Heading to Point Reyes? Keep reading
Point Reyes is changing how you can access their beaches to protect wildlife. These changes affect several popular spots from now through Labor Day Weekend.
If you’re heading to Point Reyes, you’ll want to know which beaches are open and when you can visit. Plus, we’ll tell you the best spots to see elephant seals without breaking the new rules.
Winter Closures Start Now
All beaches near Point Reyes Headlands are off-limits from December 15 through March 31. Why? Elephant seals are having babies, and they need space.
The park might block off more areas if seals pop up on other beaches. Drakes Beach area, which has gotten pretty popular with seals since 2019, is part of this closure.
Summer Weekend Changes
Planning a summer trip? Between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekend, you can’t access Point Reyes Beach from North Beach parking lot to Abbotts Lagoon on weekends and holidays. This keeps snowy plover nests safe when the park gets busy.
Got a dog? There are extra rules from March through September.
Best Spots to Watch Seals
You can still see plenty of seals from three spots that stay open: Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock (best views of the main colony) South Beach Overlook by the lighthouse parking lot Near Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center (newer seal hangout) Pack binoculars for the best experience.
When to See the Most Action
December through March is prime time. First come the male seals in December, marking their territory. Then pregnant females arrive to have their pups.
By February, you might spot 600 seals at Drakes Beach alone. The best part? You can hear males trumpeting from a mile away.
Checking Out Peter Behr Overlook
Want a view? Take the steep path from the parking lot’s southwest corner. You’ll see Drakes Bay and Chimney Rock, but not many seals.
Stick to the path – the fence is there for a reason. The ground can crumble, and poison oak grows nearby.
Drakes Beach Rules
The southwest section of Drakes Beach is closed until mid-June.
Here’s a handy trick: hold your thumb up at arm’s length. If you can’t hide the seal behind your thumb, you’re too close. The park might close more areas if lots of seals show up.
After Peak Season
Most seal pups leave by mid-April to find food. Females and young seals come back to molt (shed their skin) in early April.
Late summer’s pretty quiet, but young seals return in September to rest up. They’re still too young to breed, but it helps them grow stronger.
The post To Keep Baby Seals Safe, This Beach in Point Reyes, California is Closed Until March 31 appeared first on When In Your State.
