Cypress Tree Tunnel — Attraction in Petaluma

This spot may be popular on Instagram, and for good reason, but it's also spacious enough that you can sometimes feel like you have it to yourself. It's moody and dramatic without feeling abandoned or spooky, and the historic radio transmitting station at the end of the road — KPH, still in regular use! — is surrounded by peculiar industrial ruins slowly returning to nature. The area nearby is fun to explore; we found wild plants growing in a bottle and huge cache of owl pellets quite quickly.

Parking seems usually easy, you just can't park in front of the gate and you might have to cross the road (2-lane straight section, not too difficult). Could be a nice spot for a picnic on a clear day... though to be fair that describes all of Point Reyes. Note that you don't necessarily have to walk down the center of the lane, the unpaved areas off to the side are flat and only thick in a few parts. Beyond that are cow pastures, which are the loudest noises you'll typically hear.

There were no dogs when we went so we walked our pet rat on a leash. Of course we took pictures but they all came out blurry; he got cold and understandably was eager to return to his backpack. The owl pellets probably...

The view was pretty cool. If you are going to photograph the area I would recommend bringing a wide angle lens and a long telephoto lens for interesting shots. I found my telephoto shots to be more interesting. When I was there the gate was closed however many people were walking around it and up to the building. The road there was flooded in a section when I went but not to bad that I couldn't get through it in a Nissan NV200 small utility van. It was a little deeper on the way out. Be careful for pedestrians on the way out. It was dark and this guy had his 3 little dogs standing on the side of the road (no shoulder, actually on the road) and didn't move at all. There was oncoming traffic so we had to slam on our brakes. I would recommend also going farther down the road, before South Beach though, and enjoying the views on both sides. If you're a photographer the late afternoon sunlight is beautiful for photos. I want to go back in different lighting conditions to see what I can capture. Overall I would...

A row of giant Monterey Cypress trees line a driveway in Point Reyes, forming a "tree tunnel". The driveway leads to one of North America's Last Morse Code Coast Stations. No longer a hidden spot, there were lot of people on the Saturday we went and managed to get a few good photographs. There is a huge temperature difference from the surroundings and here, with cool breeze from pacific it's always relaxing and peaceful.

The trees were planted around 1930, and now they're full grown and have created an amazing backdrop and canopy for everyone to enjoy. They offer shade during the hot summer days and provide a unique photo opportunity. Arrive early if you don't want to have to Photoshop other people out of your shot. Sunsets are glorious here, but I prefer the early mornings when there's no one else on site.

You can park roadside on Sr. Francis Drake Blvd and walk to the driveway with the trees.If you want a tour of the radio station, the Maritime Radio Historical Society offers them most Saturdays...