One of Marin's many unique qualities is the abundance of lush, green open areas available to residents and visitors. In fact, over 40% of all Marin County land is protected by National or State Park status, most of it by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), an arm of the federal government. Your tax dollars paid for it, so this beautiful land, numbering in the thousands of acres is open to the public at no charge. There are also dozens of county and city parks and playgrounds throughout Marin, which are also free to the public. They are also one of the reasons Marin County is known world wide as an area for recreation and a nature lover's paradise.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area (the GGNRA) stretches from the Marin Headlands to Point Reyes Station and includes Marin's most popular beach, Stinson. Stinson Beach is a treasure tucked between the coastal bluffs north of Muir Beach. The town stretches along a sandy spit and up into the hills to the south of Bolinas Lagoon and the beach is on the south end of town, providing white sandy beaches and picnicking sites year-round. Hiking and mountain biking are the main activities and the area offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The terrain can vary from rocky cliffs to forested ridges. Wildlife viewing is another big draw, especially bird and whale watching. Tourist attractions are the Marin Headlands Visitors Center and the Marine Mammal Center. There are six campgrounds, call 415-331-1540 for reservations.

Muir Woods National Monument was named after environmentalist John Muir, this 560-acre park is noted for its abundant groves of coast redwoods. The largest trees in the park top 250 feet and are 14 feet in diameter. There are six miles of hiking trails, and connections can be made to trails in Mount Tamalpais State Park. During the winter, steelhead and coho salmon migrate up Redwood Creek to spawn. Information: 415-388-2595.

Point Reyes National Seashore This 71,000-acre park is located in the western park of Marin and is considered one of the greatest birding spots in the world. More than 45% of the bird species in North America have been sighted here. Point Reyes beaches are also very popular, along with hiking and biking. Of interest is the Bear Valley Visitor Center near Olema. The area is considered to have some of the best camping, especially Wildcat and Coast camps. For camping reservations, call 415-663-8054. Park information: 415-464-5100.

Angel Island State Park (http://www.angelisland.org) is a 15-minute ferry ride from Tiburon takes you to this 740-acre park. There are 12 miles of hiking trails and eight miles for biking. There are also slips and buoys for the many boats that dock here. Rich in military history, there are 120 historical buildings with docent-led tours and tram rides. There are nine campsites (reservations at 800-444-PARK). Park information: 415-435-1915.

Mount Tamalpais State Park (http://www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex)
rises near Mill Valley and known as a hiker’s paradise, this park is one of the county’s biggest at 6,300 acres. It features breath-taking views from the 2,571-foot East peak. The park offers more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, and is famous as the birthplace of mountain biking. There are several camping spots, including Steep Ravine and Alice Eastwood. For reservations and information, call the ranger office at 415-388-2070.

Olompali State Historic Park (http://www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex)
is located just north of Novato on the on the west side of Highway 101, the 700-acre park offers picnic areas, 10 miles of single-track trail for hiking and horseback riding. There are re-created Coast Miwok dwellings, remains of the historic Burdell mansion and Chief Camilo Ynitia’s adobe house. Park information: 415-892-3383.

Samuel P. Taylor State Park   (http://www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex)
is 2,882-acre park is located 15 miles west of Highway 101 on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. It is renowned for its family and group camping: 61 family sites, two group sites, and one equestrian site (reservations at 800-444-PARK). There are 25 miles of biking trails and 35 miles of hiking trails. Park information: 415-488-9897.

Tomales Bay State Park (http://www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex)
is a neighbor of the Point Reyes National Seashore, this 2,000-acre park in Inverness features one of the best-protected sandy beaches in Marin. The beach area is perfect for kayaking and swimming. Other activities include hiking, biking, picnics, sunbathing, and wildlife viewing. There is no car camping, but six camping spots are available for bikers or hikers on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Park information: 415-669-1140.

Marin is, quite simply, Pet Heaven for many creatures, tame or otherwise. You've already seen the many parks above, along with the hundreds of trails and Open Space preserves on my Hiking and Biking page on this site. These are just some of the attractions that make Marin County a very pet-friendly environment. But where do you go for pet supplies? Where is a good pet motel in case you need to get away without your pet? There are a number of each of these, but I've only included a few of the main ones here, much as there are many good Veterinarians, but I've elected to keep those out for lack of space. The best way to find a good Vet' is to ask around to other pet owners. For further information, you can always consult the Marin yellow pages.