Tennessee Valley Beach

This is our go-to hike. This hike always delivers. It is often heavily trafficked but the path is large, you can bring a stroller or bikes. The trail goes down all the way to the beach with a gentle grade. We like to bring a picnic or a snack for the beach. The kids always end up playing in the waves so we also bring a change of clothes. The parking is often full but after waiting a few minutes, you should find a spot.

Kirby Cove

The first time we did this hike was on January 1st a few years ago. We were alone going down, alone having a picnic facing the Golden Gate Bridge and alone on the beach to enjoy the beach. This is a great little hike (less than a mile to go down to the beach) to do with kids. The beach at the bottom is a great reward for the little ones as well as for the adults. Bring a picnic and enjoy! The parking can be tricky as the spot is getting more and more popular but be patient, it’s worth it! Use the Kirby Cove road to go down, it’s a gentle slope and easy for the whole family! There use to be a swing at the far end of that beach - maybe some day it will be back!

Abbotts Lagoon, Point Reyes NP

Abbotts Lagoon is a great hike, flat all the way with views over a beautiful lagoon, then sand dunes all the way to the beach. Sneaker waves and strong coastal surf are just a few of the hazards of which visitors should be aware of while visiting Point Reyes beaches. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view!

Agathe Beach

Agathe Beach is a beautiful beach perfect for tide pooling. The kids can spend hours playing in the water and looking for sea life. Check the tides schedule and bring a picnic!

Berkeley Campus

Since the pandemic started the Berkeley campus has been our favorite bike ride destination. You will find a creek, beautiful little corner of grass, hidden spots and lots of beautiful buildings. Grab your bike, your scooter or your favorite sneakers and go explore!

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Point Bonita Lighthouse is a lighthouse located at Point Bonita at the San Francisco Bay entrance in the Marin Headlands near Sausalito, California. The fog makes the whole place very eerie. The hike to get there is very short and very steep. The opening hours are very limited, so check on their website before visiting.

Monte Rio Beach

Monte Rio Beach is a sweet little spot along the Russian River where you can swim, picnic and rent kayaks. In order to avoid the crowds I would go early or late in the season and avoid the summer all together. Bring water shoes as you will not find sand but rocks everywhere. I recommend also to bring a shade structure as you will not find shade anywhere, except under the bridge if you are lucky. It’s longer drive that the other spots I recommend but well worth it for the beautiful scenery. If you have time I also recommend checking out the sweet little town called Jenner on the coast on your way back.

Bolinas Lagoon

This one will require a kayak or a canoe as well as coordinating with the tides. The whole bay is full of different kid of birds and you will be amazed not only by the quantity but also by how tranquil it is. On the way out we enjoyed the birds and on the way back the seals. So many of them! You can launch right across the street from the Stinson Beach School. There is a tiny parking lot where you can leave your car.