No-reservation guide

Point Reyes without a reservation

Bookings: moderate demand1 h 45 min from STS

What needs booking

Official Shuttle and Parking Checks for Point Reyes Coastal Access

Backcountry camping and certain group activities require permits. The former winter shuttle to the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock has been indefinitely suspended; plan private-vehicle access subject to current road conditions, parking availability, and closures.

Official source

How to still get in

Local timing and access notes for this place. Rules change; confirm on the official source before you go.

parking

Trailhead Capacity

Lots at Palomarin and Bear Valley often reach capacity on weekends; have a secondary destination in mind. Use the designated overflow areas only if permitted by local signage.

timing

Seasonal Transit

Winter whale-watching months often trigger road closures to private vehicles at the South Beach junction. Check for the Sir Francis Drake shuttle operation dates usually starting in late December.

access

Coastal Weather

Temperatures can drop sharply when the marine layer moves in, regardless of inland heat. Layered clothing is essential for the variable conditions at the Lighthouse cliffs.

Book the rest now

Flights, car and first night don't depend on park entry — lock them in early.

Quick answers

Do I need a reservation to visit Point Reyes?

Backcountry camping and certain group activities require permits. The former winter shuttle to the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock has been indefinitely suspended; plan private-vehicle access subject to current road conditions, parking availability, and closures.

What if I couldn't get a reservation for Point Reyes?

Check the official source for entry windows outside reserved hours and last-minute releases, plan your first day around the timing tips on this page, or switch a day to a nearby place that does not require an entry booking.

How far is Point Reyes from the airport?

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) is about 1 h 45 min away by car, without stops.

Full guideStays, day-by-day plan and route map for Point Reyes