It's a beautiful 1.5-mile hike between two lagoons and over sand dunes to this beachy bird haven. Make sure your visit is especially gentle during the nesting season of the endangered snowy plover (June 1 to September 15).
Abbotts Lagoon
Marin County
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
8.92 MILES
Point Reyes National Seashore protects 100 square miles of pristine ocean beaches and coastal wilderness and has excellent hiking and camping…
26.21 MILES
Muir Woods National Monument is located just a few miles north of San Francisco in Marin County, and is a prime peaceful destination for reflection within…
20.65 MILES
Prepare to gawk and giggle at the wacky Patrick Amiot sculptures gracing front yards along Florence Ave. Fashioned from recycled materials, a hot-rodding…
29.64 MILES
This is the largest plaza in California, and the veritable center for politics, love and community in the Sonoma Valley. Smack in the center of the plaza,…
24.38 MILES
Mt Tamalpais State Park encompasses 6300 acres of parklands and 60 miles of trails. Get a map and don't miss the summit of East Peak. Panoramic Hwy climbs…
Marin Municipal Water District
21.94 MILES
The bulk of Mt Tamalpais' natural areas are managed by the water district. The five reservoirs provide water to Marin County residents, and are beautiful…
14.39 MILES
At the peninsula’s tip, Bodega Head rises 265ft above sea level. It’s great for whale-watching. Landlubbers enjoy hiking above the surf, where several…
19.72 MILES
Even vegans can't help admiring these incredible carnivorous plants (the largest collection in the US), including specimens from around the globe. Owner…
Nearby Marin County attractions
3.55 MILES
A tiny sheltered beach overlooking Tomales Bay. The water is warmer here and the waters more calm, making it perfect for families with small children.
4.01 MILES
Past the town of Inverness, Pierce Point Rd splits off to the right from Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Drive along it to find this small park, which has…
6.49 MILES
Drakes Beach feels wild and remote even on its busiest days. Backed by white sandstone cliffs and slightly sheltered, it can be sunny here even when it's…
7.95 MILES
At this often-windy long white spit of sand, you can expect to see harbor seals bobbing in the surf, gray whales with their calves (in spring) and a bevy…
8.79 MILES
Heading north out of town, stop at this roadside farm for pours of sparkling mead, made from aromatic small-batch honey in the style of French champagne.
8.88 MILES
As Dillon Beach isn't technically part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, dogs are welcome here. It's a long drive from anywhere and through the tiny…
7. Point Reyes National Seashore
8.92 MILES
Point Reyes National Seashore protects 100 square miles of pristine ocean beaches and coastal wilderness and has excellent hiking and camping…
9.37 MILES
With wild terrain and ferocious winds, this spot feels like the end of the earth and offers the best whale-watching along the coast. The lighthouse sits…