Tucked between Point Reyes National Seashore and the golden hills of Marin County, Tomales Bay is one of Northern California’s most captivating escapes—and no day trip here is complete without a paddle on the water with Napa Valley Paddle (NVP).
Whether you're craving fresh oysters, a scenic hike, or an unforgettable bioluminescent kayak tour, NVP brings the magic of the bay to life.
West Marin is where hay-colored hills meet rocky beaches, tule elk roam free, and marine wildlife thrives in calm, glassy waters. It’s a place where you can still hear yourself think—and see the stars without city light.
While San Francisco has its charms, Tomales Bay offers:
Rock islands and seagrass forests
Bishop pines and coastal bluffs
Leopard sharks and bat rays beneath your paddle
Some of the freshest seafood and creamiest cheeses in the state
Tomales Bay isn’t just for paddling—it’s a feast for the senses. Here’s how to round out your visit:
🦪 Eat:
The Marshall Store – Try BBQ oysters with spicy chorizo or smoked oysters with Cowgirl Creamery cheese.
Hog Island Oyster Co. – Fresh-shucked from the boat bar, right on the water.
Due West – An 1860s saloon turned gastropub with killer mussel toast.
🍯 Drink:
Heidrun Meadery – A bubbly twist on wine country with sparkling honey wines and guided tastings in nearby Point Reyes Station.
🧀 Snack:
Cheese-lovers rejoice: Stop by Point Reyes Farmstead, Marin French Cheese Co., or Nicasio Valley Cheese Company—all welcoming drop-ins.
🚶♀️ Explore:
Hike the Estero Trail, where you might spot bat rays and sharks from the footbridge.
Dig for clams at Lawson’s Landing.
Spot tule elk on the bluffs at Tomales Point.
Between July and October, the water literally glows after sunset. Thanks to tiny plankton called dinoflagellates, every paddle stroke lights up like magic. NVP’s nighttime bioluminescence tours are one of the top-rated experiences in Northern California—and spots fill up fast.
Whether you’re planning a quick coastal escape or a full-on nature reset, make sure Napa Valley Paddle is on your Tomales Bay day trip list.