01
Closest bayfront pick
McNears Beach Park
East San Rafael Waterfront • Lawn-Backed Bay Beach With Amenities • Best For Picnics And Easy Water Access
A gentle San Pablo Bay beach with a big lawn, pool, and long fishing pier just a short drive from Santa Venetia.
If you want a low-effort beach day without crossing the county, McNears is the go-to move. The calm bay water, shaded picnic tables, tennis courts, and seasonal pool make it especially good for mixed-age groups. Arrive early on warm weekends for closer parking and the best picnic spots along the water.
02
History-rich shoreline
China Camp Beach
China Camp State Park Shoreline • Quiet Cove With Trails And History • Great For Low-Key Exploring
A narrow, peaceful beach below the old China Camp fishing village, with easy walking paths and bay views.
This small cove pairs mellow bayfront sand with one of Marin’s most interesting historic sites. You can wander the preserved shrimping village, browse simple exhibits, then settle in under the trees or stroll the shoreline at low tide. The beach is better for wading and relaxing than full-on swimming, so bring a book, snacks, and walking shoes.
03
Classic ocean getaway
Stinson Beach
Marin Coast Near Mount Tamalpais • Wide Pacific Surf Beach • Best For Full Beach Days
A broad swath of white sand and steady surf backed by a tiny beach town, ideal for all-day ocean outings.
When locals picture a “real” beach day, Stinson is usually what they mean. There’s room to spread out, seasonal lifeguards, and enough surf to keep board riders happy while others play in the shallows or lounge in the dunes. Restaurants and small markets sit a short walk from the sand, but parking fills fast on hot or holiday weekends, so early arrivals are rewarded.
04
Cozy cove escape
Muir Beach
Southern Marin Coast • Small Cove With Rugged Feel • Great For Cool-Weather Walks
A compact, sheltered ocean cove with a creek, short trails, and a tucked-away, locals’ feel.
Muir Beach trades wide-open sand for a more intimate, dramatic setting where cliffs and hills fold around the cove. A short boardwalk leads across wetlands to the beach, and trails climb quickly to viewpoints where you can watch waves and fog roll in. Services are minimal and the road in is winding, so think layers, sturdy shoes, and a thermos rather than flip-flops and beach umbrellas.
05
Dramatic headlands spot
Rodeo Beach
Marin Headlands, South Of Sausalito • Pebbly Ocean Beach With Cliffs • Best For Big Views And Photography
A striking dark-pebble beach framed by cliffs, with a lagoon behind and classic Golden Gate views nearby.
Rodeo Beach is where you go when the scenery matters as much as the sand. The surf is often rough and better suited to experienced ocean swimmers and surfers, but the colorful pebbles, sea stacks, and nearby bunkers and hilltop trails make it a standout for walkers and photographers. It pairs easily with a Marin Headlands drive or a stop at one of the Golden Gate overlooks on your way back toward Santa Venetia.