Tucked away in Greenbrae, Hal Brown Park covers about 26 acres and invites visitors of all ages to get outside. You’ll find well-kept walking paths, a playground, and plenty of natural beauty—honestly, Marin County’s got a knack for making public spaces feel welcoming.
Families gravitate toward the playground, especially with its 17-foot climbing net, creek-inspired sand and water play, and a slide that’s mercifully shaded from the afternoon sun. Kids can spend hours here, and there’s even a section just for toddlers (ages two to five), so the little ones aren’t left out.
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Dog walkers, hikers, and folks with mobility challenges all seem to find their groove at this park. The accessible paths mean almost anyone can enjoy the scenery. As spring 2025 rolls around and the weather perks up, you might want to bump Hal Brown Park up your Marin County must-visit list.
Exploring Hal Brown Park: Location, Features, and Attractions
Hal Brown Park sits in Greenbrae and gives you roughly 27 acres to roam, blending recreation with natural spots right along Corte Madera Creek.
Park Overview and History
You’ll find Hal Brown Park at 250 Bon Air Road, Greenbrae, just a quick hop from Highway 101. It covers about 26-27 acres and draws both locals and out-of-towners looking for a place to stretch their legs or just hang out.
Named for Harold “Hal” Brown, a Marin County figure who left his mark, the park aims to be inclusive. Wheelchair accessibility is a real focus here, not just a box checked on a list.
People usually show up on weekend mornings or weekday afternoons, especially when the weather’s playing nice. Spring and fall? That’s when it’s especially comfortable.
The park got a solid facelift in 2012, and you can tell—it feels modern but not overdone.
Recreational Facilities and Activities
The playgrounds are a big draw. There are two, so families with kids of different ages don’t have to compromise.
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For the youngest visitors (ages 2-5), you get:
- Sand and water play
- Spinning bowls
- Swings
- Tricycle track
- Shaded play spots
Older kids go straight for:
- That 17-foot climbing net
- A climbing wall
- Creek-style sand and water play
- The covered turbo slide
But it’s not just about the playground. There are:
- Dog-friendly walking paths (just keep your pup leashed)
- Hiking trails
- Picnic tables and grassy areas
- Wheelchair-friendly routes
So whether you’re wrangling kids, walking the dog, or sneaking in a solo stroll, there’s something to do.
Natural Environment and Wildlife
With Corte Madera Creek running alongside, the park’s a bit of a haven for local wildlife. Bird watchers often spot a good variety, and the vegetation along the creek makes it feel tucked away, almost secret.
Walking paths snake through the park, offering nice views of Mount Tamalpais and the calm water. If you’re into photography, morning and evening light can be pretty magical.
School groups sometimes use the park as an outdoor classroom to learn about ecosystems and conservation. That educational vibe is always in the background.
Native plants fill the landscape, giving pollinators a boost and keeping things interesting as the seasons change. The design strikes a good balance between play space and habitat.
If you’re curious about wildlife, bring binoculars—you might catch more than just birds if you’re patient.
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Travel Planning and Visitor Information
A little planning goes a long way at Hal Brown Park. It’s easy to get to, open all year, and genuinely feels welcoming to everyone.
Getting to Hal Brown Park
You’ll find the park in Greenbrae, Marin County, California. By car, take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard—there’s a free parking lot, but it fills up fast on weekends. Early birds get the best spots.
Public transit’s an option too. Marin Transit buses stop nearby, and if you’re coming from San Francisco, the Golden Gate Transit bus to Kentfield puts you within a 10-minute walk of the entrance.
Cyclists can hop onto the Corte Madera Creek Path and lock up at the bike racks near the playground.
If you’re using Uber or Lyft, just set your destination as “Hal Brown Park at Creekside, Greenbrae.”
Best Times to Visit
The park’s open sunrise to sunset, all year. Spring (March-May) brings wildflowers and those perfect 65-75°F days—great for playing or walking.
Summer (June-August) gets warm, and while you might see some morning fog, it usually lifts by noon. Fall (September-October) means clear skies and mild temps.
Winter (November-February) can be wet, but when the clouds break, the views of Mount Tamalpais are honestly stunning. If you want to avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or pop by during a light drizzle—there’s a peaceful vibe when it’s quiet.
The playground’s busiest after school (3-5pm) and weekend afternoons. For a mellow experience, stick to the less obvious times.
Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Hal Brown Park covers 27 acres and has paved pathways that make it easy for everyone to get around, including folks using wheelchairs or pushing strollers. The main loop trail? It’s flat and smooth—no tricky bumps or steep bits to worry about.
Park Amenities:
- Restrooms (they’re usually pretty clean) close to the playground and parking lot
- Water fountains, even ones at a height that’s easier for wheelchair users
- Picnic areas with tables—some have covers, which is nice on hot days
- Benches scattered along the paths when you just need to sit for a minute
- Dog-friendly zones (but yeah, leashes are a must)
The playground’s got equipment meant for all kids, not just some—think accessible swings and play structures. There’s even a spot just for the littler ones (ages 2-5) with sand and water features, which honestly sounds pretty fun.
There’s no entrance fee, so you can just show up and enjoy. Feel free to pack your own snacks and drinks, but leave the barbecues and booze at home. If you get hungry for something else, Bon Air Shopping Center is right nearby—an easy walk from the park.
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