Parks are in Marin's Basic Nature


Marin County is studded with parks just waiting for home owners and their families to enjoy. Several county parks, state parks and national parks offer unique opportunities for both recreation as well as education. The very distinct nature of many of Marin’s parks attracts people from all over the world who come to take in some California history or challenge themselves on hundreds of miles of trails.

National and State Parks Abound
One of the crown jewels in Marin County is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a National Park with five historic landmarks and more than 10 National Register properties. Located in southern Marin County it’s a natural for Marin home owners who enjoy exploring history. That history even goes back to the days when the Coastal Miwok and Ohlone people called Marin home. Archeological sites reveal something of their lifestyle and place in California history.

Golden Gate also features the nation’s most extensive collection of military installations and fortifications that span the years from Spanish settlement to the Cold War. Military architecture from 11 former Army posts distinguish the center of the park as does a restored Nike Missile site and museum.

But, the park also celebrates nature, and many Marin home owners take their families to experience the Marin Headlands with its spectacular views, hidden beaches, unrivaled sunsets and recreational opportunities. From the Headlands it’s easy to access the natural wonders of the Tennessee Valley with its many hiking trails. Marin home owners and their families might glimpse wildlife in the air and on the ground as they roam the Tennessee Valley – home to deer, coyote, many bird species and other animals.

Point Reyes National Seashore also beckons to families who call Marin home. This sweeping 65,000 acre wilderness offers hiking, whale watching, beach combing, boating and much more. Further north is Stinson Beach, famed for its dramatic vistas, windswept beaches and rocky hillsides. There, adventurous Marin residents enjoy hang gliding, surfing and even swimming in the cold waters of the Pacific.

Marin County also has more than its share of popular State Parks. Angel Island State Park is an exciting destination for Marin families. The island offers great views, hikes, educational walks and camping facilities. China Camp State park follows the coastline of the Bay for hiking, biking, picnicking and learning something about the Chinese people called this part of Marin home in the 1880s.

Mt. Tamalpias State Park is a favorite with families owning real estate in Marin County. No two visits to this spectacular 2, 571-foot mountain are ever the same. There are 50 miles of well defined hiking trails, campgrounds, biking tails, and at the top of Mt. Tam, one of the most breathtaking views in California. Mt. Tam is also home to Marin’s famous Dipsea Run - a 7.5 mile footrace that’s been run since 1905.

Olompali State Park has 3 miles of hiking trails and a special chance to learn about Native American history at a reconstructed Miwok Village. Samuel P. Taylor State Park sports 12 miles of hiking trails beneath the comforting shade of redwoods and along a running stream with pools that invite a cool dip.  Tomales Bay State Park offers yet another kind of outdoor experience enhanced by the chance of spotting a variety of wildlife including beavers, deer, and bobcat and, if visitors are very lucky, the rare spotted owl.

Closer to Your Marin Home
County Parks and many community parks adorn Marin County and make it easy for home owners and their families to enjoy nature at any time. The parks offer a variety of sports facilities such as horseshoe pits, tennis courts and swimming pools, and soccer fields. Some local parks are very expansive with hiking trails, beaches and great spots to spend the day fishing.

Families owning real estate in Marin County buy into a philosophy – open space is necessary and essential to the quality of life. A bounty of parks makes it easy to live according to this popular and shared belief.