Parks in Central Marin County

Central Marin County is home to a diverse array of parks and preserves, offering visitors a wide range of outdoor experiences. Mount Tamalpais State Park, often referred to as the crown jewel of the region, provides breathtaking views of the Bay Area and numerous hiking trails. The park’s diverse ecosystems and extensive trail network make it a favorite among hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts. For those seeking a unique natural experience, Muir Woods National Monument offers visitors the chance to walk among ancient coastal redwoods in a serene forest setting.

Central Marin also features a variety of smaller preserves and parks that cater to different interests. China Camp State Park, located on the shore of San Pablo Bay, combines natural beauty with cultural history, offering hiking trails, mountain biking opportunities, and a historic Chinese fishing village. For families and recreational enthusiasts, parks like McInnis Park and McNears Beach Park provide facilities for various activities, including picnicking, sports, and water recreation. The region’s numerous preserves, such as Baltimore Canyon, Ring Mountain, and Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow, offer opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation in diverse habitats ranging from oak woodlands to grasslands. Whether you’re looking for challenging hikes, family-friendly outings, or peaceful nature walks, Central Marin County’s parks and preserves offer something for everyone, showcasing the area’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

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Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

Marin County 2025 Deals!
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:

Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

Adrian Rosal Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Adrian Rosal Park is a small green space in San Rafael, California. It's a hidden gem tucked away in a residential area. The park offers a peaceful spot for locals ...

Alto Bowl Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Alto Bowl Preserve is a hidden gem in Mill Valley, California. This peaceful open space offers a chance to escape the busy city life. You can enjoy nature walks and ...

Bald Hill Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Bald Hill Preserve is a small but mighty natural gem in Marin County, California. This 107-acre preserve offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature just minutes from ...

Baltimore Canyon Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Baltimore Canyon Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 193-acre park offers a peaceful escape from the busy Bay Area. You'll find lush forests, winding trails, and ...

Bayside Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Bayside Park in Marin County, California offers a peaceful retreat by the water. This small park sits along Point San Pedro Road in San Rafael, providing a scenic spot to ...

Blithedale Summit Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Blithedale Summit Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 639-acre park offers stunning views and diverse landscapes for nature lovers and hikers alike. You can explore miles ...

Bothin Marsh Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Bothin Marsh Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 106-acre wetland offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. You'll find it nestled along the ...

Buck’s Landing Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Buck's Landing is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 33-acre park sits along the shores of San Pablo Bay, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the bustle of ...

Camino Alto Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Camino Alto Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 170-acre park offers a mix of landscapes for you to explore. You can hike through grasslands, oak woodlands, ...

Candy’s Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Looking for a peaceful spot to unwind in Marin County? Candy's Park might be just what you need. This hidden gem is tucked away in Santa Venetia, a charming neighborhood ...

Cascade Canyon Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Cascade Canyon Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 504-acre natural area offers a perfect escape from the hustle of everyday life. You'll find lush forests, bubbling ...

Charles F. McGlashan Pathway Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

The Charles F. McGlashan Pathway is a scenic trail in Marin County, California. It offers you a chance to enjoy nature and exercise close to the city. The pathway connects ...

China Camp State Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

China Camp State Park sits on the shores of San Pablo Bay in Marin County, California. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history. You ...

Corte Madera Pathway Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

The Corte Madera Pathway offers a scenic route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists in Marin County, California. This multi-use trail follows Corte Madera Creek, providing easy access to nature and ...

Hal Brown Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Hal Brown Park is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. You'll find expansive lawns, well-designed playgrounds, and ...

Horse Hill Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Horse Hill Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This beautiful open space offers a unique blend of nature and history. You can find it tucked away in ...

King Mountain Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

King Mountain Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 108-acre natural area sits above Larkspur, offering stunning views and peaceful trails. You can explore the King Mountain ...

Lagoon Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Lagoon Park in Marin County, California is a small but lovely green space nestled in the heart of San Rafael. This 10-acre park offers a peaceful retreat for locals and ...

Loma Alta Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Loma Alta Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This park offers some of the best views in the area. From its peak, you can see for miles ...

Lucas Valley Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Lucas Valley Park is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This small park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You'll find it tucked ...

Lucas Valley Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Lucas Valley Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 1,271-acre preserve offers stunning views and outdoor adventures for nature lovers. You can hike and bike through rolling ...

McInnis Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

McInnis Park is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 450-acre park offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Located in San Rafael, it's easily ...

McInnis Skatepark Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

McInnis Skatepark is a top spot for skaters in Marin County, California. The park has 25,000 square feet of skate and scoot features for all skill levels. You can bring ...

McNears Beach Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

McNears Beach Park is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 55-acre park sits along the shore of San Pablo Bay, offering a mix of natural beauty and recreational ...

Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

The Mill Valley/Sausalito Pathway is a scenic trail that connects two charming cities in Marin County, California. This popular route offers a beautiful way to explore the area's natural beauty ...

Mount Tamalpais State Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Mount Tamalpais State Park is a natural gem in Marin County, California. Located just north of San Francisco, this park offers a stunning escape from city life. You can explore ...

Muir Woods National Monument Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Muir Woods National Monument is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This special place is just 12 miles north of San Francisco. It's home to towering old-growth coastal redwood ...

Pueblo Park Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Pueblo Park is a small green space in San Rafael, California. It sits at the corner of Descanso Way and Hacienda Way. The park offers a peaceful spot for locals ...

Ring Mountain Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Ring Mountain Preserve sits atop the Tiburon Peninsula in Marin County, California. This unique open space offers visitors a chance to explore rare plant life and stunning Bay Area views ...

San Pedro Mountain Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

San Pedro Mountain Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This beautiful natural area offers a peaceful escape from the busy world around it. You can find it ...

Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 33-acre natural area offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of everyday life. You can enjoy a ...

Tennessee Valley Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Tennessee Valley in Marin County offers a perfect escape for nature lovers. This hidden gem is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. You'll find stunning views and diverse ...

Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 1,172-acre park sits above Santa Margarita Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. You can enjoy ...

White Hill Preserve Travel Guide – Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and More!

White Hill Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 390-acre park offers stunning views and diverse hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy sweeping vistas of ...

Joe Hawtin is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.