California is a wonderland of trees with some of the tallest and largest trees in the world.
I gazed in awe when I saw the Coast Redwoods, Giant Sequoias, and Monterey cypress trees for the first time, and they never cease to amaze me even now.
Walking among the most ancient of the ancient trees in the world in California has an unparalleled charm and made me fall in love with trees – the majestic hearts beating for centuries.
I love exploring and framing the iconic and super scenic Monterey cypress trees and tunnels near San Francisco with my camera on weekends and can’t wait to share them with you all.
California is a wonderland of trees with some of the tallest and largest trees in the world. I gazed in awe when I saw the Coast Redwoods, Giant Sequoias, and Monterey cypress trees for the first time, and they never cease to amaze… Click To Tweet Walking among the most ancient of the ancient trees in the world in California has an unparalleled charm and made me fall in love with trees – the majestic hearts beating for centuries. #Travel #Nature #Trees #California Click To TweetMap of Super scenic Cypress Trees and Tunnels near San Francisco
Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes National Seashore
If you live in or around San Francisco or visiting the city, don’t miss walking under the famous Cypress tree tunnel in the Point Reyes National Seashore.
While walking under this canopy, I felt the tangled branches are akin to flowing veins in our body.
An hour and 30-minute drive from San Francisco to the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes National Seashore is totally worth the effort.
After walking through the canopy which leads to the Historic KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station, set forth to explore the pristine wilderness of Point Reyes.
Explore Point Reyes Lighthouse and the Light House visitor center. If you are a beach lover like me, visit one of the many scenic beaches in the area.
My personal favorite is Drakes Beach – the expansive sand beach dotted with white sandstone cliffs and large crashing waves.
READ: 50 Top Things To Do in Point Reyes, California
Walking among the most ancient of the ancient trees in the world, in California has an unparalleled charm and made me fall in love with trees – the majestic hearts beating for centuries. #California #Nature Click To TweetThings trees know – Stand tall. But bend when you need to.
Douglas Wood
The Lone Cypress
The solemn Lone Cypress on 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach stands alone on the wave-lashed granite perch amidst the soaring winds and is often swaddled in fog.
No wonder, it is one of the most photographed trees in North America. This native 250-year-old beautiful tree against the backdrop of the endless blue Pacific ocean is a must-see.
After savoring the sight to your heart’s content, head towards Crocker Grove – the native Monterey cypress forest and another famous sightseeing stop along 17-Mile Drive.
A tree says: A kernel is hidden in me, a spark, a thought, I am life from eternal life.
Hermann Hesse
Things trees know – Sometimes all there is to do is endure.
DOUGLAS WOOD
Crocker Grove – A native Monterey Cypress forest
Crocker Grove in Del Monte Forest in Monterey is home to the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in existence. In this grove are the oldest Monterey Cypress specimens – some nearly 300 years old.
These trees occur naturally only here and at Point Lobos south of Carmel; all others have been planted. Sculpted by the wind, these hardy trees stand gnarled.
Things trees know – Sun, storm, drought: Let these sculptors do their work.
DOUGLAS WOOD
After spending time in this beautiful Grove, take a short walk to the Cypress Point Lookout and witness a stunning sunset.
Cypress Grove Trail in Point Lobos
When I hiked along the Cypress Grove Trail in Point Lobos, I was thrilled to realize that I was actually hiking amidst a rare Monterey Cypress Grove, one of the only two naturally growing groves of such trees remaining on earth.
Moreover, beautiful wildflowers, the sound of waves and birds, the refreshing breeze, and spectacular ocean views made me feel that I came to a natural sanctuary.
If you are in the mood to go hiking on a super-scenic trail, then this is the place to be.
Things trees know – It’s simple: If you are living, you’re growing. If you’re growing, you’re living.
DOUGLAS WOOD
Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel in Moss Beach
Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel in Moss Beach is a hidden gem. During the pandemic, I often visited here and heaved a sigh of relief.
It was a beautiful escape from the monotony of quarantined life. A magical canopy of cypress trees here creates a 1/2 mile-long tunnel on one side with beautiful ocean views on the other side.
When I laid my eyes on the coast far into the distance, I saw a herd of seals happily sunbathing on the beach.
This place is a short 30 mins drive from San Francisco and offers a break from the humdrum of city life. Officially, this is part of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
I loved walking on both sides of the cypress trees, a kind of horse-shoe-like trail. On one side, you can sit on a bench and feel the sea breeze and slanting sunshine on your face. Pure bliss!
Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.
Herman Hesse
Things trees know – Reach for the light.
DOUGLAS WOOD
Surprisingly, I never found the Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel crowded. I leaned against a tree, slipped into silence, and got lost in contemplation, a rare activity in the perpetual to-do list era. Looking outside, I looked within.
That being said, I still missed the spontaneous interactions that occur sporadically when we visit a place full of people.
This place looks heavenly during the sunset. If you are visiting the Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel in Moss Beach, extend your stay till the sun goes down.
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Travel Realizations
Trees are nature’s resilience through the ages. The enchantment that these super scenic Cypress Trees and Tunnels near San Francisco provoke is spiritual for me.
A quick respite from the urban microcosm. No white noise of distant traffic, no transit trains, lawnmowers, and an omnipresent hum that seeps through the window.
In each of these beautiful places, I felt nothing but bliss in abundance.
Whenever I looked up, the trees seemed to tickle the blue sky and my eyes stuck. I hope all these places will inspire you too as they do me.
Fill your weekends with these super scenic spots. And if you remember me, come back and share a word or two on this blog’s comments section. Until my next post, adieu!
The enchantment that these super scenic Cypress Trees and Tunnels near San Francisco provoke is spiritual for me. A quick respite from the urban microcosm. #Travel #Traveler #VisitCalifornia #Optoutside Click To TweetNewsletter
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I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Super scenic Cypress Trees and Tunnels near San Francisco. You may enjoy these other Bay Area travel guides:
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- Exploratorium in San Francisco – When the Destination is Science!
- San Francisco to Death Valley – A Super Scenic California Road Trip!
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- 40 Top Things to Do in Carmel, California – The Ultimate Bucket List
- 50 Top Things to Do in Monterey, California – The Ultimate Bucket List
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- 50 Top Things To Do in Point Reyes, California
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Carrie M
Love these tree tunnels! We live so close to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and still haven’t been! Thanks for the tips! This motivates me to go!
Katy
My first introduction to cypress trees was on a walk along the Presidio. I’ve never seen anything like them before. They are so cool! These photos are stunning and bring me back to my visit . Thank you!
Cosette
Wow, such beautiful spots. The trees are stunning. Can completely understand that these places inspire you.
A Capone Connection
Such a beautiful place to visit. The tree tunnel reminds me of the tree tunnels in Savannah Georgia (except that they have mossy okas instead of cypress trees). Thanks for sharing this awesome place. I’m saving it for later. California is on my bucket list!
~Andrea | acaponeconnection.com
Ummi | Ummi Goes Where?
Wow, I have never seen trees this big. The cypress tree tunnels look really impressive. Would be cool to see them in real life. They must have made you feel dwarved standing next to them.
nicole
Wow these areas all look so stunning and peaceful, I need to add this to my plans for California. Great pictures
Alison
Such a beautiful post Chirasree. You are lucky to live there. My favourites are Seal Cove and the cypress tree tunnel. There’s something so special about trees, especially the really old ones, and the ones growing in community.
Krista
I love the tree tunnel! It reminds me of Game of Thrones and the spot in Ireland where they filmed it.
Scotia
Wonderful spots to take a weekend drive to and explore. Very nice storytelling and I particularly love the quotes throughout the post. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Amanda
Wow. This looks absolutely stunning – I would love to visit!
Josy A
Just looking at your photos is relaxing. I love spending time in the forest for the quiet and for the beautiful way light filters through the leaves. I always wanted to visit the Giant Redwoods in California, so it is really cool to see your States has beautiful Cypress Trees too.
I have a feeling you’d love the giant Douglas Fir trees in the PNW too. 🙂
Kristina
Wow, gorgeous photos and places. I especially like the lone cypress tree. It reminds me of the highway on the Amalfi coast in Italy. There is a similar iconic photo that is often taken there as well.
I was up north of Monterey last year and really wanted to do the 17-mile drive, but the road was closed (from where were to get there) the time due to fires. Next time!
Laureen
I’ve been to a few of these places but not all of them so adding to my list. So beautiful.
Chirasree Banerjee
So glad you like these places. All of them are stunning.
Kelli
These trees are absolutely stunning!
Chirasree Banerjee
I can’t agree with you more.