Natural Attractions
Nature Preserves & Interests
Visit Marin and enjoy the Golden Gate Recreation area that includes the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Marin Headlands, and miles upon miles of recreational open space! Enjoy also, Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir Woods National Monument, Mount Tamalpais State Recreation area, Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Olompali State Park , China Camp State Park , Angel Island, and even famous Alcatraz , on the San Francisco Bay!
Encompassing both sides of the Golden Gate Bridge, including thousands of acres of open space, this recreation area presents exceptional recreational and nature observing oppurtunities! On the San Francisco Side, enjoy Chrissy Field, on the Marin side gasp in awe as you stare at the city and the bridge from Marin Headlands! Both sides of the Golden Gate Bridge are very
popular places to take photographs of this famous bridge and the natural landscape it incorporates.
The Marin County side of the Golden Gate is one of the most postcard views one can imagine of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline. Additionally, it is home to rough edged tidal cliffs, open land, quaint towns and farms.
This region is also known as the start of the "Redwood
Empire". Home to the worlds tallest trees, the Giant Redwood- visit Muir Woods, and be inspired, if not amazed.
A national monument, celebrating the beauty of the magnificent Old
Growth Redwoods in honor of John Muir, a man who fought hard to save
some of America’s national treasures, such as Yosemite.
(Redwood Trees themselves
can be as old as 2500 yrs, and the average lifespan is 500 yrs old!)
Grab the Ferry from Tiburon and bring your bike! This island is
recreational, vista paradise! Enjoy numerous Ayala Cove’s sandy beach,
picturesque boats, and a great Café.
Unbelievable views of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, and the bay. Post Card perfect!
Nice trek, looks out towards the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate.
Mt Tamalpais State Recreation Area: Besides numerous hiking trails and
plenty of camping sites, it is the best place to enjoy some Marin
County views.
Marin’s, Non-profit, learning Attractions:
Bay Area Discovery Museum:
An indoor/outdoor family museaum that offers numerous activities for
children 8 & younger that explore hands-on art & science in a
fun, educational style. The views are fantastic of the city and the
Golden Gate Bridge.
Marine Mammal Center:
Located along the beachside of Cronkite / Rodeo Beach in Marin. This
facilities function is to rescue and rehabilitate ocean species for
release into the wild when able, if possible. Examples of ocean animals
rescued along the Pacific Coast of the western U.S. and rehabilitated
at the center include the California Sea Lion, Northern Elephant Seal,
the Pacific Harbor Seal, dolphins, stranded Whales, and Sea Otters.
Richardson Bay Audubon Society:
Mission San Rafael Arcangel: Named after the Angel of Healing, this mission was built as a hospital.
Audobon Canyon Ranch: preserves, protects & manages properties as sanctuaries for native plants and animals.
Bolinas Preserve Lagoon:
A 1,000 acre wildlife preserve that supports a major heronry of Great
Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets. The egrets and herons nesting at Bolinas
Lagoon Preserve are a main attraction of this preserve, but you can
also find black-tail deer, bobcat, badger, gray fox, raccoon, brush
rabbit, meadow mouse, etc. There are also numerous landbirds, reptiles,
and amphibians. The Preserve's frontage along Bolinas Lagoon brings
more than 60 species of water and shore birds into view - from
sandpipers to osprey to pelicans - as well as some of the resident
harbor seals.
Bouverie Preserve:
Amazing display of spring wildflowers at this preserve. It is a 500acre
preserve that is home to a rich and distinct population of plants and
animals. There are over 130 species of birds, 350 species of flowering
plants, and many animals such as the bobcat, grey fox, and coyote.
Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory: http://www.prbo.org/cms/index.php
Wildcare:
A truly urban wildlife rehabilitation center, located near downtown San
Rafael—Marin’s largest city. WildCare’s mission: “to advocate wildlife
for a sustainable world, through nature education, wildlife
rehabilitation and community outreach”.
If find a wild animal that is in need of help, take it at Wildcare!
Visit Wildcare to learn about animals in the area and to visit
those animals that could not be set out in the wild again. Each day at
around 12pm, visit and watch the animals get fed. A great activity with
kids!
