A visit to the land of Drake (1579), Cermeno (1595), and Vizcaino (1603)
This partner hike takes place at Drakes Beach in Point Reyes, and is led by Drakes Navigator Guild.
Take a hike to visit the estuary and bay along the southern coast of Point Reyes peninsula, the landfall of Francis Drake's Golden Hind in 1579.
The earliest written historic site in northern California
Many historic "firsts" occurred here, including the first meetings between Englishmen and Native Americans, the first Protestant service in the future USA, and the application of "New England" to the land, before Plymouth, Roanoke and Jamestown.
The site is nearly unchanged in four and a half centuries, but few people get to the site.
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
(Other 2026 dates: July 18th, August 22nd, and September 6th)
Schedule:
10:30 am -- Meet at Point Reyes National Seashore's Drake's Beach Ken Patrick Visitor Center. Check your visitor center--many hikers often go to the wrong visitor center.
11:15 am -- Depart on the hike to Drake's Cove--Drake's landing site with discussion on the way
1:30 pm (approx) -- Return to Drake's Beach
What to bring:
Lunch. No services will be available at Drake's Beach.
Folding chair if desired for opening talk
Backpack with water, snacks, sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes--most of the hike is on the hard sand beach
Layers of clothing -- weather can be quite warm or windy and cold
No dogs, per NPS regulations.
Questions and to RSVP: Mike Von der Porten (707) 525-1625 or mikevdpca@aim.com
This is a public hike offered by the Drake's Navigator Guild. Participation is limited to 25 people per NPS rules.
There is no charge for this event.