I know what you may be thinking, how could one possibly want a vacation away from California? Believe it or not, San Francisco is home to some serious hustle and bustle when it comes to big business. Even though they have the Pacific Ocean in their back yard, it is hard to enjoy it and work at the same time. AVR has an amazing journey that will keep all the bay area feel, without the crowds and city.

 

San Francisco to Tomales Bay:  A fresh spin on the bay area with locally made cheese

Directions: Here (may have toll roads)

1 hour 32 minutes and 74.5 miles if starting from our San Francisco location

If a weekend of eating fresh seafood, sampling locally made cheese, and kayaking in a tranquil bay sounds like your kind of getaway, then head to Tomales Bay. This area, just north of the Point Reyes National Seashore, refers to the 15-mile stretch of watery inlet separating Point Reyes Peninsula from mainland Marin County. It also happens to be home to many dairy and oyster farms, as well as scenic parks and natural vistas.

Start off your weekend in Tomales Bay with an outdoor activity or two, like watching elk in the Tule Elk Preserve, hiking to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, or kayaking in Tomales Bay. After you’ve worked up an appetite, eat your way through the area’s specialties, oysters and cheese, with a stop at the Cowgirl Creamery cheese shop in Point Reyes Station, oysters at Hog Island or Tony’s Seafood in Marshall, and a locavore dinner at Saltwater Oyster Depot in Inverness. Locals know: For oysters to go, no-frills Tomales Bay Oyster Co. is the best in the bay.

Point Reyes Station is where all the action is, but we prefer to cozy up in a bay-side Airbnb, like Enchanting Garden Getaway in the tranquil town of Inverness on the west side of Tomales Bay. For a truly unique experience, try to get a reservation at one of the hotels by the Olema Group. In Inverness is the quirky yet cozy Manka’s Inverness Lodge (think: tree branches as decor, dark 1900s-style fireplaces, plush beds with Pendleton blankets, and in-room bathrooms that include an outdoor shower surrounded by redwoods). Ten minutes to the south in Olema is Druid’s Hall, whose rustic-yet-clean rooms are located in a historic building that was once a meeting space for the United Ancient Order of Druids. Due to COVID, it is currently accepting limited reservations by phone at 415-663-1034.

AVR is constantly bringing our valued customers new and exciting journeys that are guaranteed to make lasting memories. Let AVR help your family make those new memories safely this year and do travel the AVR way. AVR, because the journey should be just as fun as the destination.