Hike-in Heaven

There's a good reason why getting a reservation at Point Reyes' Wildcat Camp is so tough: location, location, location. With seven sites strewn along a coastal bluff adjacent to Wildcat Beach, it's one of the premier camping destinations in Northern California. The best way to access Wildcat Camp is via a 5.5-mile hike, and the journey is as sweet as the destination. Get an early start at the Palomarin trailhead near Bolinas, where Coast Trail weaves along the cusp of the continent. Bass Lake marks the halfway point; stop for a snack at this large deep-blue watering hole with a tempting rope swing. From there it's about another hour to camp. Pitch your tent in the open meadow and spend the rest of the day collecting driftwood or playing Frisbee on the deserted beach (just a five-minute stroll from camp). Hungry for more hiking? One of the most spectacular falls in the Bay Area is just 1 mile down the beach: Alamere Falls is a 50-foot tumbler that launches off a cliff into the sand. At night make new friends around a beach bonfire, and be sure to pass the s'mores. In the morning, when the winds are the most calm, stand high on the bluffs, skimming the waters for the season's gray whales. Eyes wild open.

Campsites are $15 per night. To make a reservation for Wildcat Camp call 415-663-8054 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Campsites can be reserved up to three months in advance. One campsite is saved for a first-come, first-served basis. This is available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, which opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. No dogs.