Point Reyes

The outer beaches get strong surf and sudden "sneaker" waves: stay well back from the water and don't turn your back on the ocean. The tide matters if you walk the edge of the shore, head far out on the flat beaches or paddle on the bay. The nearest NOAA station is Point Reyes; use its tide chart to time a long beach walk or calm water in the sheltered spots.

Just north of San Francisco in Marin County, Point Reyes National Seashore is wind, fog, long empty beaches and views from the cliffs. The trails are quiet, and on the bluffs you hear the surf from far above the water.

Pick a few stops and leave time for the drive. The roads are slow, and the weather changes fast. Start at the Point Reyes Lighthouse area for the views off the headland (and a lot of wind), then try the beaches and lagoons on the west side of the peninsula. For something calmer, the sheltered water of Tomales Bay and the small towns nearby are a change from the exposed outer coast.

Beaches, viewpoints and other stops:

• Point Reyes Lighthouse - cliffs and ocean views; go early to beat the crowds and the wind.
• Chimney Rock - short trails with wide views on a clear day; in fog you see much less.
• Drakes Beach - wide sand under the cliffs, long enough for a real walk.
• Limantour Beach - calmer water and open views, facing the sunset.
• Tomales Bay - sheltered water, good for kayaking when the weather allows.
• Oyster stops (near Tomales Bay) - for an afternoon built around food.
• Alamere Falls trail (nearby) - a longer hike that fills most of a day.

Bring layers and expect wind. Even when it's sunny inland, the lighthouse side can be cold and foggy. On a clear day, go to the coastal viewpoints; if the fog comes in, switch to the forest trails or the bay side.