Marin County, California

Marin County, California, has some of the best outdoor activities and attractions in the region. Explore the top trails, must-visit scenic spots in and near the area. Enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and camping. Visit popular attractions like Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Mount Tamalpais State Park. With so much to discover, Marin County is the perfect destination for adventure seekers.

Top Spots in and near Marin County

  • Jenner, California

    Stillwater Cove

    4.0
    It's a short walk down to the beach and there is a nice trail that follows along the creek. Be sure to check the forecast when heading out to Stillwater Cove. If it's sunny a few miles inland, fog may still be on the coast, making it quite a bit cooler. Make sure you pack extra layers just in cas...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty

    5.0
    The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West ...
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Southern Lime Ridge Loop

    4.0
    5.57 mi / 1089 ft gain
    The Southern Lime Ridge Loop is a trail system located near Walnut Creek, CA. There is a parking lot at the trailhead located across the street from the Boundary Oak Golf Course. The trail is fairly exposed with limited shade, so bring appropriate sun protection especially on the warmer days.  D...
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Castle Rock Trail

    5.0
    6.06 mi / 971 ft gain
    Located near Walnut Creek, the trail is easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area. The trail is kept open year-round, and happens to be part of the American Discovery Trail and the Coast to Crest trail. If you are not done hiking, connecting trails allow you to summit Mt. Diablo.  This tra...
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  • San Mateo County, California

    Sawyer Camp Trail

    5.0
    11.61 mi / 1152 ft gain
    The Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake. There are markers every half mile which makes timing and tracking your run eas...
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Run the Mt. Diablo Foothill Loop

    5.0
    6.2 mi / 875 ft gain
    Continue by car down Castle Rock Road until it dead ends at the beginning of the trail. Parking is usually easy to find. If full, there is another overflow lot about 500 ft back the way you came in.You'll walk a good half mile down the trail before getting the main gate. As you're walking, you'll...
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  • Castro Valley, California

    Lake Chabot Regional Park Loop

    4.3
    8.65 mi / 1263 ft gain
    Looking for a fun day on a lake, but don't want to drive too far? We recommend heading out to the East Bay where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. This moderately challenging hike remains scenic throughout the 8.5 mile trek around the lake, and offers many opportunities fo...
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  • Vacaville, California

    Bike the Cantelow Climb

    4.5
    19.68 mi / 1119 ft gain
    Begin your ride from Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville, California. There is a parking lot here if you drive to the start of your ride (the park entrance fee is $3 per vehicle per day). Head out of the parking lot and turn right onto Rivera Road where you'll cross over Hwy 80. The road becomes Cher...
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  • Vacaville, California

    Bike the Lake Berryessa Loop

    55.82 mi / 1007 ft gain
    Begin your ride in Vacaville, California out of Alamo Creek Park (street parking is available and free). Head north on Alamo Drive and veer left onto Foothill Drive, then left (South) onto Pleasants Valley Road. After two miles, veer left onto Cherry Glen Road. Stay to the right when you reach th...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bolete Mushroom Hunting

    Salt Point State Park is a state park in Sonoma County, California, United States. The park covers 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) on the coast of Northern California, with 20 miles (32 km) of hiking trails and over 6 miles (9.7 km) of a rough rocky coast line including Salt Point which protrudes into the...
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  • Jenner, California

    Central Trail

    2.41 mi / 577 ft gain
    Salt Point State Park, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, features rugged, windswept coastline and dramatic forests of cypress, pine and redwoods. The Central Trail is a great way to experience much of the inland portion of the park including a unique highland Prairie where elk graze and are ...
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  • Foster City, California

    Paddle the Foster City Lagoon

    5.0
    The Foster City Lagoon is one of the most calm waters to paddle on.  This is a great spot for beginners to learn how to paddleboard for the first time. The lagoon gets very still and makes it the perfect spot for reflection photos.  On sunny days, there are many kayakers, SUP, small boats, and ev...
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  • San Mateo, California

    Sugarloaf Mountain

    5.0
    1.64 mi / 417 ft gain
    Sugarloaf is tucked away in Laurelwood Park which is located in a residential neighborhood right off of Hwy 92 in San Mateo, making this a great hiking & trail running option for Peninsula residents. I always park on Glendora Dr. and follow the paved path down towards the playground. At the ...
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  • Jenner, California

    Abalone Diving at Salt Point State Park

    5.0
    Jenner is a great spot to head out in calm water with your abalone gear. The dives will be in depths of 10 to 15 ft. of water, with visibility usually in the 5-20 ft. range. Spend a little time doing your homework before entering the water and you'll be able to find easier entry areas.When you he...
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  • Jenner, California

    Camp at Salt Point State Park

    4.7
    Camping at Salt Point Sate Park is a dream. You have your choice of camping by the sea at Gerstle Cove campground, or tucked up into the forest at the Woodside campground…and you can’t go wrong with either choice. The rugged and beautiful coastline here is a popular destination for abalone divin...
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  • Jenner, California

    Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach

    4.0
    3.28 mi / 75 ft gain
    There are numerous points at which you can enter the trail from Highway 1, but on the south end it begins at Gertsle Cove and heads north as the Salt Point Trail heads toward Stump Beach. You can choose to head further north of Stump Beach along the Bluff Trail or south of Gerstle Cove State Mari...
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