Last week I wrote about my trip to San Francisco. What I did not tell you, though, is that we also drove up to Point Reyes! This is a place I have been dying to go to for quite a while, so having the opportunity to travel there was wonderful. I couldn’t be happier with how our time there turned out.

You know how sometimes places look better online than they actually do in person? So disappointing, right? Luckily, that was not the case with this trip. I am happy to announce that Point Reyes is ever bit as gorgeous (if not more so!) as it appears in my photographs and well worth a visit.

Point Reyes Lighthouse

I have always loved lighthouses, but this one had been at the top of my list for some time. The walk-way down to its location on the cliffs is so beautiful and definitely makes for a dreamy excursion. Not to mention, the water was breathtaking. I was not expecting it to be this vibrant and clear. SO pretty and blue. ????

Travel Tip:

Something I was not aware of before visiting (and a point I think you should know!) is that Pointe Reyes National Seashore is BIG. Really big. From the travel blogs I had read about it, it sounded as though it was your typical beach. All attractions were spoken of as though they are within a short driving distance of each other, so I never thought to google how big the beach actually was. Well, the places of interest are within driving distance.  Just a very long driving distance if your short on time. Pointe Reyes National Seashore happens to be a 71,028 acre park. The different towns and attractions are at least a half hour and more away from each other.

The fact that this seashore is so large is not a problem if you are aware of it beforehand. The drive is absolutely gorgeous and certainly an enjoyable way to spend your time. I just did not realize its vast size and was shocked to find out that we were still 50 minutes away from the lighthouse when we first arrived at the Point Reyes’ town. This left us with only 45 minutes to photograph the lighthouse, which closes at 4:30 pm, once we finally arrived and found a parking spot. Definitely got my adrenaline rushing. ???? #lifeofaphotographer

Moral of the story? Give yourself plenty of driving time and map out your journey since there is no cellular data. But, most of all enjoy the ride!

Another enjoyable part of our trip was watching families of black-tailed deer and tule elk. As these creatures are protected here, there are quite a lot of them roaming around. And if you visit any time between the spring or early autumn you should have no problem finding them with babies!

Cypress Tunnel

In the evening we found the iconic row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a “tree tunnel.” This tucked away spot is usually referred to as the Cypress Tunnel and is beloved by Bay Area locals and photographers. I absolutely loved spending the sunset here, trying my best to capture the expanse and beauty of this place on camera.

At the end of the tunnel is a historic RCA/Marconi Station which was used in the early 1900s as a wireless telegraph station for operators to tap out morse code messages from the ships to shore. Due to progress in technology, it was retired in the 90s. Currently, the tunnel and building is preserved and cared for by the National Park Services.

If this land was mine, I would set up a porch swing in the middle of the tunnel and drink my morning coffee here. Or, enjoy a picnic with fruit salad and strawberry lemonade here on hot summer evenings. What about you?

Is it just me, or does this picture ↑ look like it was taken in some desert in Africa? I took this photo at the left side of the Cypress Tunnel and still cannot get over that sunset.

Point Reyes is undoubtedly one of the prettiest places I have ever been and I cannot wait to go back! Have you ever been here? Let me know in the comments!

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xo, mikéla 

P.S.

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