Imagine a place where families can step into the living history of the Coast Miwok people and also wander through landscapes that inspired Jedi knights and Ewoks—all in a single trip. That’s Marin County! Here, the stories of the first people of this land and the creativity of George Lucas come together in parks and towns that invite children and adults to learn, play, and dream. These are not just visits to parks, they are journeys through time and imagination, carried by the landscapes themselves.

From sandy shores rich with Indigenous history to redwood forests that sparked the imagination of George Lucas, Marin offers adventures that are as educational as they are unforgettable. 

 

Tomales Bay State Park is a place where families can visit the shoreline that was once connected to the Coast Miwok people. Along Indian Beach, children can walk the same shoreline where Miwok families lived for thousands of years. Coastal natives relied heavily on shellfish, and today shell middens—remnants of their meals—still remain visible, marking the presence of these early communities. Stand on the beach and imagine the tule canoes that once traveled these waters, carrying families to fishing spots or gathering grounds. The quiet beauty of Tomales Bay offers an opportunity to reflect on the connection between people and their surroundings.

 

Olompali State Historic Park was once the site of the largest Coast Miwok village in the region, and visiting it feels like stepping directly into the past. The park’s name itself means “southern village” in the Miwok language.

Families will find interpretive trails that explain Miwok traditions, from the construction of homes to the care of the land. The site also holds remnants of later history, including the adobe structures from Rancho Olompali and the Bohemian-era gardens. The hiking trails wind through the park, offering both easy strolls and more challenging routes. Visitors can enjoy the popular 2.5-mile Miwok Loop, which circles the lower slopes of Mt. Burdell. It’s a layered place where children can learn how one site can hold many stories, from Miwok heritage to Mexican ranching to countercultural communities of the 1960s.

 

Kule Loklo, located behind the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Point Reyes National Seashore, is a reconstructed village created in the 1970s to honor and educate visitors about the traditions of the Coast Miwok.

The Big Time Festival at Kule Loklo was held here every year from 1981until 2019. While Kule Loklo was not an original settlement, it provided families with a hands-on opportunity to learn about bark houses, dance circles, and other traditional structures, showcasing cultural demonstrations and storytelling events that allowed visitors to connect with Coast Miwok history.

The Miwok Archeological Preserve of Marin continues to preserve and protect their territory and traditional culture with the help of the Point Reyes National Seashore and other tribal councils.

 

History is only one part of Marin’s story—imagination has its place, too. In downtown San Anselmo, Imagination Park celebrates the creative spirit of George Lucas, who once lived here. The park may be small, but it holds two bronze statues that delight children and adults alike: Yoda from Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

Donated by Lucas, these statues sit among benches, fountains, and shady trees, creating a space where children can pose with favorite characters, and parents can share how Marin helped inspire stories that became part of film history.

 

For the ultimate blend of imagination and nature, Roy’s Redwoods Preserve offers a magical experience. The preserve’s ancient redwoods inspired George Lucas in his creation of the Ewok villages for Return of the Jedi. While the actual Endor battle scenes were filmed farther north, the trees of Roy’s Redwoods carry the same atmosphere of otherworldly wonder. The preserve combines outdoor adventure with cinematic history, allowing kids to merge their love of nature with their favorite stories.

 

Making It a Family Adventure

Marin County is a rare place where a single trip can take families through hundreds of years of history and into the heart of movie magic. Parents can start the day at Tomales Bay or Olompali, learning about the Coast Miwok, and then the afternoon might be spent in San Anselmo’s Imagination Park, followed by a walk through Roy’s Redwoods. What makes these adventures special is their accessibility for children.

Trails at Kule Loklo and Roy’s Redwoods are short and easy, and Imagination Park provides a quick but delightful stop in town. Families can bring a picnic, stop at local cafes, or simply enjoy the natural beauty along the way.

 

Make Your Family Time Legendary

Only in Marin can redwoods and rebel starships all share the same backdrop. From sites honoring Coast Miwok heritage to Star Wars-inspired redwood trails, Marin is ready to welcome you with stories, landscapes, and adventures that spark curiosity in every generation. 
Plan your family’s journey through time and imagination with the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau.
For the best places to stay when in Marin, visit the Marin CVB at visitmarin.org/hotels, and download our new visitor app