San Anselmo, California

San Anselmo, California, offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Sorich Ranch Park trail is a top choice for hikers, with its scenic views of rolling hills and diverse wildlife. The trail isn't too challenging, making it suitable for most fitness levels. For a more challenging hike, the Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve offers steep inclines, rushing waterfalls, and towering redwoods. The San Anselmo Creek runs through both parks, offering opportunities for fishing and bird-watching. The Robson-Harrington Park is another must-visit, with its beautifully maintained gardens, historic buildings, and picnic areas. For outdoor adventures, try mountain biking in the Mount Tamalpais Watershed or paddleboarding on the Corte Madera Creek. These activities and attractions make San Anselmo a top destination for outdoor fun.

Top Spots in and near San Anselmo

  • Muir Beach, California

    Muir Beach Overlook

    4.9
    The Muir Beach Overlook is one of the most convenient spots to take in an amazing view of the entire coastline, and one of the best places to catch a dramatic sunset. It’s conveniently located one mile north of Muir Beach and parking is easy. It’s a 5 minute walk down the trail to the Overlook. O...
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  • Muir Beach, California

    Owl Trail

    5.0
    2.06 mi / 390 ft gain
    The Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast.  The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail

    5.0
    10.12 mi / 2021 ft gain
    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sausalito, California.
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  • Muir Beach, California

    Bonfire at Muir Beach

    5.0
    Take in a scenic sunset and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! Muir Beach changes the number of fire pits it has seasonally. May through November, the beach offers 6 fire pits, and in the colder months (December through April), there are 3 fire pits on the beach toward the south end of t...
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  • Muir Beach, California

    Pirate's Cove

    5.0
    3.43 mi / 856 ft gain
    The Pirate's Cove Trail offers an enchanting 1.7-mile (one-way) coastal hike to a secluded beach cove near Muir Beach, California. This moderately challenging trail rewards hikers with stunning Pacific Ocean views, diverse coastal vegetation, and access to one of Marin County's most picturesque...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Coyote Ridge Loop

    5.0
    6.15 mi / 1001 ft gain
    Starting just before the Tennessee Valley parking lot, head out from the Miwok Trailhead. This Mill Valley hike offers incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean (fog permitting of course!), and on occasion, wildlife. Unfortunately, this trail is not dog-friendly.  Keep in mind...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Tennessee Beach via Tennessee Valley Trail

    4.7
    3.64 mi / 266 ft gain
    The Tennessee Valley trail is leisurely 3.6 mile roundtrip hike that turns around at Tennessee Valley Cove. Along the way, you’ll hike past shrublands, wetlands, and a lake before you get to a cool little secluded beach that many people picnic at. This is probably the easiest to access, and most...
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  • Richmond, California

    Point Molate Beach Park

    The beach park is very small but has sand along the shore for water access. Along the small cliffs of the beach there are picnic tables and grills for a nice cookout and family picnic. This beach would also be a great place for kayaking or standup paddle boarding as it is fairly secluded and away...
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  • Lagunitas, California

    The Inkwells

    4.5
    These natural swimming holes are filled with water flowing from Kent Lake, so they're usually pretty refreshing. And by refreshing, we mean cold. We know this first-hand by testing the pools in the winter months. Let's just say if you can stay in for more than 5 seconds, you're a hero. If you jum...
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  • Lagunitas, California

    Redwoods Camping at Samuel P Taylor

    These West Marin campsites are often overlooked. It does get busy during the summer, but take the rest of the year to explore this state park. The main campground boasts more than 50 campsites with restrooms, hot pay showers, and piped drinking water. A few spaces can accommodate trailers, but t...
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  • Lagunitas, California

    Bolinas Ridge Loop

    10.27 mi / 1568 ft gain
    Nestled in the Samuel P. Taylor State Park this ten miler was a perfect escape from the chaos of the city. Hikers are able to pay a $10.00 park entry fee that includes plenty of parking spaces and restrooms before you hit the trail. The hike starts along the Cross Marin Trail, a path popular to ...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Swedes Beach

    This is a small tucked away beach in Sausalito, CA.  Being in the bay, it has very calm waters and is easy to swim in, though the water will be very cold.  There are pilings in the water that are remnants of the old piers.  It is a great beach to watch the sunset at. There is very limited street...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Rodeo Beach

    5.0
    Rodeo beach is 10 minute drive past the Golden Gate. Pack up the car with a couple beverages and something to eat, then spend the afternoon and evening taking in the sunset. If you're taking the romantic angle, remember to pack a few blankets just in case the wind picks up or it's colder than ant...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Hill 88 Loop

    4.0
    5.5 mi / 1086 ft gain
    This quick, yet challenging trail run is located just minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Grab your dog (on-leash), park in the large lot next to Rodeo Beach and hit the trail! The climb starts up the Coastal Trail to the right end of the parking lot if you're staring at the beach. Take the...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Coastal Trail Loop

    2.57 mi / 420 ft gain
    Coastal Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sausalito, California.
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  • Novato, California

    North Levee Trail

    5.0
    3.78 mi / 157 ft gain
    North Levee Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Novato, California.
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