Drives California The North Bay
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Bear Valley Road · Fairfax → Pierce Point Road area
The drive
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is Marin County's road to the coast. This drive starts in Fairfax at Pastori Avenue and heads west, climbing through the redwoods of Samuel P. Taylor State Park, where the boulevard runs along the creek and a bike path follows beside it.
Past the park the road reaches Olema, briefly following Bear Valley Road through the village, then picks up Tomales Bay. From Inverness the boulevard winds along the bay's shore before the open ranch land of Point Reyes National Seashore takes over. It's a winding two-lane road, so the pace is set by the bends and by whoever is ahead of you.
The drive ends near the Pierce Point Road turn, about 26 miles and 50 minutes from Fairfax. The boulevard continues beyond that toward the lighthouse side of the seashore, which you can add on your own.
Along the way
- Fairfax (Pastori Avenue)
- Inverness
- Pierce Point Road area
Good to know
- Samuel P. Taylor State Park has a day-use fee, and a bike and walking trail runs beside the boulevard through the park, so expect cyclists.
- Weekends bring cyclists and Point Reyes visitors, so allow extra time.
- The road is a winding two-lane with no room to pass in most places.
- For park roads inside the seashore, the National Park Service alerts page is the place to look.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Point Reyes National Seashore: current conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long does Sir Francis Drake Boulevard from Fairfax to Pierce Point Road take?
This drive is 26.6 miles and takes about 50 minutes without stops. Weekend traffic and cyclists can add to that.
Is Sir Francis Drake Boulevard twisty?
It winds through the redwoods and along Tomales Bay, with a climb of about 1,700 feet over the route. It's a two-lane road with steady bends rather than tight switchbacks.
Is there a fee to drive Sir Francis Drake Boulevard?
The boulevard itself is free. Samuel P. Taylor State Park has a day-use fee if you stop there, and Point Reyes National Seashore lists its own fees on its fees page.
Where does Sir Francis Drake Boulevard go past Pierce Point Road?
The boulevard continues across Point Reyes toward the lighthouse side of the national seashore. This drive ends near the Pierce Point Road turn.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.