Oysters and Cheese: The Ingredients to a Perfect Tomales Bay Picnic

Tomales Bay, a little ways north of San Francisco, sits right on the coast. It’s a shallow bay, known for a mixture of hot sunny days and overcast breezy ones. But to many coast-loving locals, it’s a place with oysters, cheese, and a great view. 

On your way to Tomales Bay, stop at some of the spots below to set yourself, family, or friends up with all the ingredients needed for a perfect picnic. 

Tucked away in a town with one stop sign and a beautiful white steeple lies Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, a gem for raw cheeses. Make your way around, and explore the progression of aging cheeses. Take a peek through the glass window to view the equipment and cheesemaking process.

Recommendation: Foggy Morning and Locarno

Right off Petaluma-Point Reyes Road, the Marin French Cheese Company is a red-roofed room where upon entering you’re met with an abundance of pre-packaged goodies—from breadsticks and crackers to fig jams and jalapeno spreads. If that’s not enough, the counter boasts an entire spread of cheeses, including Ash, Jalapeno, and Mustard flavors.

Recommendation: Petite Camembert

Continue into Point Reyes Station to the afamed Cowgirl Creamery at the Point Reyes Barn. Here, Cowgirl makes the Red Hawk cheese, a limited quantity cheese with funk. Get there early enough in the day and you can grab an artisan sandwich to go!

Recommendation: Mt. Tam

Bring a big cooler, you’re going to need it! Tomales Bay Oyster Company is a gravel lot with a selection of four varieties of oysters sold by the dozen. Don’t know how to shuck an oyster? Simply ask your attendant for a little lesson!  Visit an atm and download the directions before leaving Point Reyes Station (cell phone service is minimal), and pack a shucking knife and sturdy rubber gloves if you have them handy. If you forget these additional items, don’t fret, they have a few in stock to sell!

Recommendation: Golden Nuggets

Continue up Highway One to Hog Island Oyster Company. For a DIY picnic, you’ll have to wait in line for the oysters sold by the dozen. Peek around the corner and make a mental note to book a table next time for the outdoor restaurant offerings at the Boat Oyster Bar. 

Recommendation: Extra Smalls, but you really can’t go wrong

Don’t have enough cheese? Detour slightly to Ramini Mozzarella to enjoy being up close and personal with water buffalo. Yes, you heard me right. Water buffalo live on the California coast! This 45 minute tour is perfect for learning about the mozzarella making process and meeting the animals. If you’re worried about leaving your fresh oysters in the car, simply stop by their shop and grab some fresh cheese to go (all you need to do is order ahead)!

Recommendation: ½ pound of Mozzarella

If you’re craving more oysters, continue into Bodega Bay. Follow the road along the water to the smoking bait shop, Fisherman’s Cove. From the outside, this place might seem to have an identity crisis, but once you order and grab a table, your wait will speak for itself. 

Recommendation: BBQ oysters

The list is long, and that’s because Tomales Bay has everything you need for a picnic and a view. Stop by Dillon Beach, Marconi Center, or Bodega Head for a spot to enjoy all the local amazingness Tomales has to offer! Just make sure to bring a jacket.