About Us

History of Point Reyes National Seashore

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A century ago the National Park Service (NPS) was created by citizens who believed there are unique places of beauty, wilderness, and history in the United States that belong to all and deserve to be preserved and enjoyed forever. Point Reyes National Seashore is one of these places. Home of the Coast Miwok people who stewarded this land for nearly 10,000 years before the establishment of the NPS, the Seashore is full of majestic scenery and bountiful history. Point Reyes is located less than 30 miles north of San Francisco, and encompasses 100 square miles of coastal wilderness providing habitat for an astounding diversity of flora and fauna. As the only federally protected seashore on the west coast, Point Reyes National Seashore includes 80 miles of undeveloped shoreline, historic ranches still in operation and more than 150 miles of trails that offer access to beaches, wetlands, forests, meadows and historic landmarks.

In 1962 the Point Reyes peninsula was incorporated into the NPS thanks to the collaborative work of community and government advocates. Nearly 60 years later, in 2021, Point Reyes National Seashore entered into a co-management agreement with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the federally recognized tribe that includes Coast Miwok members.

In 1964 the Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRNSA) was formed to help the NPS preserve and enhance the Seashore’s extraordinary natural, cultural and recreational resources. PRNSA is a cooperating association, which means we are the park’s official nonprofit education partner. We raise funds to support critical resource preservation projects and offer year-round environmental education programs that engage the public in accessing, enjoying and understanding Point Reyes National Seashore. Since our founding, PRNSA has raised millions of dollars to support park projects and environmental education programs that enhance the visitor experience, protect the park’s resources, improve wildlife habitat and make a profound difference in the lives of children and adults.