Outdoors

Stinson Beach

Take the Dog Along: This three-mile-long sandbar is a popular spot for dog owners, who bring their canines to the northern tip of the sandy stretch known as Dog Beach. After a long day of playing fetch, take the pooch to one of the town’s dog-friendly cafes.

Tennessee Valley to Tennessee Beach
Take a flat hike: Bring the family and have a picnic on the beach. The Tennessee Valley Trail, which is mostly level, begins at the parking area and extends 1.7 miles to Tennessee Beach. For more information contact the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at 415.331.1540.

Bolinas Ridge Trail
Hike to a view: Stunning views of Tomales Bay are your reward for climbing the 700 feet in 2.5 miles. The scene includes the spectacular ocean below, Kent Lake and wooded slopes. Running parallel to Shoreline Highway, the trail starts three miles past the entrance to Samuel P. Taylor Park and ends at Ridgecrest Boulevard on Mount Tamalpais.

Hill 88 Loop
A round-trip hike: This 5.1-mile round trip starts at the Coastal Trail trailhead at the north end of the Rodeo Beach parking lot. You’ll hike up the fairly steep fire road, staying to your right; where the trail intersects with Old Bunker Road, veer to the left and look for the continuation of the trail on the right, in the middle of a small grove of cypress trees. The ascent is steep, with a rocky staircase. Veer right at the top and continue on the paved road to your left.

Just before the summit, go right onto the Wolf Ridge Trail, which continues across the backside of Hill 88, and right again on Miwok Fire Road. Head down to the floor of Gerbode Valley, and keep to the right. Miwok eventually hits Bunker Road. Cross the road, and walk along Rodeo Lagoon back to the parking lot.

Alamere Falls
A destination hike: Get an early start on the hike to this 40-foot waterfall that flows onto the beach. To get to the base of Alamere hike to Wildcat Campground, and then walk about a mile south on the beach at low tide. It’s important to note when low tide is, as hikers can get stuck on the beach during high tide.

Kirby Cove, Marin Headlands
The top camping spot: One of the hardest-to-reserve weekend camping spots, due to the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, private beach and the easy access, the site features simple facilities: grill, fire rings, picnic tables and bathrooms. Kids can explore the abandoned Battery Kirby, a World War II defense structure. But don’t forget the earplugs, as the foghorns can be loud. Only one weekend reservation per group per season is allowed. Visit nps.org or call 800.365.2267.

JCC, San Rafael
Swim laps: The year-round heated aquatic options at this San Rafael center include an eight-lane outdoor pool, a children’s outdoor wading pool, a coed spa and a four-lane indoor pool. 415.444.8000; 200 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael.

St. Hilary’s Open space
Watch the moon rise: Named after the church adjacent to the property. The hilltop provides sweeping views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the East Bay and, of course, the moon. Exit Highway 101 at Tiburon Boulevard, turn left on Lyford Drive, turn right onto Heathcliff and park. Enter the open space path, walk to the top of the hill.

Limantour Beach
A beach to walk on: As you stroll this long stretch of sand between Drakes Bay and an estuary, you’ll likely see seals bobbing offshore, shorebirds feeding in the wetlands in the fall, ducks in winter and whales guiding their calves in the spring.

Heart’s Desire Beach
A beach for swimming: Part of Tomales Bay State Park, this sheltered cove is the perfect choice for families with small children, as the ocean water tends to be warmer and calmer than in other areas.

Bolinas Beach
A beach to surf: Surfers flock to this spot at the southern end of the Point Reyes National Seashore, as it’s generally protected from the fierce winds and huge swells that make other areas tough for beginners.

REI (Corte Madera)
A place to buy gear: Since 2001, the staff here has been helping Marin residents rent camping equipment, choose the right mountain bike and get all the necessary gear for that next trip to the Tahoe slopes. 415.927.1938 213; Corte Madera Town Center

San Francisco Yacht Club
Learn how to sail: The Youth Sailing program at the San Francisco Yacht Club includes learn-to-sail classes, high school racing, all-age activities and private lessons. In spring, summer and fall, young sailors develop their skills in small prams, like the Optimist and JY Trainer or J/24 keelboats, 420s and Lasers. 415.435.9133