By Megan Eileen McDonough

 

There’s no better way to spring forward than with a jaunt through nature. While winters are very mild in Marin, things definitely liven up come March. Wildflowers are the main attraction, with lots of viewpoints dispersed throughout the Marin Headlands, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Mount Tamalpais State Park. Whether you’re on the hunt for orchids or milkmaids, here are five of the most Insta-worthy Marin photo ops.

 

Marin Headlands

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous wildflowers, you’re in luck. Come spring, these flowers are all over the place, especially in the Marin Headlands’ ridges, valleys, sand dunes, meadows, and more. If you’re up for the challenge, hike the 5.5-mile Coastal Trail. The advanced hike is well worth the extra effort and you’ll be rewarded with great vistas and plenty of wildflower spotting.

 

Marin Art & Garden Center

Open free to the public, the Marin Art & Garden Center is a perfect midday scenic stop. The gardens are open from dawn to dusk, so there’s plenty of time to squeeze it into your day. There are seven gardens and a plant nursery, the latter of which houses hundreds of plants and also hosts classes on plant propagation throughout the year. The rose garden is considered the heart of the center and features roses of every size and color. Another scenic stop is the sun garden, where visitors can snap selfies among the magnolia trees.

 

Point Reyes National Seashore

Another great place to spot wildflowers is the Point Reyes National Seashore. The flowers begin blooming as early as February, although this depends on weather conditions and the frequency of rain. For the best floral views, you have three options: Abbotts Lagoon, Chimney Rock and Tomales Point. For leisure travelers, the two-mile walk around Abbotts Lagoon is a great starting point. You’ll see plenty of wildflowers and also a fair share of local birds. If you’re after a bird’s-eye view, head to the top of Chimney Rock.

 

AppleGarden Farm

If you’re craving some fresh hard-apple cider, stop by AppleGarden Farm and stay awhile (it doubles as a bed-and-breakfast). When the farmers were just getting started, they planted semi-dwarf trees to help with their drip irrigation system. Nowadays, the trees are mature, so the owners use a dry-farming technique instead. Visitors get to try their hand at apple picking, and there are several photo ops along the way. Stop to smell the vibrant California golden poppies or take a photo among the apple trees.

 

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park offers various hikes and viewing points. You’ll see all sorts of flowers, from orchids and irises to lupines and poppies. One thing to note about this locale is that it tends to get drier earlier than other areas, so consider planning your trip in early spring. In terms of trails, hike the 5.25-mile Yolanda Trail in Ross Valley. Across from the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll get both architectural viewpoints and flower close-ups. Keep an eye out for sticky monkey flowers, white milkmaids, and Indian paintbrushes.

Here are a few of our favorite places to visit to see the wildflowers in Marin County this time of year. Check out our favorite spots to see the wildflowers in bloom around Marin and before you go, be sure to download our Wildflower Guide for plant lists and more great local tips for seeing spring flowers.  

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.