A natural arch at California's Point Reyes National Seashore (Corbis)

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Far different from the Atlantic's seashores, Point Reyes is a craggy peninsula whose rocky, steep headlands are battered by the Pacific's swells on the west and lapped by the quieter waters of Tomales Bay on the east. This is sea kayaking country, with the exception of estuary waters and some of the more protected regions of Tomales Bay.

Camping is very limited, owing to both a paucity of designated sites and the steep coastline, but the shore is a spectacular mix of beach and rock headland where sea lions bask and shorebirds dabble. Also, several of the estuary areas in the southern section have good paddling potential.

Contact the park for addresses and phone numbers of local paddling outfitters who can fill in the details of the area's boating and camping potential.