Five Ways to Beat the Heat in and around Marin

So far this summer has been pretty cool, but eventually the heat is going to kick in, and when it does, you'll probably find yourself and your family looking for a way to cool off. Here are five suggestions for ways to beat the summer heat in Marin and the Bay Area.

• Go to the beach. Check out some of the beaches in Marin where you can actually safely swim, like Heart's Desire Beach in Tomales Bay State Park, Chicken Ranch Beach in Inverness, and Drakes Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore.
• Take the plunge at your local Marin County public pool—there's probably one close to you.
• Go ice skating at Snoopy's Home Ice in Santa Rosa. It's always cool at the skating rink. Chill out and get some exercise amidst the Peanuts memorabila and alpine ambience.
• Head into San Francisco. It's usually cooler in the city, especially near the water. Visit the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, play antique arcade games and amusements at Musée Mecanique, or visit the attractions in Golden Gate Park.
• Take in a movie at the Kids' Summer Movie Clubhouse at the Century Rowland Plaza in Novato, the Century Theaters Northgate in San Rafael, or the CinéArts Marin in Sausalito. Theaters are air-conditioned, of course, and you can see a variety of family friendly movies for only $1.

Got your own suggestion for beating the heat? Let us know in the comments.