By Whitney Butler

 

Marin County is home to a bounty of ecological treasures—oak-bay woodlands, savannas, grasslands, salt marshes, and coastline.

For outdoor enthusiasts who also have pets, Marin offers plenty of recreational room to run. Whether enjoying a day trip or planning a pet-friendly vacation, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun for the furry members of your family.

 

Point Reyes National Seashore

The Point Reyes region spans an impressive 80,000 acres. Visitors to this area will love the boutique accommodations, fresh seafood and plenty of pet-friendly adventures outdoors.

Although pets are prohibited in most areas of national parks, pets on leash are welcome to explore the following ocean-facing beaches along the Point Reyes National Seashore: Kehoe Beach, Limantour Beach and Point Reyes/Great Beach. Enjoy a picnic with your pet at one of many seashore picnic areas before hitting the beach.

In addition, pets are welcome in the parking lot of the Bear Valley Visitor Center, where you can pick up a map to locate these pet-friendly locations, or ask questions about your visit.

 

Mt. Tamalpais State Park

On a clear day from atop Mt. Tamalpais, visitors can experience panoramic views of San Francisco, the East Bay Area and Mt. Diablo. There are more than 50 miles of winding trails throughout the redwood groves and oak woodlands, as well as comfortable campgrounds to enjoy with your pets.

Dogs are welcome on the Pantoll Campground and on Alice Eastwood Road. While pets are not permitted on Mt. Tamalpais hiking trails, they are permitted in the Marin Municipal Water District’s Mt. Tamalpais Watershed area nearby. You and your pet can explore and enjoy the beauty of this area, a wilderness of great biodiversity with recreational trails and fishing.

 

Lagoon Park in San Rafael

San Rafael is the oldest, largest, and most eclectic city in Marin and a great place to explore the county’s urban and cultural scenery. With expansive views of the Marin County Civic Center, by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Lagoon Park offers 10 acres of shady grass patches and winding walking paths surrounding a man-made lagoon.

It’s the ideal place for a quick picnic in the city with your furry friends. There are adjacent playgrounds for small children, as well as fishing and model boating in the lagoon. Enjoy nature with your pet a bit closer to town at this family-friendly park on your next visit.

 

China Camp State Park

This beautiful state park was a Chinese shrimp fishing village in the 1880s. Today, China Camp State Park supports a variety of wildlife including deer, fox, and coyote, as well as delicate marsh ecosystems. Visitors to this park will enjoy exploring the nature trails and learning local history at the China Camp Village Museum.

Campsites, public picnic areas, and beaches are all pet-friendly, so you can enjoy all of your favorite water sport activities including swimming, windsurfing, and boating in the calm waters of San Pablo Bay with pets nearby.

 

Marin County Dog Parks

If your pooch enjoys spending time outdoors with his or her fellow canine companions, Marin has several dog parks dedicated to four-legged fun throughout the county, including:

• Dogbone Meadow at O’Hair Park, Novato
• Field of Dogs at Civic Center Drive, San Rafael
• McInnis Park, San Rafael
• Dog Run, Mill Valley
• Red Hill Dog Park, San Anselmo

 

A vacation or day trip to one of Marin County’s beautiful outdoor recreational parks is even better with your four-legged friends.

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.