Things To Do

Art Galleries, Beaches, Biking, Bird Watching, Day Trips, Fishing, Hang-Gliding, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Marin Headlands, Massage, Murder Mystery Weekends, Muir Woods, Music, Point Reyes Lighthouse, Reading, Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Waterfalls, Whale Watching, Wildflowers, Wildlife.

Art Galleries

Point Reyes' inspiring beauty has brought many artists to the area. Some display their work permanently such as Marty Knapp Photography . Another permanent display in Point Reyes Station is the revolving display at Gallery Route One. Other artists open their homes twice a year in the Open Studio weekends. For details of this event you can email Marty Knapp at marty@martyknapp.com.

Beaches

The Seashore offers two diverse beach types. The rugged Pacific beaches to the west park amaze the visit with their natural beauty. The vast expanse of Limantour just eight miles from Olema is a perfect place to see the sunset. For those taking the road to Abbott's Lagoon or the long dramatic beach at Kehoe there may be elk at the side of the road. The road to the Lighthouse winds passed more magnificent beaches. These offer drama and miles of easy walking listening to the waves crashing on the sand. Tide-pooling is a popular activity at low tide.

The Bay beaches are gentler with sunnier weather. At Tomales Bay State Park, Heart's Desire Beach is perfect for swimming. The beaches along the Bay have easy access for kayakers.

Biking

There are many different cycling venues either on or off road. Sir Francis Drake, Bear Valley Road and Limantour Roads take the cyclist to beaches and bakeries. To hire bikes and get maps in Olema contact Dave at Cycle Point Reyes. Some of the mountain bike trails are listed below:

· The shady Bear Valley Trail is suitable for beginners with a steady climb to Divide Meadows (a good picnic spot with restrooms). After four miles bikes have to be locked at the rack provided and the last part of the trail to the ocean and Arch Rock made by foot.

· Inverness Ridge is an exciting single track recommended for more experienced riders. It descends from Mount Vision parking lot to the Bayview Trail and Limantour Road. The steep narrow trail winds through forest with occasional views of Drakes Estero.

· The Cross Marin Trail in Samuel P. Taylor Park, starting just minutes from An English Oak, is a part paved and dirt trail on the former railway line through the redwoods. This trail is suitable for beginners. For a more ambitious ride bikers can climb up on to the Olema/Bolinas Ridge

Bird Watching

Point Reyes National Seashore is an excellent location for bird lovers. Situated under the Pacific Flyway, both land and seabirds shelter in this protected environment.

Tomales Bay is one of the most productive and varied wildlife habitats on the Pacific Flyway. Many of the trails offer superb opportunities to watch birds in their natural habitats. The Woodpecker Trail from the Visitor Center has information boards highlighting the things that can be seen and heard in this woodland setting. The trails leading to the Estero or Limantour Beach give birdwatchers a chance to see wading birds.

The Audubon Canyon Ranch allows bird watcher to view courtship, nesting and mating egrets and herons as well as raising their young. The birds return to this area every spring and can be viewed from the Preserve Overlook. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays 10am - 4pm (415) 868-9244.

The Point Reyes Bird Observatory at Palomarin offers a chance to see birds ringed and fed. The PRBO's Palomarin Field Station and nature trails are open to the public dawn to dusk seven days a week. It is located at the southern end of the Park. Both it and the PRBO's Fallon Island Field Station located 28 miles west of the Golden Gate are recognized as two of the premier field biology training programs in the United States. Call for information on bird walks, mist-netting/banding demonstrations and other environmental education activities (415) 868-0655. All walks are led by PRBO biologists. All ages are welcome. $5 donation requested.

Day Trips

An English Oak can be a hub for several day trips. San Francisco is just one hour away. It can be reached by driving the spectacular Highway One to the Golden Gate Bridge or, for those not wanting to bother with finding parking, by the ferry from Larkspur Landing.

A wonderful day out which explores the towns and coast to the north loops up to Tomales, Bodega Bay, and Jenner. It passes Marshall with its working boatyard and great seafood restaurant at Tony's. Take in the picturesque town of Tomales. Bodega Bay has been made famous by its inclusion in the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. Jenner is the mouth of the Russian River. It’s neighbor Duncan Mills has a museum and converted station buildings paying homage to its railroad history. Following the river where you catch glimpses of rafters tackling the waters, the road turns south through the forests at Occidental. This historic town was settled by Italians decades ago and the restaurants are still a testament to this.

Just an hour’s drive to the east lays the wine-growing valleys of Sonoma and Napa. French chateaus, Bavarian castles, and Scottish hunting lodges stand at the side of these meandering roads. Many have wine tasting rooms and guided tours of the grounds and wine making process. The old mission town of Sonoma makes a perfect rest stop for a lunch.

Fishing

Ocean beach fishing and fishing from boats in Tomales Bay and the ocean are popular pursuits. Fresh water fishing in the Park has been curtailed in an effort to re establish native fish populations such as steelhead and salmon. For more information contact www.nps.gov

Hang-Gliding

San Francisco Hang gliding Center specializes in Tandem Hang Gliding, Paragliding, and Aqua Gliding. Fly in a glider beside an USHGA certified instructor from the top of Mt. Tamalpais down to Stinson Beach, after only 5 minutes of instruction. Or fly in our Ultralight "Aqua-glider" over the San Francisco Bay! Look down on Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge from the air. Just 10 miles from San Francisco! Transportation available. Call 510 528 2300 or www.sfhanggliding.com

Hiking

The Point Reyes National Seashore offers 140 miles of maintained trails with a variety of terrains to choose from. Below is a suggested sample.

If you only have one hour, the Visitor Center contains several ecological and historical exhibits, along with a seismograph, weather station and auditorium for enjoying videos and educational programmes. A short path from the center leads to Kule Loko a replica of a Coastal Miwok Indian Village. Interpretive signs briefly describe the Coastal Miwok culture, history and the structures in the village.

For a walk in the woods the Woodpecker Trail explores local forest and meadows with interpretive signs describing some plants and animals you may see along the way.

The popular Earthquake Trail is a short flat paved loop that explores the San Andreas Fault Zone. Interpretive signs describe the geology of the area. The trail entrance is located across the parking lot from the visitor center.

For those with more time the Bear Valley Trail follows a creek and extends out to the ocean. After four miles the tree covered trails opens out to reward the hiker with views of the Pacific and Arch Rock. The return trip can be back along the same trail or up along the ridge trails.

A strenuous three-hour hike from the Visitor Center climbs Mt Wittenburg. The steep 1300' climb to the highest point in the park is not for the faint hearted but provides the adventurer with panoramic views of the seashore and Olema Valley at its peak.

Horseback Riding

With so much beauty to see in the Point Reyes National Seashore why not cover some of it on horseback? There are several options for those wanting to rent a horse or bring their own.

Five Brooks Stables is a public riding stables within the Point Reyes National Seashore on Highway One. It offers 1,2,3 & 6 hour guided trail rides. For family fun there are hay-rides.

If riding a horse along a sandy beach with waves crashing at your feet is your dream then try Chanslor Ranch. Located at Bodega Bay, this working western horse ranch offers a variety of experiences for individuals or groups.

For those wishing to bring their own horse to the area, horse and other pack animals are permitted on most established trails and beaches at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The Visitor Center on Bear Valley Road offers a free map and information.

For overnight stays Stewart Horse Camp is a privately owned and managed camp on Highway One. Many bed and breakfasts are just 5 - 15 minutes away so both horse and rider can have a comfortable night. Call (415) 663-1362 for reservations or visit www.nps.gov/pore/activ_horse.htm

Kayaking

Kayaking or canoeing on the waters of Tomales Bay and the Estero provide incredible opportunities to witness wildlife, or to relax and let your problems drift away. Winter or Summer is a perfect time to paddle. Early mornings and late afternoons are best times for Summer outings. The skies are clear, the water calm and the waterfowl abound. Kayaking offers quiet communication with nature, invigorating physical exercise, the camaraderie of a shared adventure, freedom to explore hidden backwaters and the thrill of open coast touring. For tours and rentals visit Point Reyes Outdoors.

The guides at Tamal Saka/Blue Waters will assist you in having a safe and enjoyable experience. The company provides part or whole day tours and lessons. For more information visit www.bwkayak.com or www.tamalsaka.com

Marin Headlands

An hour south of Olema is the Marin Headlands Visitors Center. The interactive exhibits on the human and natural history of the are is open daily 9.30am - 4.30pm

The Marine Mammal Center is also located at the Marin Headlands, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can learn about this conservation facility and visit seal and seal lion patients at this hospital. Open daily 10am - 4pm (415) 289-7325

The Point Bonita Lighthouse is still in operation and can be viewed at weekends. The half mile trail to the lighthouse is steep so sturdy shoes are recommended. Call (415) 331-1540 for details.

Massage

After a day exploring the wonderful Point Reyes Area, why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage? The proprietor at An English Oak is a qualified massage therapist and brings the table to your room. A one-hour massage is $60. One-and-half-hour is $80. Please call or email Sharyn before your stay so we can set up a time. (415) 663-1500

Murder Mystery Weekends

An English Oak offers you and your friends a chance to solve an old fashioned English crime. The event takes place over a weekend. Six to nine people are assigned a character. Prior to the date, information is mailed to participants outlining their character and image they present to the outside world. The themed settings could be an old English Manor House, a European hotel or Egyptian Nile steamer. The periods usually range from 1900 to 1930 and guests are encouraged to dress in character to help set the mood.

In the process of removing suspicion from yourself, you question or point to other guests with motive and opportunity. Maps and plans need to be examined and alibis dissected. Everything is light hearted with plenty of scope for laughter. The schedule may be modified to fit your desired itinerary. Call or email Sharyn to find out about becoming the next Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple. (415) 663-1500.

Muir Woods

The Visitor Center at Muir Woods has displays of the natural history of these magnificent trees and ancient redwood forest. Paved trails wind through the trees and passed creeks where salmon can be spotted. Open 8am- sunset daily. Drive the Pacific Highway with stunning views of the ocean and The City beyond. Stop at the Pelican Inn at Muir Beach for lunch, a superb replica of a 17th centry English tavern.

Music

Several of the restaurants have live music at weekends. The Olema Inn a neighbor to An English Oak has background music to accompany the fine dining and historic setting. The Station House Cafe has live music on Friday and Saturday in the bar area. For music and dancing, Rancho Nicasio has a fantastic venue for listening or kicking your heels up.

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Few sights can compare to the Point Reyes Lighthouse perched hundreds of feet above the dramatic Pacific Ocean. This western most point of the contiguous United States has always been a treacherous obstacle for mariners at sea. Built in 1870 the lighthouse was in service for 105 years before being relived by a new automated light beacon below the lighthouse. The National Park Service now maintains the historic lighthouse for the 2.5 million visitors who come each year. The lighthouse is in excellent working condition. The 300 steps leading down to it are open daily except Tuesday and Wednesday weather permitting.

Reading

There are plenty of good books about the Point Reyes area. We recommend, “Point Reyes National Seashore A Hiking and Nature Guide” by Don and Kay Martin; “The Natural History of Point Reyes” by Jules Evans, and “Saving the Marin- Sonoma Coast” by L Martin Griffin.

Samuel P. Taylor State Park

Samuel P. Taylor State Park is 7 miles east on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The park features hillside trails for hikers, equestrians and bicyclists as well as charming picnic areas. There are also creeks, open grassland, and redwood canyons in the park. For more information call (415) 488-9897.

Waterfalls

Alamere Falls is a dramatic waterfall dropping onto the rocky beach. It is reached from the Palomarin Trail on the southern part of the Park. The trail winds through native forest and coastal plain bringing the hiker past a chain of coastal lakes to a 50' cliff-side waterfall. It drops onto Palomarin Beach. Surf crashes up to meet the falls on this exposed western facing coast. The trail is a fire road for most of the walk and the terrain is gently hilly. Arriving on a low tide it is possible to reach the beach and view it from below.

Whale Watching

Gray whales, the endangered Humpback, Blue whales, Minke and Orca whales can all be seen in the waters of Point Reyes.

The Lighthouse and Point Reyes headlands areas are excellent places to watch the gray whale migration from mid January through March each year. Late April and early May afford the opportunity to see mothers and calves close to shore. Point Reyes is rich in marine wildlife. For the lucky observer it is possible to see finback whales, blue whales pilot whales, dolphins, seals and elephant seals.

The California Gray Whale can be seen migrating south from prominent coastal between November and February. In March the northward migration from Baja California's lagoon begins. Whales can be spotted from the cliff tops or from boat tours.

Wildflowers

Over 60 species of wildflowers have been counted on the coastal plateaus of Point Reyes. Few areas in North America have the variety of habitats found within the 110 square miles of the Point Reyes peninsula. Spring displays in March, April and May of wild iris, lupine tidy tips buttercup and poppies make it hard to believe these have not been planted by a gardener. Great places to see the carpets of color are:

· Chimney Rock Trail 1.6 miles 100' elevation in late April - huge variety

· Tomales Point Trail 9.4 miles 1000' elevation - stunning display of iris

· Kehoe Beach Trail 1.2 miles 100' elevation

· Abbots Lagoon Trail 3 miles 100' elevation

Wildlife

As wildlife habitat is lost elsewhere in California, the relevance of the Point Reyes Peninsula increases as a protected area with a notable rich biological diversity. Over 45% of North American avian species and nearly 18% of California's plant species are found in the park due to the variety habitat and uniqueness of the geology. Twenty-three threatened and endangered species exist with the Seashore.

A drive through the windswept Bishop pines, a hike up Mt Wittenburg under the towering Douglas firs or a walk along Bear Valley Trail through mixed woodlands to the exposed coastal scrub near the ocean offers a chance to see how the place works and why plants grow in certain areas.

Their placement began with ancient geologic forces that created the bedrock and soils. Particular characteristics in these soils determine which types of plants can survive in different locations.

Wildlife abounds throughout the Seashore. Along the coast there are mammals such as whales, seals and seal lions. Birdlife is in abundance along the tide lines. Back in the forest a glimpse of a bobcat, coyote, raccoon, skunk deer and elk are frequent.

Northern Elephant Seals can be seen off Chimney Rock the north and South Beaches and Drakes Beach from December to April. Californian Seal Lions can be seen at Seal Lion Cove near the lighthouse. Harbor Seals can be observed at sandy beaches like Drakes Estero and Bolinas Lagoon from April to July.

9876 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., PO Box 65, Olema, CA 94950 • Tel: 415-663-1500

sharyn@anenglishoak.com