Marin County is a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors. With 39 county parks, 34 open space preserves, and a handful of state and national parks, there are more than 18,500 acres waiting just north of San Francisco. Here, you can hike, bike, swim, or just watch wildlife—all within easy reach of the city.
Whether you wander beneath the towering redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument or stroll along the beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin’s open spaces show off California’s wild side. Favorites like Mount Tamalpais State Park with its sweeping views, the historic Marin Headlands, and Cascade Canyon’s seasonal waterfalls each have their own vibe, but all add to Marin’s reputation as an outdoor playground.
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Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument protects some of the last old-growth coast redwoods in the Bay Area, just north of San Francisco. President Theodore Roosevelt set it aside in 1908, and thank goodness—these ancient trees are something else.
Walking here, you’ll be dwarfed by the redwoods overhead. The monument has about 6 miles of trails, from quick loops to longer meanders. Whether you’ve got half an hour or all day, there’s a path for you.
All visitors need to reserve parking or a shuttle spot ahead of time. The system helps manage the crowds and keeps the ecosystem from getting trampled. Book early, especially in summer or on weekends—it fills up fast.
The park opens daily at 8:00 AM and closes at sunset. Redwood Creek runs through the grove, feeding the trees and, in some seasons, hosting salmon runs.
Rangers lead programs and interpretive signs dot the trails, so you’ll pick up cool facts along the way. Birdwatchers love it here, too—the forest is alive with song, especially in the morning. The foggy, cool climate is perfect for these giants.
Make sure to stay on the paths to protect the shallow redwood roots. Most main trails are paved and accessible, so just about anyone can enjoy this pocket of ancient forest.
Click to read our guide on Muir Woods National Monument.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore stretches along about 80 miles of wild California coast. This protected spot is packed with beaches and rugged trails, and it feels truly remote—even when it’s busy.
Down south, there’s a wilderness area with over 71,000 acres. More than 70 miles of trails wind through forests, grasslands, and along the cliffs. Whether you’re after a quick hike or a long trek, you’ll find your pace here.
If you want to camp, you’ll need to hike in—no car camping here. The remote sites let you really get away from the crowds and settle into the sounds of the ocean or the wind in the cypress trees.
The Point Reyes National Seashore Association teams up with the National Park Service to keep this place special. They work on everything from trail maintenance to education programs.
Nearby, you’ve got Muir Beach, Muir Woods, and Stinson Beach, plus small towns like Bolinas, Olema, Point Reyes Station, and Inverness. They’re worth a stop for food or a bit of local color.
Point Reyes is ideal for hiking, beachcombing, wildlife watching, or just breathing in the salty air. There’s something about the place that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.
Click to read our guide on Point Reyes National Seashore.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park rises up in Marin County’s center, serving up some of the best views around the Bay. Locals call it “Tam.” From the summit at 2,571 feet, you can look out to the Farallon Islands, the patchwork of hills, and San Francisco Bay itself.
Redwood forests fill the canyons, while hillsides open up to the sun. It’s a favorite for anyone needing a break from the city. Trails crisscross the park, so whether you’re up for a mellow stroll or a tough climb, there’s something here for you.
The Canopy, Lost, and Fern Creek Loop is a standout hike. If you head counter-clockwise, you’ll dip into neighboring Muir Woods. Thanks to the interconnected trails, you can mix and match your route depending on your mood or how much time you have.
On a clear day, the 360-degree views are pretty unbeatable—Bay on one side, Pacific Ocean on the other. It’s no wonder people flock here for sunrise or sunset.
With 639 acres to roam, it rarely feels crowded. You might stumble across hidden corners—quiet redwood groves, or meadows bursting with wildflowers in spring. There’s always something new if you’re willing to wander.
Click to read our guide on Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Marin Headlands
The Marin Headlands sits just across the Golden Gate Bridge and feels like a world away from the city. It’s a wild mix of coastal prairie, strange geology, and fog that rolls in out of nowhere.
Rodeo Lagoon, Gerbode Valley, Hawk Hill, and Tennessee Valley are just a few of the spots worth exploring. The landscape is rugged, but it’s also dotted with reminders of the past.
If history’s your thing, you can poke around Point Bonita Lighthouse, Fort Cronkhite, the Nike Missile Site, or Battery Townsley. The old military ruins are strangely beautiful, and they add a layer of story to the hills and cliffs.
Millions visit the Headlands every year, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. The trails here offer some of the best coastal views around. On a lucky day, you might spot a pod of dolphins offshore or hawks riding the wind overhead during migration.
The Headlands connect to Marin’s broader network of parks and preserves, so you’re never far from another trail or a new view. There’s a ton of ground to cover—just pick a direction and go.
Click to read our guide on Marin Headlands.
China Camp State Park
China Camp State Park hugs the edge of San Pablo Bay. It’s a mashup of salt marsh, oak-studded hills, and a bit of living history—a Chinese American fishing village once thrived here, and you can still see a few old buildings down by the shore.
There’s plenty to do: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and watching for wildlife. On the water, you’ll see folks swimming, launching kayaks, or windsurfing when the breeze picks up.
The park’s name comes from the Chinese shrimp-fishing village that called this spot home in the late 1800s. That chapter of California’s past is still visible here, and it gives the place a unique feel compared to other state parks.
Long before the fishing village, the Miwok people lived here. Some of their descendants remain in the area today.
Panoramic views of the bay draw photographers and anyone who just wants to sit and soak it in. The light can be amazing at dusk or dawn.
A local nonprofit, Friends of China Camp, keeps the park running smoothly. They help keep it open and accessible for everyone.
It’s not the biggest state park, but there’s something about the simplicity here that people really love. The entrance fees are reasonable, and it never tries too hard—it just is.
Click to read our guide on China Camp State Park.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Samuel P. Taylor State Park sprawls over 2,882 acres in Marin, with a mix of redwoods, grassy clearings, and a peaceful creek winding through. It’s tucked into a gorge between Marin’s suburbs and the wilds of Point Reyes.
You’ll find easy-access areas as well as quiet trails if you want to get away from it all. Lagunitas Creek snakes through the trees, making for cool, shady walks—great on a hot day.
For those who like a challenge, the hike up to Barnabe Peak rewards you with big views. If you’re more in the mood for a mellow stroll, there are plenty of options, too.
Camping is available, with spots for both tents and RVs. It’s a solid choice if you want to spend the night under the stars without driving too far from town.
There’s a bit of history here as well. The park’s named after Samuel P. Taylor, and you can still see traces of the past as you wander.
Picnic areas under the redwoods are popular for family gatherings. Since you can drive right in, it’s pretty accessible for most visitors.
Click to read our guide on Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Cascade Canyon Preserve
Cascade Canyon Preserve covers 504 acres—a quiet pocket of wilderness where you can really unplug. Trails snake through the woods, and it’s easy to find a little solitude if that’s what you’re after.
Cascade Falls is the star here—a 20-foot waterfall that puts on its best show in winter and spring, right after the rains. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, it’s worth timing your visit for the wetter months.
Three creeks—San Anselmo, Carey Camp, and Cascade—wind through the canyon. They create a lush habitat for wildlife and add a calming soundtrack to your hike.
There are at least nine good trails listed on AllTrails, so you’ve got options. Just a heads-up: some creek crossings close in winter to protect steelhead trout, and sometimes the water gets too high to cross safely.
The preserve links up with Loma Alta and White Hill Open Space, so if you’re feeling ambitious, you can extend your hike into those areas. There’s always another trail to try, honestly.
Be prepared for creek fords to be impassable after heavy rain. Plan ahead if you’re hoping to catch Cascade Falls at its peak—it’s worth the effort, but timing can be everything.
Click to read our guide on Cascade Canyon Preserve.
McInnis Park
McInnis Park sits at 310 Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael. This multi-use recreational facility has a lot going on for visitors of all ages, and honestly, it’s tough to get bored here.
You’ve got two softball fields, two soccer fields, and an award-winning skatepark that draws skateboarders from all over Marin.
Parking’s a breeze, with several lots scattered around—makes it easy to haul your gear or just show up for a walk.
If you’re into walking, the park’s got flat trails with a few different lengths. The longest loop is about two miles, which is just right for a casual stroll or a light workout—nothing too intense.
There’s also the McInnis Wetlands, tucked away and honestly kind of underrated. It’s peaceful, great for birdwatching, and a nice spot to walk your dog or go for a run if you want some quiet.
Public transit gets you right here, so you don’t need a car. That’s probably why you’ll see both locals and out-of-towners hanging out, especially on weekends.
Click to read our guide on McInnis Park.
Hal Brown Park
Hal Brown Park covers 26 acres in Greenbrae, Marin County. Locals sometimes call it Hal Brown Park at Creekside, and it’s right across from Marin General Hospital. Here’s the official page if you want to check it out.
The park’s got a little something for everyone. Walking paths wind all over—smooth and wheelchair-accessible, so no one’s left out.
Dogs are welcome, but keep them leashed. It’s a good spot for a walk with your pup and a bit of people-watching.
Families seem to love the playgrounds. There’s a section just for preschoolers (ages two to five) with sand, water play, spinning bowls, swings, and even a tricycle track. It gets lively, especially in the afternoons.
Shade structures are scattered around—super useful when the Marin sun’s blazing. It’s easy to lose track of time and spend hours here, honestly.
Thinking of a picnic? You can reserve areas for gatherings, but it’s smart to check the park rules and hours before you go. Nothing worse than showing up with sandwiches and finding out it’s closed.
Getting here’s simple: from Highway 101 in Larkspur, just take the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit. The location’s pretty convenient, so you’ll see folks from all over Marin.
Click to read our guide on Hal Brown Park.
Paradise Beach Park
Paradise Beach Park is a peaceful, 19-acre spot in Tiburon, Marin County. The views are something else—on a clear day, you can see across the Bay to the East Bay, with the Richmond Bridge right there in the distance.
The park’s well-kept, with clean lawn chairs scattered across the grass. You can just plop down and soak up the scenery—sometimes that’s all you need.
Picnic facilities are solid here. There’s a tucked-away area that’s perfect for small get-togethers or family picnics, away from the main crowd.
If you want to reserve a picnic spot, you’ll need to follow Marin County Parks’ reservation policies. The park’s run by the County and is set up for recreational and educational daytime use—so don’t plan on camping overnight.
Paradise Beach Park’s at 3450 Paradise Drive in Tiburon. Got questions? Call (415) 435-9212 or check out the Marin County Parks website for details.
When the weather’s good, the views here really are something special. It’s just one of 39 parks in Marin County’s system, which also includes 34 open space preserves and a whopping 18,500 acres of land.
Click to read our guide on Paradise Beach Park.
Ecological Significance of Marin County’s Parks and Preserves
Marin County’s natural areas are more than just pretty—they’re crucial for supporting all kinds of plants and animals. These protected spaces add a lot to California’s biodiversity and help out with important environmental services, too.
Endemic Flora and Fauna
Plenty of Marin’s parks and preserves have rare plants you won’t see anywhere else. Some of these spots support a wild mix of plant species, including a bunch that are either rare or found only here. This unique vegetation creates special habitats that lots of animals rely on.
Streams in the area shelter endangered Coho salmon, which are a big deal for water quality. You might also spot Pacific wrens, a variety of woodpeckers, and owls—these birds help keep forests healthy by controlling bugs.
Deer, chipmunks, skunks, river otters, and squirrels all share these preserves. There’s a lot going on under the surface, and it’s part of what makes Marin so interesting for conservation and research.
Watershed Protection
These preserves do a lot for local watersheds. They filter water as it moves through soil and plants, cleaning it up before it reaches streams and, eventually, the ocean.
Healthy plants help stop erosion, especially on Marin’s steep hills. When it rains, vegetation slows the water down, letting it soak in instead of rushing off and causing problems.
This all matters for the Coho salmon—they need clean, cool water to survive. By keeping the land around streams natural, Marin County helps these sensitive fish get what they need.
Wildlife Corridors
Marin’s 34 open space preserves aren’t just pretty—they connect to form wildlife corridors so animals can move safely between habitats. These green pathways let animals migrate, find food, and keep their populations healthy.
Without these corridors, animals would get stuck in small patches of land. That’s not good for genetic diversity, and it makes species more vulnerable to disease or changes in the environment.
(Photo Courtesy of ItchyFeet)
If you look closely, you might spot deer trails, animal tracks in mud, or scat—little signs that these spaces are busy wildlife highways.
Keeping these corridors open helps wildlife roll with the punches, especially as the climate shifts and changes.
Visitor Experience and Outdoor Activities
Marin County’s packed with ways to get outside, whether you’re a hardcore hiker or just want a picnic with a view. There are over 18,500 acres to explore in 39 parks and 34 open space preserves—so, yeah, you’ve got options.
Recreational Opportunities
Hiking’s huge here. Mount Tamalpais State Park alone has over 60 miles of trails with views that’ll make you stop and stare. If you’re into mountain biking, China Camp State Park has technical single-track trails, and there’s something for every skill level.
More of a water person? Paddle around Tomales Bay or swim at family-friendly beaches like Heart’s Desire Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. You can fish at places like Stafford Lake Park and Bon Tempe Lake, too.
If you just want to chill, there are picnic areas all over the county parks. Most have BBQs and tables with great views. Some, like McNears Beach, have playgrounds for the kids.
Horseback riding’s an option, too—Ring Mountain and Samuel P. Taylor State Park are local favorites if you want to hit the trails on four legs instead of two.
Guided Nature Programs
Marin County Parks puts on regular guided walks with naturalists who love to talk about local plants, wildlife, and geology. Most of these walks are free, and just about anyone can join in.
The Point Reyes National Seashore Visitor Center runs educational programs all year—tide pool explorations, bird watching trips, you name it. Rangers are usually around to chat about the park’s wild mix of habitats and critters.
If you’ve got kids, a lot of national park sites in Marin offer junior ranger programs. These hands-on activities get kids thinking about conservation while they’re out exploring.
Depending on the season, you might catch special programs focused on things like:
- Monarch butterfly migrations (late fall)
- Whale watching (winter)
- Wildflower blooms (spring)
- Tule elk rutting season (summer)
Some parks even throw stargazing nights when the weather cooperates—honestly, Marin’s dark skies beat the city’s glare any day.
Central Marin County Parks
Discover the natural treasures and community hubs nestled in the heart of Marin County. From the bustling playgrounds of San Rafael to the serene hiking trails of Mill Valley, Central Marin’s parks offer a diverse array of outdoor experiences for residents and visitors alike.
North Marin County Parks
Explore the hidden gems and expansive green spaces of North Marin County, where Novato‘s parks and preserves offer a perfect blend of recreation and natural beauty. From family-friendly neighborhood parks to sprawling open spaces with miles of trails, North Marin invites you to discover its outdoor wonders and community-centered green spaces.
South Marin County Parks
Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and coastal charm of South Marin County’s parks, where natural beauty meets urban accessibility. From the iconic Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the hidden coves of Tiburon and Sausalito, South Marin’s parks offer a diverse array of outdoor experiences, combining breathtaking views, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure.
West Marin County Parks
Discover the untamed beauty and rugged coastlines of West Marin County’s parks, where nature reigns supreme and adventure beckons at every turn. From the windswept beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore to the tranquil redwood groves of Samuel P. Taylor State Park, West Marin’s diverse landscapes offer an unparalleled outdoor experience for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
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