What is a Staycation? It’s a Stay-at-Home Vacation. We’re so lucky to live in the Bay Area, with a wealth of fun things to do right in our own backyard. We've assembled some of our favorite Bay Area “Staycations”, but we’d love to hear YOUR ideas! Read Jack Kulp's Staycation idea below.
Click above (or scroll down the page) and share your favorite Bay Area Staycation with us and other listeners, or perhaps you have a FREE thing to do that you’d like to recommend. We'll post your suggestions on this Staycation site each week. Thanks!!
Head out to Point Reyes from Sherry Brown,
Weekday mornings on KOIT
and host of "Today's World" When was the last time you paid a visit to Point Reyes? It is such a treasure, that I always wonder why there aren’t hordes of visitors. Maybe it just seems like I have it all to myself because it is so vast and open.
I love to jump in the car and head north on Hiway 101, getting off at Sir Francis Drake Road in San Rafael. Heading west, the road curves through rolling hills, redwood trees and ranches, and ends at Hiway 1 in the little town of Olema. If you’re hungry, enjoy some clam chowder or a burger at the Olema Farm House (conveniently located just one mile from the epicenter of the 1906 earthquake!).
If you’re in the mood for fine dining, there is the Olema Inn and Restaurant featuring local, organic produce in a lovely old hotel where you can also spend the night.
Make a quick stop at the Bear Valley Visitor for a short walk on Earthquake trail…you can see a huge crevasse that reportedly swallowed a cow during the 1906 quake! For a great overview of the area, just stay on Sir Francis drake for the 18 mile drive to the Point Reyes Light house. It’s open to visitors Thursday through Monday and is just a short walk from the parking area.
If you’re up for hiking, the hardest part is choosing from the miles of scenic trails. One of my favorites is the Limantour Spit Trail. This 2 mile hike along the crest of Limantour Spit will reward you with beautiful ocean vistas. And if you love wildlife, don’t forget the binoculars. This is a prime spot for watching dozens of species of birds.
Your trip home should include a stop at Pt.Reyes Station. This is where you can pick up the very best kind of souvenirs: the edible kind! Duck into Cowgirl Creamery, where you can watch cheese being made, to pick up some Mt. Tam or Red Hawk cheese for the drive home. If hiking has left you ravenous, check out Rosie’s Cowboy Cookhouse for a heartier meal.
The thing about a Staycation at Point Reyes, is that you’ll be planning your next visit on your way back home. There is so much to see and do, so many lovely places to stay and dine, that you just can’t do it all in one trip!
