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
Next: Camping »