46 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM and in—with 3.5 miles of hiking trails and cohesive design elements inspired by the surrounding vistas. Whether you’re lounging in an Adirondack chair or meeting up for a game of cornhole, Lodge at Marconi presents like a destination in itself. Here’s the bonus: You’re also a quick hop down the hill to West Marin’s many iconic attractions. OUTDOOR PLAYLAND Measuring about 15 miles long and a mile across, Tomales Bay divides mainland Marin from the Point Reyes Peninsula. To immerse yourself in this scenic inlet, just push off from shore. {due west} “Tomales Bay was formed by plate tectonics from the San Andreas fault line,” explains Blue Water Kayaking guide Lori Budish, as she leads a half-day tour from Miller Boat Launch, a short stretch up Highway 1. Paddling towards Point Reyes National Seashore, countless points of interest catch the eye. Hog Island. Pierce Point Ranch. Tomales Point Trail. Tule elk grazing on the hillside. Harbor seals lazing up on the beach. Skimming along the rugged shoreline unveils green sea anemones, bat stars and clams shooting up water from under the mud. And everywhere, birds. “Point Reyes probably has more migratory birds than any other national park in the U.S.,” notes Lori. “And about 45 percent of all California birds can be spotted here.” Blue Water also offers fullday and evening bioluminescence tours, along with kayak rentals. Given that you’re at the gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore, even a short getaway merits a trip to Point Reyes Lighthouse, appropriately dubbed the windiest place on the Pacific Coast. Every bend in the road and crest of a hill reveals bucolic scenery and dramatic seascapes. From the parking lot, the final half-mile by foot delivers jaw-dropping views of Point Reyes South Beach and the feeling that you’ve reached the end of the world. If the beach beckons, try Heart’s Desire or Limantour for sandy expanses you can reach by car. In recent years, Drakes Beach experienced an unexpected surge in popularity—with a northern elephant seal colony. The beach is now off-limits but PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF DALLAS SMITH - BLUE WATER KAYAKING
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