spread out a blanket or two, and spend the
day relaxing in the sun.
Or for an island style repast, pack a picnic
and jump on a ferry to Angel Island. Located
just off Tiburon, Angel Island State Park is the
largest Island in San Francisco Bay. Quarry
Point and Ayala Cove are two beaches that
are both sandy and protected from the afternoon
breezes, so they’re perfect for family
fun. Warning: There are no lifeguards, and
swimming can be hazardous because of the
strong currents.
August/September 2017 69
PICNIC
Chicken Ranch Beach, located on Tomales
Bay just outside Inverness, is one of those
elusive best-kept West Marin secrets. Like
Heart’s Desire Beach just up the road in Tomales
Bay State Park, Chicken Ranch Beach
sits on the shallow, relatively warm waters of
Tomales Bay. Imagine this: Kids can wade and
swim without need of a wetsuit. No wonder
it’s a popular place for families, with a gentle,
sandy beach where children run to their
hearts’ content. Chicken Ranch Beach is a
fabulous place to raise your beach umbrella,
INT ATKHEE
For hands-on beachgoers who like to learn about their oceanographic surroundings,
Agate Beach Park in Bolinas is a great spot for doing just that. It features tide pools
along a walkable two miles, but check tidal high and low times for best timing. Sea
lions, birds and other wildlife are popular sights here too. Parking tip: Park at the
Agate Beach campground and head down to the beach, or park at the Big Lagoon
County Park day use spot.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, located in Moss Beach, just 15 minutes north of
the city of Half Moon Bay is in a Marine Protected Area; this means no collecting
of organisms, shells, rocks, driftwood, etc. is permitted. Also, dogs are not allowed,
so leave your loyal canine companion at home. The reserve opens at 8 a.m.; closing
time varies seasonally and is posted. There is no admission charge. Along the same
stretch of Highway One, other nearby popular places to starfish gaze include Pillar
Point Harbor, Redondo Beach, Cowell Ranch Beach and Pescadero State Beach.
PACK A
TIDE POOLS
FROM TOP: TERRY WARRINER RYAN; DONALD HESTER
Ayala Cove,
Angel Island
Giant Green
Anemone at
Fitzgerald
Marine Reserve