Olema House

Worth getting out of bed for

You’ll have over three miles of white-sand, dune-backed beach to play on at Limantour Beach, a spectacular 20-minute drive from Olema House. For little Smiths, Heart’s Desire Beach in Tomales State Park is a family favourite, edged by lawn and picnic tables. Tomales Bay is a haven for kayakers – rent a rig from Point Reyes Outdoors and paddle your way up the 14-mile stretch of unspoiled coastline. Peer into tidal pools and keep an eye out for the birds who nest here. Starting in March, take your kayak trip after sundown for some incredible bioluminescent gazing. To catch the grey-whale season, stay from mid-January until late April and early May – the best opportunity to see mothers and calves close to shore at Point Reyes. Marin County is famous for its biking terrain – there are miles and miles of novice and advanced rides that begin at the hotel’s front door: the Marshall Wall, Ridgecrest Boulevard and Fairfax/Bolinas Road are just a few of the well-known trails for cyclists. If you prefer two feet to two wheels, there are thousands of acres of hiking trails nearby, so the possibilities are nearly endless. A few deserve special mention, though, for their wildlife watching opportunities – like the hike to the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse on the tip of the Point Reyes Peninsula, the best place for whale-watching. We’re not going to lie to you, it’s a serious challenge to get to the top – get ready to climb a 30-story building – but you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of land, sea and sky when you get there. And, if you’re tracking the Tule Elk herd, they’re best spotted on the clifftop hike to Tomales Point. To find the famous California Redwoods – the tremendous trees are the tallest of all living things and have lifespans that last millennia – head to Muir Woods, a 20-minute drive from Olema House. And, to feel the sand under your feet, take the 20-minute drive out to verdant Stinson Beach; enjoy the views, then pick up a pizza loaded with Littleneck clams or curried cauliflower from Parkside Café.

Local restaurants

Stroll into the local town, Point Reyes Station, which manages to mix Norman Rockwell quaintness with a whiff of wild west. The five-block main stretch is home to clapboard buildings, small shops, and a saloon straight out of the 1800s. Get an enormous muffin at the adorably named Bovine Bakery or visit Cowgirl Creamery to buy hunks of Red Hawk, a red-rind cheese that can only be made in Point Reyes. Also in town is Side Street Kitchen which pays homage to its history as a beloved greasy spoon with a 1950s counter and stools – go for slow-cooked meats, smoked fish, and fresh vegetables. You can’t leave the area without trying the oysters – get barbeque variations at Hog Island Oyster Co.’s ‘Boat Oyster Bar’, or visit California’s oldest shellfish farm, Tomales Bay Oyster Company, which is great for grabbing fresh oysters to-go for your own beachside feast; the area institution Tony’s is the place for a fried oyster po’ boy. For loaded taco plates – and some vegan options – try Smiley's Saloon, and Station House Café serves up American comfort classics: Philly cheesesteaks, mac and cheese, corned-beef hash.