7 Sensational Ways to Beat the Heat in Marin and the Bay Area this Summer
Summer is here and the weather is set to heat up this week in Northern California. When the thermometer starts to climb, it's time to find a place to cool off and have fun with the kiddos. Here are seven of our favorite ways to beat the heat with the family when temperatures rise in Marin and the Bay Area.
Splish splash at the Hamilton Community Pool in Novato
The Hamilton Community Pool in Novato is one of our favorite places to swim in Marin. With its cool water play structure and slide, the kiddie pool is a blast for the little ones, while older kids and adults can swim in the bigger pool. The expansive lawn area with BBQ grills and picnic tables encourages you to make a day of it.
Take the plunge at Morton's Warm Springs in Sonoma Valley
Morton's Warm Springs Resort near the Sonoma Valley town of Glen Ellen has been a family destination for summer fun since 1946. Swim in their geothermally heated mineral water pools, have lunch in their shaded picnic area, and enjoy some Straus organic soft serve from Cafe 108°. A visit here takes you back to a slower, simpler time. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Picnic and Play at the Tunnel Tops in the Presidio
Tunnel Tops in the San Francisco Presidio offers spectacular Golden Gate views, a massive playground, a rotating array of food trucks, picnic areas, hands-on science activities at the Field Station, and much more. It's a fun place to spend the day, and you're just a short distance from Crissy Field Beach, too.
Take a walk through the redwoods
When it's blazing hot in most of Marin, a majestic and shady redwood forest is an oasis of cool. Check out our own Muir Woods near Mill Valley for cool fun in the shade of giant coast redwoods. (Make sure you make a reservation in advance!) Better yet, beat the summer tourist crowds and head up to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve outside of Guerneville in Sonoma County. It's nearly as amazing as Muir Woods but without the congestion and parking craziness.
Head to the beach in Point Reyes or Marin Headlands
When it's hot inland it's almost always guaranteed to be cooler in West Marin. A trip to Point Reyes is always good for bringing the car thermometer down a few degrees. Chill out at some of our favorite Marin beaches including Limantour, Heart's Desire, and Chicken Ranch beaches in the Point Reyes area and South Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands.
Swim and relax at McNears Beach in San Rafael
McNears Beach Park in San Rafael has been a destination for family summer fun in Marin for decades. Keep cool with a swim in the pool or a splash in the waters of San Pablo Bay, and an ice cream bar or popsicle from the snack bar. This is another place where you can bring a picnic and relax in the shade all day while the kids play. Parking and admission are now free! (pool open Wednesday–Sunday)
Spend the day at the water slides
A day at a thrilling water park has to be one of the ultimate ways to cool off this summer. You'll find a handful of water parks scattered around the San Francisco Bay Area, most of which have water slides, lazy rivers, and other attractions. The closest one to Marin is probably Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Concord — find out all about it and others in the area in our guide to local water parks.
