Whenever I need a getaway or break from running note•ify and gift•ify, I head out to West Marin to Tomales Bay and the surrounding areas. My first stop is usually for oysters and lunch at The Marshall Store located on Route 1 in Marshall on the shores of Tomales Bay. I always go on a weekday to try and beat the crowds, but never on a Tuesday because they are closed.
The view while you eat your oysters at The Marshall Store
Oysters from The Marshall Store
The Marshall Store
Another delicious stop with a fabulous view is Nick's Cove. Nick's also has cottages if you ever need a luxurious spot to stay on the coast.
The pier at Nick's Cove
The Miller Park Boat Ramp next to Nick's Cove is also where you can go kayaking. If you have your own kayak, go for it, but if not, check out Blue Waters Kayaking. They lead all types of kayaking tours. We opted for the Tule Elk tour. A herd of 400 Tule Elk inhabit the northern part of the peninsula and can be seen from your kayak. This was a great half day tour that took us out into Tomales Bay past Hog Island and back through the oyster fields in the bay.
Heading out into Tomales Bay in the fog
The elk on the hill
Off the bay, out the kayak, and heading into Nick's Cove for a drink! Great view of Hog Island from here - that's Piglet on the left.
Other places to see in the area include:
Point Reyes Station
Stop off in Point Reyes Station for shopping. I recommend the Coyuchi Outlet for organic linens at a discount. Toby's Feed Barn for a unique range of goods from fresh, local organic produce to gifts, garden supplies, pet food, hay and grain. And of course, no trip to Point Reyes Station is complete without a trip to Tomales Bay Foods, home to Cowgirl Creamery and many other delicious food purveyors.
The Point Reyes Lighthouse and Beaches in the Point Reyes National Seashore
I typically head out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse to get a good view of the whales when they migrate through the area. But it is a great place to visit anytime, just make sure to check that it is open. There are a variety of beaches to visit, check here for all of their attractions.
The lighthouse from the top of the MANY stairs down.