Sitting directly at the edge of the bay, it is hard when you are in Sausalito on a nice day not to think of heading out to the beach to enjoy the sunshine and ocean (or bay) breeze on the sand. Luckily, many of the North Bay Area’s most visited beaches are located within easy reach of Sausalito and can be accessed quickly for an afternoon of summer fun or a stroll or run along the water throughout the year!
The next time you are thinking of heading out to the beach from anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, take a look at the North Bay Area’s well kept (and often less crowded) beaches as an alternative to Santa Cruz and other more heavily trafficked beach towns.
Stinson Beach – One of the most famous and iconic beaches in Northern California, scenic Stinson Beach is not to be missed. With several miles of beach laid out in a stunning crescent leading out to Bolinas, this is one of the most picturesque and memorable places in the Bay Area to spend the afternoon. Picnic areas, shower and restroom facilities and more are available on the premises, and the town of Stinson Beach maintains many restaurants and shops to entertain and keep you satisfied during your outing.
Agate Beach Park – Often overshadowed by neighboring Stinson Beach, Agate Beach Park offers almost 2 full miles of open beachfront area during low tides. Also during the exceptionally low tides, Agate Beach Park is a great place to explore tide pools and see the local sea life in action! Maintained by the Marin County Parks Department, this is another great alternative to the more heavily trafficked beaches if you would like a more personal and remote feeling.
McNears Beach Park – A combination city park and beach area fronting the San Pablo Bay, McNears Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine and water, have a picnic with the family, get exercise, and more. With restrooms, tennis courts, a swimming pool open in the summer months, and more it’s no wonder that this is one of the most favorite and frequented parks in the area.
Muir Beach – Located near one of the most famous and memorable groves of coastal redwoods in the world. Muir Beach provides the ideal place for a tranquil picnic lunch or afternoon of lounging by the water’s edge. Take a hike through the giant trees and then head out to the beach, or simply make this your destination and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Paradise Beach Park – Another bayside beach that North Bay residents know, love, and use constantly, Paradise Beach Park offers up some of the most picturesque picnic sites, horseshoe courts, and more for an afternoon of family fun. Complete with a fishing pier of its own, this Marin open Space Park is also a favorite spot for boaters to pull in for a rest and a bite to eat.
Beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore – One of the more well known (but often less trafficked) open areas in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Point Reyes National Seashore has miles of beaches and oceanfront land open to the public. Many of the beaches are slightly less accessible than some of those noted above by car, but the payoff can be miles and miles of coastline to yourself. Limantour Beach, Wildcat Beach, Kelham Beach, Drakes Beach, and more are all accessible. Contact the Bear Valley Visitors Center for more information about Point Reyes Beaches.
Beaches near Sausalito, CA:
Stinson Beach
http://www.nps.gov/goga/stbe.htm
Agate Beach Park
Marin County Parks
http://www.maringov.org/depts/pk/divisions/parks/agate%20beach.aspx
McNears Beach Park
Marin County Parks and Open Space
201 Cantera Way
San Rafael, CA 94901
http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PK/ParkRes/Park.aspx?ParkId=8
Muir Beach
Highway 1
Mill Valley, CA 94965
(415)388-2596
http://parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/muir-beach.html
Paradise Beach Park
3450 Paradise Dr.
Tiburon, CA 94920
http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PK/ParkRes/Park.aspx?ParkId=10
Beaches in Point Reyes
National Park Service
Bear Valley Visitors Center
Bear Valley Rd.
Olema, CA 94950
(415)464-5100
http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/beaches.htm |
