This article originally appeared on marinmagazine.com.
There are few things Marinites love more than the combination of the great outdoors and amazing local food, so why not plan a picnic at one of our stunning local beaches? Here are our recommendations for where to picnic on the coast, and where to pick up provisions.
Feature photo courtesy of L Stock Studio/Adobe Stock.
China Camp Beach
This former Chinese-American shrimp fishing village is now not only an interesting historic site but a lovely place to picnic. Conveniently located not far outside San Rafael in China Camp State Park, the beach also has the advantage of being sheltered from the wind, and on warm days, San Pablo Bay makes for an ideal swimming hole.
Amenities: Picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire pits, restrooms, water fountains, snack bar
Parking: $5
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Ayala Cove
Angel Island State Park makes up the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, offering views, hiking trails and more. A former Miwok Indian hunting ground, quarantine site and immigration station, it has a storied history to match. The main picnic area at Ayala Cove is a short walk from the ferry dock, and tables can be reserved ahead of time. There’s also places to picnic at both the immigration station and at Fort Reynolds. For supplies, the Cove Cafe hosts a barbecued oyster bar and outdoor cantina.
Amenities: Picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire pits, restrooms, water fountains, snack bar
Parking: Available at ferry/boat access points in downtown Tiburon
Dogs: No
Muir Beach
Angel Island State Park makes up the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, offering views, hiking trails and more. A former Miwok Indian hunting ground, quarantine site and immigration station, it has a storied history to match. The main picnic area at Ayala Cove is a short walk from the ferry dock, and tables can be reserved ahead of time. There’s also places to picnic at both the immigration station and at Fort Reynolds. For supplies, the Cove Cafe hosts a barbecued oyster bar and outdoor cantina.
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms
Parking: Free lot
Dogs: Yes
Paradise Beach Park
The perfect mix of spacious lawns and calm waters, Paradise Beach Park is conveniently close to Tiburon and rarely crowded. There are big grassy areas to spread out blankets or a substantial picnic and barbecue area right along the beach with a view of the pier and San Pablo Bay. While there’s nowhere to get food out here, a stop by Rustic Bakery in Tiburon on the way there will have you covered.
Amenities: Picnic tables, barbecue pits, restrooms, water fountainsÂ
Parking: $5
Dogs: No
Stinson Beach
Boasting both a beautiful swathe of sand and the charming town on its shores, Stinson Beach offers a perfect combination of nature and facilities for picnicking. Take in the views of the distant city and Bolinas by spreading your blanket out on the beach, or occupy one of the many picnic tables and barbecue areas for your feast. Pick up some tasty treats at Parkside Snack Bar, Parkside Cafe or Breakers Cafe right along the beach.
Amenities: Picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, water fountains, outdoor showersÂ
Parking: Free
Dogs: Yes
Heart's Desire Beach
This quiet stretch of white sand with a sheltered shoreline offers a great spot to enjoy the beauty of Tomales Bay State Park in West Marin. It has a grassy area to spread out on and picnic tables as well, and if you feel inspired after a big lunch, head out on the hiking trails to Indian Beach, Pebble Beach and Shell Beach. It’s a popular beach for families with small children. Load up with picnic fare at Inverness Park Market, or get some oysters from Tomales Bay Oyster Farm.
Amenities: Picnic tables, barbecue pits, restrooms, water fountains, outdoor showersÂ
Parking: $8, limited parking
Dogs: No
Rodeo Beach
Situated in the Marin Headlands, guarded by the former forts Barry and Cronkhite, which now serves as National Park Service facilities, this dark pebble beach is a popular spot for surfing, sunbathing and more — and the striking setting for our cover image this month! The beach is mostly sheltered by cliffs, so it makes a good spot for picnicking; the picnic areas are located adjacent to the parking area overlooking the beach and alongside Rodeo Lagoon. There’s nowhere to eat around here, but you can’t go wrong when you pick up provisions at Driver’s Market & Deli in Sausalito.
Amenities: Picnic tables, barbecue pits, restrooms, water fountains, outdoor showers
Parking: Free
Dogs: Yes
Limantour Beach
Well-known for wildlife spotting, you might see birds, harbor seals or even gray whales on this sandy stretch situated between Drakes Bay and an estuary on the Point Reyes National Seashore. Waves are calmer here with the south-facing location and shelter of the Point Reyes Peninsula. Head to the Due West Market in Olema beforehand for gourmet supplies.
