Marin County is a paradise for outdoor recreation - with weather that allows visitors and residents to enjoy mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and sailing all year round. But it's also a wonderful place to do next to nothing at all.
Marin County’s lands represent outstanding examples of Northern California environments including oak-bay woodlands, savannas, grasslands and salt marshes. These habitats are managed and protected to enhance their natural, undeveloped character while accommodating educational activities and trail-oriented uses. Outdoor recreation – hiking, running, mountain biking, horseback riding, and all manner of water sports including sail boarding, surfing, fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing – is what Marin County is all about. Additionally, seasonal phenomena like the migration of whales, bird watching, garden tours, and wildlife and scenic painting and photography are unique features of Marin. Aside from the natural side, there is also baseball, golf, and the raceway.
Midweek excursions in the late Fall through early Spring seasons offer some of the most advantageous opportunities to enjoy Marin’s great outdoors. While doing so, please be respectful of our environmental treasures. Contact or visit the various park services to help you tread lightly.
Agriculture & Protected Farmland
Agricultural Institute of Marin
400 Smith Ranch Road, Suite D
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-472-6100
www.agriculturalinstitute.org
Bringing Farmers and Communities together in the Bay Area
Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit which runs 7 farmers markets in the Bay Area, including the flagship Marin Farmers Market at the Marin Civic Center. AIM’s mission is to educate the public about the nutritional and... Read More
AppleGarden Farm
3875 Tomales Petaluma Road
Tomales, CA 94971
707-878-9152
www.applegardenfarm.com
We are an organic apple farm in Tomales, CA specializing in heritage apple trees. We make “estate” hard cider exclusively from our own apples, and process completely here on the farm. We are currently providing weekend farm tours, which includes... Read More
Heidrun Meadery
11925 Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-9122
www.heidrunmeadery.com
Located in Point Reyes Station, Heidrun Meadery produces naturally sparkling varietal meads using the traditional French Méthode Champenoise. Our trademark Champagne-style of mead is light, dry, delicate and refreshing, with subtle exotic aromas and flavors found only in the essence... Read More
Marin Agricultural Land Trust
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-1158
Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) was the first land trust in the United States to focus on farmland preservation. Founded in 1980 by a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists to preserve farmland in Marin County, California, MALT acquires agricultural conservation... Read More
Bay Area Green Business
McEvoy Ranch
5935 Red Hill Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
866.617.6779
Email: visit@mcevoyranch.com
www.mcevoyranch.com
When Nan McEvoy, granddaughter of San Francisco Chronicle founder, M.H. de Young, went in search of a place where her grandchildren could fully experience the distinct beauty of Northern California, she fell in love with 550... Read More
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company
5300 Nicasio Valley Road
Nicasio, CA 94946
415-662-6200
www.nicasiocheese.com
We are committed to sustainable agriculture. Being organic and pasture-based confirms this. The family dairy started in 1919 and in 2006 the organic conversion process began. Today, all of our cheeses are made from 100% organic farmstead cow's milk.
Establishing the... Read More
The Fork at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company
14700 Highway 1
Point Reyes, CA 94956
415-663-8880
800-591-6878
www.pointreyescheese.com/thefork
Just one visit and you’ll find The Fork is a long way from every-day!
The Giacomini family has been making farmstead products for more than 50 years. Producing the highest quality milk for their award-winning cheese is more than just a... Read More
The Haven at Tomales
900 Cerini Road
Tomales, CA 94971
707-878-2181
www.tomaleshaven.com
Experience 1,000 acres on the California Coast nearly untouched by humans since gold rush settlers in the 1800s laid claim to the land. The Haven at Tomales is located on a family owned and operated private ranch, home to Purebred... Read More
Beaches in Marin County
Marin has a variety of beaches, great for beachcombing, tide-pooling, wave-watching, bird watching, sun bathing, kayaking, and boating. The weather at these beaches can change considerably during the course of the day. Wear layers that you can add and remove as the temperature drops and rises.
Swimming conditions vary by location. Prior to entering the water, please check with park rangers, park personnel, or lifeguards about conditions and always obey the posted warnings.
Agate Beach Park
This 6.6 acre park is located near Bolinas along the Pacific coastline. It provides access to almost two miles of shoreline at low tide and is a wonderful area to explore tidal pools.
Go to: Marin County Parks... Read More
Angel Island State Park
Tiburon, CA 94920
415-435-1915
www.angelisland.org
Access to the Island is by public ferry from San Francisco, Tiburon and Vallejo or by private boat. The beaches at Quarry Point and Ayala Cove are sandy and protected from the afternoon breezes. The water at Perle’s Beach is... Read More
China Camp State Park
101 Peacock Gap Trail
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-456-0766
www.parks.ca.gov
China Camp State Park is located on the southwest shore of San Pablo Bay, three miles from downtown San Rafael. The 1,512-acre park has a variety of natural scenery and some fine trails along San Pedro Ridge. Visitors enjoy picnicking,... Read More
Golden Gate National Recreation Area / Marin Headlands
Marin Headlands Visitor Center
Fort Barry, Building 948
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-1540
www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm
Whether you are a visitor to the Bay Area or a lifelong resident, Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) offers you experiences you can find nowhere else. The national park area has some world renowned destinations – Alcatraz and Muir... Read More
McNears Beach Park
201 Cantera Way
San Rafael, CA 94901
www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PK/ParkRes/
Fifty-five acres located off south San Pedro Road along the shore of San Pablo Bay, the County's most popular park offers a seasonal swimming pool, tennis courts, family and group picnic areas-available by reservation, a sandy beach, lawn areas, seasonal... Read More
Muir Beach & Muir Beach Overlook
415-388-2595
www.parksconservancy.org
National Golden Gate Recreation Area
This year, the existing parking lot has been re-aligned to allow the Redwood Creek channel to be connected to its natural floodplain. Muir Beach is now open to all. Come and explore the newly extended... Read More
Point Reyes National Seashore
415-464-5100
http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/beaches.htm
Point Reyes National Seashore was established to preserve and protect wilderness, natural eco-systems, and cultural resources along the diminishing undeveloped coastline of the western United States. Located just an hour's drive from a densely populated metropolitan area, the Seashore is... Read More
Stinson Beach
Information & Weather: 415-868-1922
http://www.nps.gov/goga/stbe.htm
Visitors to Stinson Beach experience the pleasures of this quiet beach community. Whether hiking, enjoying a picnic, exploring the town, or relaxing on the beach, people continue to find Stinson Beach a great place to escape from the frantic pace... Read More
Tomales Bay State Park
State Route Highway 1
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1140
www.parks.ca.gov
The 2,000-acre day-use park features four gently sloping, surf-free beaches, protected from winds by Inverness Ridge, the backbone of the Point Reyes Peninsula. The park has hiking trails and is a popular place for picnics, swimming, clamming and boating.
Tomales Bay... Read More
Camping
Camping in Marin County can be a novel, exciting experience. You may roll out your sleeping bag on a mountain, in a redwood forest, beside the ocean or even on an island. All Marin County campsites are located in scenic areas that are perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. State Park campsites can be reserved from two days or up to seven months in advance. Dogs are generally allowed on leashes. To preview the California State Parks, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex. Reservations can be made by calling Reserve America at 1-800-444-PARK or online at www.reserveamerica.com. For camping locations in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) please refer to the NPS Camping Brochure.
Angel Island State Park
Tiburon, CA 94920
415-435-1915
www.angelisland.org
Angel Island sits in the middle of San Francisco Bay, just off the coast of southern Marin County with spectacular views of Marin County, San Francisco, the Golden Gate and the East Bay. Visitors travel to the island by ferry... Read More
China Camp State Park
101 Peacock Gap Trail
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-456-0766
www.parks.ca.gov
China Camp State Park has 1,640 acres of natural watershed along the shores of San Francisco Bay. A Chinese shrimp-fishing village thrived on this site in the 1880s. A small museum describes the history of the early Chinese settlement. China... Read More
Marin Headlands
Marin Headlands Visitor Center
Fort Berry, Building 948
Sausalito, CA 94945
www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) offers two hide-in and two walk-in campgrounds in the Marin Headlands, located at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Reservations are required for the campsites. The maximum stay is three nights... Read More
Mount Tamalpais State Park
801 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-388-2070
www.parks.ca.gov
Magnificent Mt. Tamalpais has 6,300 acres of redwood groves and oak woodlands with spectacular views from its 2,500 foot peak. It is a hikers and bikers paradise. The camping areas include 16 developed walk-in campsites, one horse group camp, 10... Read More
Point Reyes National Seashore
Bear Valley Visitor Center
0.5 miles from Olema along Bear Valley Road
Olema, CA
415-663-8054
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Campers may use campsites in the Point Reyes National Seashore year-round, but because of its proximity to San Francisco, the campsites are in great demand. Campsites are located along the Pacific Coast and in the Phillip Burton Wilderness area. These... Read More
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Lagunitas, CA 94938
415-488-9897
Samuel P. Taylor State Park covers more than 2,700 acres of wooded countryside with rolling hills of coastal redwoods and open grasslands. The park features hiking trails, mountain biking and equestrian trails. A paved bicycle trail runs through the park.... Read More
Fishing
Visitors who like to fish can find many locations in Marin County for fresh and salt water fishing. Some of the popular places include the following:
China Camp State Park – located on San Pablo Bay, has a number of points on the shore suitable for fishing.
McNear’s Beach Pier - located in east San Rafael on San Pablo Bay, is a good spot for halibut, striped bass and sturgeon. Varieties of perch and shark are also present. Entry fee is $8 per vehicle.
Fishing is permitted in all seven of the Marin Municipal watershed lakes. Licenses are required. Please call 415-945-1194 for current fishing conditions or visit www.marinwater.org.
Golfing
Marin County is home to several public and private golf courses. These courses take advantage of Marin’s beautiful, varied terrain and are located in a variety of settings, from the foot of Mt. Tamalpais in Mill Valley, to the wetlands near the Bay Shore in Novato.
Peacock Gap Golf Club
333 Biscayne Drive
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-453-4940
Classic golf course architecture is defined by fairways that invite but challenge and greens that creep beyond where the player thinks they end. This is the intrigue of classic golf and the foundation of Peacock Gap Golf Club.
Renovated and improved... Read More
Hiking
The outstanding beauty of Marin County’s landscape makes it a prime environment for outdoor recreation. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Marin’s vistas and wildlife.
Angel Island State Park
Tiburon, CA 94920
415-435-1915
www.angelisland.org
In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island, offering spectacular views of the Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais, and the San Francisco skyline. Over 13 miles of foot trails and fire roads circle the island. The Northridge/Sunset loop trail... Read More
Audubon Canyon Ranch
4900 Shoreline Highway 1
Stinson Beach, CA 94970
415-868-9244
www.egret.org
Audubon Canyon Ranch (ACR) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit environmental conservation and education organization founded in 1962 to safeguard Bolinas Lagoon from irresponsible development, leading the way for the protection of Tomales Bay. Today, ACR acts as guardian of 5,000 acres... Read More
Blue Waters Kayaking
12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94933
415-669-2600
www.bluewaterskayaking.com
Blue Waters Kayaking is your outdoor activity resource for the West Marin area. We offer kayaking tours, hiking tours, as wells as specialized camping, birding and oyster tours. We offer a variety of hiking tours including the Giacomini Wetlands and... Read More
China Camp State Park
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-456-0766
www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex
Walk through the house museum describing early Chinese settlement of the village. The park offers fifteen miles of hiking trails. The trails are heavily used during spring and summer weekends. Be prepared for crowds.
*Due to current budgetary cutbacks in all... Read More
Coastal Walkers
Contact: Ben Davidson
415-250-9941
Email: sanfranciscocoastwalk@gmail.com
www.coastalwalkers.com
Coastal Walkers introduces visitors and locals alike to the dramatic wild north coast of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Our expertly guided, half-day walking tours are infused with California history and led by local guides along the beautiful unspoiled... Read More
Marin Headlands
Marin Headlands Visitor Center
Fort Barry, Building 948
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-1540
www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm
For the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, make sure to visit the trails located at the Golden Gate Bridge Headquarters and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).
Mount Tamalpais State Park
801 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-388-2070
www.parks.ca.gov
www.FriendsofMtTam.com
With an elevation of 2571 feet, Mt. Tam has 200 miles of hiking trails with views of the entire county, San Francisco and the East Bay. Best visited in the spring when flowers are in bloom.
Hours of Operation: Daily: 7:00am... Read More
NPK Yoga Hikes
732-239-8294
yogawithnpk@gmail.com
www.npkyoga.com
Yoga is an exploration of mind, body, and spirit...you can also join me in exploration of the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area with personalized yoga hikes and beach yoga. With toes wiggling in soft sand or lush grass, we’ll make... Read More
Point Bonita Lighthouse
Marin Headlands Visitor Center
Fort Barry, Building 948
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-1540
www.nps.gov/goga/pobo.htm
Point Bonita is part of the largest urban national park in the United States, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). A secret jewel of the Bay Area, Point Bonita is still an active lighthouse. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains... Read More
Point Reyes National Seashore
Bear Valley Visitor Center
0.5 miles from Olema along Bear Valley Road
Olema, CA
415-464-5100
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
The National Seashore has about 240 kilometers (150 miles) of hiking trails to explore. Trail maps are available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. There are many ways to customize your hike to accommodate your physical and time limitations. Stop... Read More
Point Reyes Outdoors
11401 State Route 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8192
www.PointReyesOutdoors.com
Explore Point Reyes the classic way – on foot! Our hiking tours are a wonderful way to experience the Point Reyes National Seashore with your family and friends. Being disconnected from technology and surrounded by the natural world will allow... Read More
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Lagunitas, CA 94938
415-488-9897
www.parks.ca.gov
This popular park has over 2,700 acres of wooded countryside in the steep rolling hills of West Marin. The park features a unique contrast of coast redwoods groves and open grassland. Miles of hiking trails and fire roads make it... Read More
Tomales Bay State Park
State Route Highway 1
Inverness, CA 94937
415-669-1140
www.tomalesbay.net
This area, celebrated for its natural beauty, is one of constant movement: the land, the animal migrations and the seasonal wildflowers that push up through the earth. For great views, March flowers, beaches and bird-watching, it is a must see!
Tomales... Read More
Horseback Riding
Marin County has miles of open space horse trails, including horse campsites at Mount Tamalpais State Park and Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Equestrian Centers are in Fairfax and Woodacre, but the most popular is Five Brooks Ranch, offering a variety of horseback riding services.
Five Brooks Ranch
8001 State Route Highway 1
Olema, CA 94950
415-663-1570
www.fivebrooks.com
Five Brooks Ranch offers an array of services for anyone who wants to enjoy the park in the company of horses. We offer private and guided trail rides, riding lessons and horse boarding. Bring your own horse or use ours.... Read More
Kayaking/Water Sports
Marin and San Francisco bays and beaches provide hundreds of possibilities to kayak, paddleboard, surf, kiteboard and much more. Kayakers enjoy easy access to San Pablo Bay and can be found enjoying the coastal waters surrounding China Camp State Park. Corte Madera Creek, with its views of Mt. Tamalpais, is a draw for both kayakers and rowers.
101 Surf Sports
115 Third Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-524-8492
www.101surfsports.com
The water is right behind our shop so come on down!
Recently named "3rd Best Water Sports Shop in the Country", 101 Surf Sports is a full service Water Sports Shop specializing in Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, Surfing, and Kayaking... Read More
Blue Waters Kayaking
12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94933
415-669-2600
www.bluewaterskayaking.com
Blue Waters Kayaking is your outdoor activity resource for the West Marin area. We offer kayaking tours, hiking tours, as wells as specialized camping, birding and oyster tours.
Visit us at home in the Point Reyes National Seashore on beautiful Tomales... Read More
Golden Gate Yacht Charters
Departing Sausalito, San Francisco & Tiburon, CA
415-300-6095
Info@goldengateyachtcharters.com
www.goldengateyachtcharters.com
Hop on board Golden Gate Yacht Charters 54′ luxury motor yacht and enjoy a breathtaking private charter on the San Francisco Bay! We offer custom length charters and tours for up to 15 passengers at a time, all... Read More
Point Reyes Outdoors
11401 State Route 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-8192
www.PointReyesOutdoors.com
Point Reyes Outdoors offers a variety of sea kayaking tours, including bioluminescence and overnight beach camping in the Point Reyes National Seashore. We offer stand up paddleboard rentals, guided hiking/paddling combination tours, and paddling skills classes. We can accommodate large... Read More
SF Bay Adventures & Schooner Freda B
1001 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-0444
www.sfbayadventures.com
www.schoonerfredab.com
SF Bay Adventures is the premier local boating, event and adventure resource for the San Francisco Bay area. The headquarters are located on the beautiful and historic Sausalito waterfront. SF Bay Adventures has served locals and visitors for over 2... Read More
Tomales Bay Sailing
Contact: Captain Brett Miller
415-787-4886
www.tomalesbaysailing.com
Tomales Bay is a long, narrow inlet located in western Marin County. It is approximately 14 miles long and nearly one mile wide throughout its entire length. The shape of the bay derives from the fact that it lies along... Read More
Mountain Biking and Road Cycling
Enjoy Road Biking in Marin…
Marin is crisscrossed by hundreds of miles cyclist-friendly roads and multi-use pathways. Simply following the street markers will put you on the path to Marin’s charming towns and meeting places. You’ll find hillsides offering captivating views of the surrounding woodlands, waterways, and distant cityscapes.
Mountain Biking
Marin County's Mount Tamalpais (Mt. Tam) is the birthplace of mountain biking. In the early 1970s Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher, Otis Guy and Charlie Kelly began refurbishing old balloon tire bicycles from the 1930s and 40s to use for riding off-road. Between 1977 and 1978 Joe built 10 frames which were the first successful frames designed and built for use as mountain bikes; he called them "Breezers."
Mountain biking has become a huge sport, and Marin County is ringed with mountain bicycle trails. Those who enjoy the sport can travel through natural wild lands including the Mt. Tam woodlands, coastal bluffs at Pt. Reyes National Seashore, single track trails overlooking San Pablo Bay at China Camp State Park, and ridgeline trails on Mt. Burdell in Novato. Bikers can even tour historic Angel Island on trails that circle the island. The abundant variety of trees, wildflowers, grasslands, ridgelines, and rugged coastline make Marin's mountain bike trails a sought-after experience.
Road Cycling
Many popular cycling routes begin in Fairfax, a well-known meeting point for a 17-mile climb up the 2,500-foot Mount Tam (Mount Tamalpais). The challenging ascent takes riders through woodlands before connecting with a ridgeline road with stunning views of the Pacific and eventually a magnificent view of the San Francisco skyline. Fairfax is also the gateway to the rolling hills of rural West Marin. Among the major destinations are Pt. Reyes (a 50-mile round trip) and Tomales, from which riders often take the coast highway to Pt. Reyes before making their way back to Fairfax.
If you’re visiting Marin from San Francisco, drive or cycle north across the Golden Gate Bridge and continue through Sausalito to Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Ross, San Anselmo, and finally to Fairfax. Return to the city by bike or on the Larkspur ferry (check the schedule before heading out).
Camp Tamarancho
100 Iron Springs Road
Fairfax, CA 94930
415-454-8081
www.boyscouts-marin.org
Owned and operated by the Marin Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Tamarancho is located in the hills above Fairfax with over 480 acres of meadows, redwood- and oak-forested landscapes, providing access to excellent mountain biking trails in... Read More
Marin Museum of Bicycling & Mountain Bike Hall of Fame
1966 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Fairfax, CA 94930
415-450-8000
www.mmbhof.org
The Marin Museum of Bicycling is a bicycle history museum and cultural center in Fairfax, California. Highlights include the Igler Collection showing the fascinating evolution of the bicycle with original examples from the 1860s to the 1890s, and the Mountain... Read More
Stafford Lake Bike Park
3549 Novato Blvd
Novato, CA 94947
415-897-0618
www.marincountyparks.org
Stafford Lake Bike Park is the North Bay’s first public bike park. The all-levels park features the only dual slalom course west of Truckee as well as beautiful views of Stafford Lake. Once fully completed, the park will encompass 17... Read More
Sports
Marin Bocce Federation
550 B Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-485-5583
www.marinbocce.org
Located next to the San Rafael Community Center, the Marin Bocce Federation manages and operates a beautiful, family oriented, 10-court bocce facility open to the public seven days a week. Click here to view our video.
Hours of Operation:... Read More
- Bay Area Green Business
Peacock Gap Golf Club
333 Biscayne Drive
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-453-4940
Classic golf course architecture is defined by fairways that invite but challenge and greens that creep beyond where the player thinks they end. This is the intrigue of classic golf and the foundation of Peacock Gap Golf Club.
Renovated and improved... Read More
San Rafael Pacifics Baseball
1201 Second Street
San Rafael, California 94901
415-485-1563
www.pacificsbaseball.com
The sweet sounds of summer baseball are echoing throughout San Rafael's Albert Park. From the crack of the bat, to the pop of the glove to the smell of the grass, the San Rafael Pacifics invite you to be a... Read More
Speedway Motorsports Sonoma
29355 Arnold Dr.
Sonoma, California 95476
800-870-7223
www.racesonoma.com
The fender-banging action of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series headlined the 2012 Big O Tires Racing Season at Speedway Motorsports Sonoma. The seven-race major event schedule, featured everything from stock cars to motorcycles, and was highlighted by three of the top racing series... Read More
Wildflowers of Marin
Each year, thousands of wildflower enthusiasts converge upon the Marin Headlands to experience the park’s spectacular floral display. Long recognized as a Bay Area botanical hotspot, the Marin Headland’s ridges, valleys, meadows, and sand dunes are carpeted with blooms of every hue and color from late winter to late autumn.
Photo Credits: www.marincountyparks.org
Marin County is home to a number of rare wildflowers, many of which are found in the county’s 33 open space preserves, the Golden Gate National Recreation area and the Point Reyes Seashore. Ring Mountain Preserve’s unique geology and microclimate provide a home for a number of rare plants. The Tiburon Mariposa Lily is found on the upper slopes of Ring Mountain and nowhere else on earth. Spring wildflowers on the trailhead from Paradise Drive to the top of the preserve are breath-taking.
As you enjoy the wildflowers, please remember that you may be in a national park, and natural and cultural resources are protected by law. Do not pick the wildflowers!
The 117-acre Old St. Hilary’s Preserve in Tiburon is the only place to see the extremely rare Tiburon Jewelflower. This odd member of the mustard family, usually seen in mid-May, has dark maroon petals that appear almost black. Other rare plants like the Dirca Occidentalis grow naturally only in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Marin County has five or six known small populations of this wildflower that are associated with basaltic greenstone rocks in a mixed evergreen forest. White Wakerobin can be found in the northern part of the Pt. Reyes Peninsula.
Patches of serpentine soil in the Loma Alta Preserve provide one of the best late-season wildflower displays in the county. Douglas Iris can be spotted in the Bald Hill Preserve, and the Bush Monkeyflower and Dwarf Checkermallow inhabit the Camino Alto Preserve.
The below resources give information on the many species of wildflowers that grow in Marin County and where they can be found: The Marin County Open Space District’s website lists all of the open space preserves in the county and describes the plants and animals that can be found there. Please visit www.marincountyparks.org for more information.
The Marin Branch of the California Native Plant Society provides information on Marin County’s rare plants and field trips. Please visit www.marin.edu/cnps for more information.
Wildlife
Audubon Canyon Ranch
4900 Shoreline Highway 1
Stinson Beach, CA 94970
415-868-9244
www.egret.org
Audubon Canyon Ranch (ACR) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit environmental conservation and education organization founded in 1962 to safeguard Bolinas Lagoon from irresponsible development, leading the way for the protection of Tomales Bay. Today, ACR acts as guardian of 5,000 acres... Read More
Bird Watching
Marin County offers some of the best bird watching on the Pacific Coast. The Point Reyes National Seashore offers some of the finest bird watching in the United States. The Park’s 70,000 acres of habitat are host to... Read More
Butterflies
Photo Credit: www.marinopenspace.org
Marin County observers have identified 76 species of butterflies in various areas throughout the county. The Pipevine Swallowtail inhabits Cascade Canyon; the Acmon Blue is found on Mt. Burdell and at Old St. Hilary’s; and the... Read More
Elephant Seals & Harbor Seals & Sea Lions
Northern elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions are found at South Beach during the winter and also can be viewed from Chimney Rock. After being absent for more than 150 years, elephant seals returned to the Point Reyes Headlands... Read More
Point Reyes Safaris
Contact: Daniel Dietrich
303-929-8443
www.pointreyessafaris.com
WILD IS WAITING
On a Point Reyes Safari, you will be joining professional wildlife photographer Daniel Dietrich on an unforgettable experience seeing and photographing the amazing wildlife and scenic lands of the amazing Point Reyes National Seashore.
The Park holds incredible... Read More
Whale Watching
Between December and May approximately 15,000 California gray whales travel 10,000 miles along the Pacific Coast from cold Arctic feeding grounds to warm, shallow breeding waters off Baja, California. During December and January the pregnant whales are traveling south, carrying... Read More
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