Explore and Experience

Beyond the Township: Your Gateway to West Marin

Tomales is the quiet sentinel of the northern coast, perfectly positioned where the rolling hills of Marin’s dairy country meet the wild, salted air of the Pacific. Using the Tomales Hotel as your base, you are minutes away from some of California’s most iconic landscapes—from the rugged cliffs of the Point Reyes National Seashore to the tranquil, oyster-rich waters of Tomales Bay and the charming artisan villages of the Highway 1 corridor.

Whether you are seeking a meditative retreat in the cypress groves or an adrenaline-fueled day on the water, the surrounding area offers a "slow-travel" sanctuary where the pace is dictated by the tides and the seasons.

Curating Your Stay: Itineraries from Tomales Hotel

The Half-Day Escape: Local Flavors & Hidden Coves

Perfect for those arriving late or looking for a morning refresh.

• Dillon Beach (5 mins): Just a stone’s throw from the hotel, this wide, sandy beach is one of the few dog-friendly shores in the area. Perfect for a brisk morning walk or watching the sunset over the Tomales Point headlands.
• The Marshall Oyster Trail (10 mins): Drive south along the bay to Marshall. Stop at the iconic Hog Island Oyster Co. or The Marshall Store for a lunch of fresh-shucked oysters and clam chowder with a view of the water.
• Two Silos Mercantile: Spend an hour browsing local antiques and treasures right here in the Tomales township before retreating to our parlor.

The 1-Day Deep Dive: The Point Reyes Classic

A full day of coastal icons and artisan crafts.

• Morning – The Icons: Head to the Cypress Tree Tunnel for a morning photo-op before continuing to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Descend the 313 steps to the edge of the continent to watch for migrating whales (seasonal).
• Mid-Day – Point Reyes Station: Visit the bustling downtown. Grab a pastry at Bovine Bakery, browse the curated selection at Point Reyes Books, and taste world-class cheese at the Cowgirl Creamery barn shop.
• Afternoon – The Shipwreck: On your way back, stop in Inverness to see the famous S.S. Point Reyes shipwreck—a photographer’s dream nestled in the salt marsh.

The 2-Day Adventure: Wildlife & Water

Day 1 as above, plus:

• Tomales Point Trail: Spend your second morning hiking the 9.5-mile (round trip) trail at the northern tip of the Seashore. This is a Tule Elk Reserve; you are almost guaranteed to see magnificent elk herds against the backdrop of the crashing Pacific.
• Tomales Bay State Park: In the afternoon, head to Heart’s Desire Beach. The waters here are calm, shallow, and warmer than the ocean, making it the perfect spot for a picnic or a peaceful swim.

The 3-Day Immersion: The Full West Marin Retreat

Days 1 & 2 as above, plus:

• Agritourism Morning: Visit a local creamery or honey farm. Book a tasting at Heidrun Meadery to sip sparkling mead in their flower-filled bee garden.
• The Secret Waterway: Rent a kayak or join a guided tour to explore the "blue" side of the bay.
• Coastal Forest Bathing: Hike the Jepson Trail through one of the last remaining virgin groves of Bishop Pines, feeling the profound quiet of the coastal forest.

Guided Tours, Local Experiences & Camps

We recommend booking these professional tours in advance to enhance your West Marin experience.

• Kayaking & Bioluminescence Tours: Blue Waters Kayaking: Offers daytime wildlife tours and world-famous night-time bioluminescence tours.
• Agricultural & Culinary Tours: West Marin Food & Farm Tours: Go behind the scenes of local organic dairies and oyster farms.
• On the Water: Tomales Bay Sailing: Private, captained sailing charters.
• Equestrian Adventures: Five Brooks Ranch: Guided horseback tours through Douglas fir forests.
• Equestrian Adventures: Point Reyes Arabian Adventures: Kid-friendly guided trail riding for all levels.
• Oyster Education: Hog Island Oyster Co. Farm Tours: Learn the science and history of aquaculture and shucking.

Camping Grounds

• Lawson’s Landing (Dillon Beach): A massive coastal park at the mouth of Tomales Bay. Very dog-friendly. Reserve via ResNexus.
• Doran Regional Park (Bodega Bay): Two-mile stretch of golden sand. Reservation via Sonoma County Parks.
• Bodega Dunes (Sonoma Coast State Park): Private, well-spaced sites among sand dunes. Reserve via ReserveCalifornia.com.
• Samuel P. Taylor State Park: Redwood groves and creek. Reserve via ReserveCalifornia.com.
• Olema Campground: On the border of Point Reyes National Seashore. Online Booking.
• Backcountry & Boat-In (Point Reyes National Seashore): Remote beaches like Marshall Beach. Recreation.gov.
• True Grass Farms (Estero San Antonio Wonderland): Private primitive sites on organic ranch. Hipcamp - True Grass Farms.
• Stemple Creek Ranch: Organic cattle ranch with secluded camping and cabins. Hipcamp - Stemple Creek.

Top 30 Attractions Near Tomales, CA

• Point Reyes National Seashore: Stunning coastal park with beaches, trails, and wildlife.
• Tomales Point Trail: Hike the Tule Elk Reserve and enjoy panoramic ocean views.
• Tomales Bay State Park: Relax by the bay, kayak, or picnic at Heart's Desire Beach.
• Alamere Falls: Unique waterfall that flows directly onto the beach.
• Cypress Tree Tunnel: Iconic photography spot along the coastal road.
• Dillon Beach: Sandy shore ideal for morning walks and sunsets.
• Limantour Beach: Wide Pacific beach great for picnics and wildlife watching.
• Drakes Beach: Easy access with historic visitor center nearby.
• Heart's Desire Beach: Calm waters for swimming and family-friendly outings.
• Pierce Point Ranch: Historic ranch with elk viewing opportunities.
• Abbotts Lagoon: Marshland with birdwatching and peaceful trails.
• Chimney Rock Trail: Short coastal walk with wildflowers and seasonal whales.
• Nick’s Cove: Scenic bayfront restaurant with cottages.
• Tomales Bay Oyster Company: Iconic oyster farm in Marshall.
• Point Reyes Lighthouse: Historic cliffside lighthouse with dramatic ocean views.
• Kule Loklo: Recreated Coast Miwok village in Point Reyes.
• Hog Island Oyster Co.: Learn oyster farming and shucking.
• Blue Waters Kayaking: Daytime and bioluminescence tours.
• Tomales Bay Sailing: Private sailing charters on the bay.
• Five Brooks Ranch: Guided horseback riding through forests.
• Point Reyes Arabian Adventures: Kid-friendly trail riding.
• Lawson’s Landing: Dog-friendly coastal camping near Dillon Beach.
• Doran Regional Park: Bodega Bay sandy beach and picnic area.
• Bodega Dunes: Secluded camping among sand dunes.
• Samuel P. Taylor State Park: Redwood groves and creekside trails.
• Olema Campground: Point Reyes National Seashore camping option.
• Backcountry & Boat-In: Remote beaches like Marshall Beach.
• True Grass Farms: Primitive camping on an organic ranch.
• Stemple Creek Ranch: Secluded camping and cabins on organic cattle ranch.
• Hog Island Educational Tours: Learn aquaculture and environmental history.