule elk at Tomales Point, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Point Reyes Station or Inverness, CA is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along US-101 and Sir Francis Drake Blvd before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
