Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center
Facility · California ·
Managed by the National Park Service
Point Reyes National Seashore (National Seashore) · Open Access
- 19 ft
- Elevation
Located at beautiful Drakes Beach, the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center contains exhibits that focus on maritime exploration in the 1500s, marine fossils, and marine environments. A minke whale skeleton is suspended from the ceiling. Allow 20–30 minutes to view exhibits. Park- and ocean-themed books, guides, and postcards, and maps, along with coffee and packaged snacks are for sale in the PRNSA bookstore adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.
Getting there
From the Bear Valley Visitor Center, head north 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to Bear Valley Rd.
Turn left and follow Bear Valley Rd. 1.75 miles (2.8 km) northwest to Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Turn left and follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd. 13.4 miles (21.4 km) west to Drakes Beach Rd. Tip: Follow road signs for “Lighthouse” until you see a sign for Drakes Beach.
Turn left and follow Drakes Beach Rd. 1.6 miles (2.6 km) south to the Drakes Beach parking lot.
Allow 30 minutes for the drive from Bear Valley.
38.02797, -122.96169 · 38°1'40.7"N 122°57'42.1"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 5.4 | 5.8 | 3.8 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 1.3 | 2.9 | 6.2 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 16.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center
- Can you reserve a site at Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center?
- No. Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center
- Point Reyes National Seashore Campground 8.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Haypress Campground 25.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Hawk Campground 26.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bicentennial Campground 27.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Kirby Cove Campground 28.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center 3.9 mi · Facility
- Bear Valley Visitor Center 8.8 mi · Facility
- Muir Woods National Monument Visitor Center 23.2 mi · Visitor Center
- Muir Woods Visitor Center 23.2 mi · Facility
- Lands End Lookout Visitor Center 29.9 mi · Facility
- Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center 30.6 mi · Facility
- Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank Visitor Center 30.8 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone (415) 669-1250
- Email pore_info@nps.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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