5 Favorite Winter Beach Hikes for Families
It seems like we often have a run of days in the winter where the temperature creeps up into the 60s and the sun shines, and to me, this always means it's time to go for a hike! Another great thing about hiking with the kiddos on one of our warm winter days is that the coast is clear and not socked in with fog like it is so often in the summer. In that spirit, here are 5 of our favorite easy hikes that you can take to the beach, which are especially nice at this time of year but really are fantastic year-round. Having a beach nearby also means there's something for the kids to look forward to at the end or middle of the hike because, after all, who doesn't love visiting the beach?
Marin Headlands, Sausalito
The Marin Headlands has numerous beach hike opportunities for hikers of all ages. One of our favorites hikes with kids is to do the Battery Loop Trail, which, as the name implies, circles around some of the park's historic military fortifications. Then, take an easy hike down to South Rodeo Beach, which is calm and quiet and has amazing views of Rodeo Beach and the coast. To get there, park in the Battery Alexander parking lot off Field Road.
Tennessee Valley, Mill Valley
Tennessee Valley is perhaps Marin's ultimate beach hike, and it's easy enough for everyone in the family to do but just challenging enough to make you feel like you've really accomplished something. This 3.4-mile out-and-back hike has spectacular Tennessee Cove and its beach as a midpoint. During low tide you can see the steam engine from the SS Tennessee that ran aground here in the 1850s and gave the cove its name.
Slide Ranch, Muir Beach
Slide Ranch is one of Marin's favorite family destinations for educational programs, but did you know you can visit the ranch any time you like? Since it's located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it's open to the public every day, with no admission fee. It's truly an amazing place, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, hiking trails, a beach, tide pools, and an amazing picnic area.
Chimney Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore
Out in Point Reyes National Seashore, Chimney Rock is a stunning place with a lot to see and do. Take a hike out to the Chimney Rock itself for spectacular views and a chance to see migrating gray whales in the winter and spring, and then head down to the historic Lifeboat Station and its small adjacent beach along Drakes Bay. Right now, the beach there is full of lounging elephant seals so it's off limits, but you can get a close-up look at these giant marine mammals while you're there.
Crissy Field, Presidio of San Francisco
Crissy Field in the Presidio, with its spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, is a great place to spend the day with the family. Park for free in the East Beach parking lot and head up the Golden Gate Promenade Trail. Kids love to play on clean stretch of sand along San Francisco Bay, and the shallow water is perfect for wading. If it's a chilly day, a hot chocolate or mocha from the Warming Hut really hits the spot!
