Thinking about a day trip in Marin County? McNears Beach Park sprawls across 55 acres of bayfront, just a quick drive from San Rafael. This spot mixes swimming, picnicking, and knockout San Pablo Bay views all in one place.
The park sits tucked in a sheltered cove, which makes it a favorite for families and anyone who loves the outdoors. You can wade into the bay or cool off in the seasonal swimming pool when it’s hot. There’s plenty of shade for your picnic blanket, plus fishing spots and tennis courts if you’re feeling active.
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Locals say the views here are just magical—especially at sunset. The park’s right off San Pedro Road, so it’s easy to get to but still feels peaceful. You’ll forget how close you are to San Rafael. Spend a few hours here and you’ll see why so many people call it Marin’s best park.
Discovering McNears Beach Park
McNears Beach Park feels like a quiet retreat on San Pablo Bay. You get swimming, fishing, and gorgeous scenery, all in one county park. At 55 acres, it draws both locals and out-of-towners who want outdoor recreation in Marin County.
Location and Getting There
You’ll find McNears Beach Park hugging the San Pablo Bay shoreline in San Rafael. It’s just off South San Pedro Road, so you can drive there easily from pretty much anywhere in the Bay Area.
There’s on-site parking, but it fills up fast on summer weekends and holidays. If you’re visiting between June and September, when the pool’s open, you might want to show up early to snag a spot.
Public transit isn’t great here, honestly, so driving’s your best option. From San Francisco, you’re looking at about a 20-mile trip—totally doable for a day out.
Park Facilities and Amenities
The park’s got plenty to keep you busy. There’s a seasonal swimming pool that’s great when the bay water’s too chilly. Admission isn’t bad, and they’ve got lifeguards on duty.
You can fish from the pier without worrying about a license, which is perfect if you’re just trying it out or bringing kids along.
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Other stuff you’ll find:
- Tennis courts
- Picnic areas with BBQ grills
- Playground for the kids
- Clean restrooms
- Walking paths
There’s a small entrance fee for cars, and it goes up a bit on weekends and holidays. Food’s pretty limited, so if you want a real picnic, bring your own snacks and drinks.
Scenic Views and Wildlife
Photographers love McNears Beach Park for its sweeping bay views. From the shore, you can look out toward the East Bay hills. If you’re into sunrise or sunset photography, the light here can be unreal.
Bird watchers, bring your binoculars. You’ll probably spot:
- Sandpipers
- Herons
- Egrets
- Gulls
When the tide’s out, little tide pools pop up along the shore, and you might catch a glimpse of tiny marine life. The bay’s water quality changes with the seasons—summer’s usually better for swimming.
The walking trails along the water don’t have much elevation, so you can stroll and take in the views without breaking a sweat.
Outdoor Activities and Nearby Attractions
There’s a lot to do outdoors at McNears Beach Park, all with those classic San Francisco Bay views. The park’s also a good jumping-off point for other Marin County adventures.
Swimming, Kayaking, and Boating
The swimming pool’s a big draw for families in summer, especially since the bay itself stays cold. There are shallow spots for the little ones and deeper areas if you want to swim laps.
If you’d rather get your feet wet in the bay, the beach is gentle enough for wading and splashing around, though honestly, the water’s brisk year-round.
Kayaking’s popular here too. The water near shore is calm, so it’s great if you’re new to paddling. Bring your own kayak or rent one in San Rafael—there are a few vendors nearby. It’s a chill spot to paddle and take in the scenery.
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Boaters like the park’s spot on San Pablo Bay, but you won’t find a boat launch right at McNears. If you’ve got a bigger boat, check out nearby launches. Exploring the bay’s coves from here is pretty rewarding.
Hiking and Easy Strolls
You’ll find a few easy walking paths in the park, all with nice bay views. There’s a paved path along the water that’s good for strolling, and it works for wheelchairs or strollers, too.
If you want a little more of a workout, try the trail that heads uphill—you’ll get even better views of the bay and the hills beyond. None of these trails are super long, but they’re worth it for the scenery.
China Camp State Park is close by and has more trails, from easy flats to moderate hills. The Shoreline Trail there is a favorite for bay views, and the Back Ranch Meadows area is quieter, winding through oak trees.
If you’re up for a bigger adventure, Point Reyes National Seashore is about a 30-40 minute drive. The trails there range from coastal paths to forest hikes, and you might spot tule elk or, if you’re lucky, whales offshore during migration.
Fishing and Bird Watching
The fishing pier draws anglers all year. Depending on the season, you might catch striped bass, sturgeon, or halibut. You’ll need a California fishing license—grab one online before you go.
Locals say incoming tides are best for fishing, and anchovies or mud shrimp make good bait. The pier gives you easy access, no boat required.
Bird watching’s fantastic along the shore. Bring binoculars if you have them—you’ll see great blue herons, snowy egrets, and lots of other shorebirds poking around the shallows. During migration, even more species pass through.
If you’re serious about birding, check out Corte Madera Creek and Lagunitas Creek nearby. The wetlands there attract all sorts of water birds and are worth the short drive from McNears Beach.
Exploring Surrounding Points of Interest
Sausalito and Tiburon, just 15-20 minutes from McNears Beach, feel like classic waterfront towns—lots of little shops, good food, and a laid-back vibe. If you want to pop over to San Francisco, you can catch a ferry from either spot. Makes for a surprisingly easy day trip, honestly.
Muir Woods National Monument sits about 25 minutes away, tucked into its own quiet pocket. Those ancient coastal redwoods really have a way of making you feel tiny in the best way. You’ll need to reserve ahead for parking or the shuttle—kind of a hassle, but worth it.
Wine lovers can reach Sonoma County in half an hour, give or take. It’s packed with wineries, but the smaller, family-run spots often feel friendlier (and honestly, less touristy) than the big names over in Napa.
The Golden Gate Bridge is only about 25 minutes south. There are some great viewpoints along the drive if you’re into that sort of thing. And if you’re craving wild Pacific views, Stinson Beach and Rodeo Beach both deliver—expect a 35- to 40-minute drive from McNears Beach Park for those. The ocean out there? Pretty unforgettable, if you ask me.
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