Northern California’s Highway 1 is absolutely breathtaking. The Tomales Bay borders the Point Reyes National Seashore and it’s known for its oysters, crabbing, and clam digging. This rugged coastline is home to some stunning ocean views and impressive rock stacks. My four days on Tomales Bay were filled with boat rides, day trips, good food and some well needed family time just catching up and relaxing.

Tomales Bay sits in northern California, approximately 55 miles north of San Francisco and 20 miles west of Petaluma is the little seaside town of Dillon Beach that overlooks the Tomales Bay. Directly next to Dylan Beach is the RV area known as Lawson's Landing. This is where I met up with my family and stayed with my brother and sister-in-law in their fancy RV. Their RV is one of those large 5th wheel trailers and it’s truly top notch. It’s like a hotel suite on wheels, comfort is the best way to convey how impressive this thing is.

Getting Here:

I flew from PDX to Sacramento (SMF), rented a car and then drove over. Although, I’m pretty sure I would've been closer milage wise, if I flew into SFO, rented a car there and made the drive up north. Nevertheless, I think just because it’s closer doesn’t make it faster, the Bay area traffic can suck the life out of any good time if you know what I mean.

Point Reyes National Seashore

After picking up the rental car I took a road trip to Point Reyes National Seashore, it was really rainy. When I say it was really rainy I mean it was a serious storm, especially for California. When I reached the national parks visitor center the power was out. The park volunteers were allowing visitors inside and they were advising not to travel to the Point Reyes lighthouse and all trails were closed due to the storm. I was bummed out but I took their recommendations and stayed safe. Missing such an iconic site like the lighthouse can seem like a let down after driving all the way there but on the bright side, there were not many visitors at the other sites I visited.

The Cypress Tree Tunnel entrance was closed as well but there’s a small parking lot just past the gate where I left my car, walked back to the tree tunnel and took some pictures.

Next stop at the “Point Reyes Shipwreck” The shipwreck sits behind an old empty storefront. It’s not that hard to find if you just ask your GPS for the Point Reyes shipwreck, it’ll lead you right to it. But if you’re just driving around looking for it you probably won’t see it.

TIP:

Cell service can be weak to non-existent in this area. Be sure you have your points of interest figured out beforehand.

Don’t Miss:

If you like oysters then Nick’s Cove is for you. I had their popular BBQ oysters, so good. After visiting Point Reyes this was a nice place to have a bite.

Nick’s Cove

23240 Hwy 1

Marshall, CA 94940

Dillon Beach/Lawson’s Landing

Traveling north, I continue to drive Highway 1 to the town of Tomales then follow the signs for Dillon Beach. Dillon Beach sits approximately 3 miles west of Tomales. I follow a picturesque road into and through the hidden gem of a beach town. Placed at the very end of this road, is where I found the Lawson's Landing campground entrance.

Lawson‘s Landing was established in 1929, it’s family owned fishing and boating resort with a general store that has almost anything you can think of.

The next several days I peacefully spent my time enjoying my family, taking small day trips, boat rides, watching them fish & crab, and playing games together. This was the true purpose of this entire trip, my family.

Where To Stay:

If camping isn’t your style, then you’re in luck. Dillon Beach Resort has some adorable Costal Cabins that looked inviting.

Valley Ford Cheese & Creamy

On a day trip we went to the Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery. This place is stylish and rustic all rolled together. You can buy wine, cheese, books, candles and some great baked goods. We bought some fresh out of the oven focaccia bread to accompany our dinner and it's some of the best bread I’ve had recently.

This family run business sits on Highway1, this a great place to stop. Even if you aren’t hungry when you pass by, stop and get some bread and cheese anyway. You’ll be sorry if you don’t.

Pacific Coast Ocean Views

From Valley Ford stay on Highway1 and head north approximately 8 miles and you’ll come to the village of Bodega Bay. Though Bodega Bay has a small population (912) it’s quite busy. If you're looking for a store, spa, vacation rentals, restaurants or whale watching excursions you can find it all here.

On the other hand if you’re just looking for those beautiful West Coast views travel a little north of Bodega Bay and you hit the jackpot. This portion of Highway1 has been blessed with what I think is some of the most gorgeous landscape of California. There are several beaches and pull-outs you can stop at. There are so many I just had to finally pick a few pictures to share. You could spend an entire day between Bodega Bay and Jenner simply stopping, photographing, watching surfers, picnicking, or maybe even catching a whale migrating by.

Tip:

Be aware while traveling northbound on Highway1, most of the beach access or overlooks will be on your left-hand side. Highway1 is a single lane two-way highway, use caution entering and exiting along this rural highway.

I am so delighted I took this trip. This part of the Northern California coast has had such a renewal boost on me. The shorelines are refreshing, the unspoiled views never get old, the unexpected wildlife was surprising, and connecting with my family were all things I needed for my soul. I’ve read somewhere that the real luxury of travel is just time to stop. Time to think. Time to just be. Northern California and its slower pace allows for all of those things.

Side Note:

My brother makes it hard to get a '“normal” picture of him, he purposely makes picture taking almost impossible, lol . So, because he’s still a dorky little brother to me, I thought I'd share the best picture I took of him on this trip. Love you Bro.

California’s Hwy 1, Tomales Bay.

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