SUNDAY DRIVE
What you’ll see: The spectacular coastal views from the Point Reyes Lighthouse are only half the show Sunday afternoon. From 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., rangers will unlock the doors and visitors will get access to the interior of the lighthouse. You will find a 308-step staircase that leads to the top — and back down, of course — for a tour of the lens room. Rangers call it “Look into the lens.”
Location: The Point Reyes Lighthouse is located on a bluff that juts 10 miles out to sea, 20 miles from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. It’s a longer drive than some envision. Leave plenty of time, go slowly and enjoy the landscape and views.
The walk: The short, steep walk to the lighthouse often surprises newcomers. From the parking lot, it’s a 0.4-mile descent down the steps. If you’re out of shape, the return trip, equivalent to 30 flights of a high rise, can get you
puffing.
The lookout: At the base of the lighthouse, a terrace with a railing provides a bluff-top perch for great views across the sea, and north along miles of remote beachfront. Whale sightings are common year-round and can be sensational in January (so popular that visitors are required to take a shuttle bus most days in winter).
Weather: According to rangers, Point Reyes is the windiest site on the Pacific Coast and the second-most foggy in North America. In summer, visibility can be reduced to zilch. Dress for cool, windy weather. For on-thespot weather, go to Lighthouse Web Cam. Lighthouse Web Cam: www2.nature.nps.gov — click on “Photos & Multimedia” and then click on “Web cameras.”
Illuminating the Light: A special program is scheduled for Aug. 15, from roughly 1.5 hours before sunset to dusk. Bring flashlight for the walk in the dark back to the parking lot.
Look into the lens: Program available 2:30 p.m., five days a week (closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays), through Sept. 7.
History: The Point Reyes Lighthouse is 145 years old. Cost: Parking, access free.
Map/brochure: Free at visitor center.
HOW TO GET THERE
Bear Valley Visitor Center: From San Francisco, take U.S. 101 north over Golden Gate Bridge and continue 8 miles to Exit 450B for San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake. Take that exit for 0.4 of a mile, merge onto Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and drive 20.4 miles to Highway 1. Turn right and go 100 yards to Bear Valley Road. Turn left and go 0.7 of a mile to signed left turn for visitor center. Turn left and drive short distance to parking. Get a map/brochure (in winter during whale watching season, ask about status of shuttle bus to the lighthouse).
To lighthouse: From Bear Valley Visitor Center, exit parking lot 0.2 of a mile to Bear Valley Road. Turn left and go 1.7 miles to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Turn left and drive 18 miles to fork (signed straight for lighthouse, left for Chimney Rock). Continue straight one mile to parking and trailheads.
Distances to lighthouse: 40 miles from San Rafael, 62 miles from downtown San Francisco, 62 miles from Berkeley, 67 miles from Benicia, 79 miles from Walnut Creek, 89 miles from San Mateo, 115 miles from Sacramento.