As summer creeps into the final days of school and seniors find ways to spend their few months left together, days of free time fill schedules. But what is the best way to spend your time in Marin? From pool hopping to days spent in movie theaters, there are so many possible activities that students should consider when the time comes to ditch backpacks and head out of the school year.
1: Hiking
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to spend your time is by exploring the many trails of Marin. From state parks such as Mount Tamalpais to Muir Woods, there are plenty of hiking spots to choose from. Hiking not only is healthy for your heart, but it also raises your endorphins. A one mile hike can make a difference in one’s physical and mental health.
Blithedale Ridge
The best and most accessible of trails is Blithedale Ridge, connecting many of the towns of Marin in one meeting trail that stretches over the hills of Mill Valley. This hiking trail connects Larkspur, Corte Madera, Ross, Kentfield and Mill Valley, making it a prime hiking spot for students.
China Camp
Another great trail for less experienced hikers is China Camp in San Rafael. These trails also have great views of the Bay and are typically flat bike trails that loop back to a starting point. China camp is a perfect place for slow walkers and those who are new to the joy of hiking.
Mount Tamalpais
Most Marin residents follow the unspoken rule to hike Mount Tamalpais at least once in their life. The famous mountain, which is a favorite to mountain bikers and hikers alike, is a great day trip for students. This summer activity has it all, from great views to vigorous exercise. Mount Tamalpais is one of the best hikes that any Marin resident has the opportunity to take. Grab a group of friends, your dog or your family to trek on the mountain for breathtaking views.
2: Picnics
Another great way to stay busy during the summer is planning a picnic with your family, significant other or even by yourself. Putting together a basket full of your favorite snacks and meals and packing a blanket, art supplies or a book all to find the perfect spot to lay out and enjoy the day. Keeping the weather in mind, you can dress in layers or down to your bathing suit, which is one of the many glories of summer in the bay. Some of my favorite spaces for picnicking are Dolores Park, Piper Park and Golden Gate Park. Dolores and the Golden Gate parks are located in San Francisco and may require paid parking on weekdays. However, both these parks offer a new environment for Marin residents yearning for something different. Piper Park is a great location for laying out in the sun and is close to the Piper Park dock. This, less than a ten-minute walk from Redwood, is a perfect space for anyone.
3: Museums
For those aching for a more artistic take on summer activities, one of the various perks of living close to a city is the abundance of museums, not to mention the multiple options that offer free tickets for students. Starting at the top of my list is:
SF MOMA
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF MOMA) is a modern art museum that allows free day passes for students to go and explore. The eight-level institute offers pieces from various modern artists from abstract sculptures to video artists; any lover of art will surely find their happy space in this museum.
The de Young
The next museum on the list is the de Young. This art museum holds more period art and is also free to students. From impressionist paintings to ancient artifacts, this museum is perfect for history lovers and appreciators of the arts. The architecture of the de Young is also a must-see. Even if you don’t find yourself exploring the museum, definitely take a walk around the building.
Musée Mécanique
One of the most interesting museums that can be found in the Bay Area is Musée Mécanique, free for everyone. This privately owned collection of 20th-century arcade games is a fun outing for a group of friends or even for a date. Located on Fisherman's Wharf, the museum features 300 items, ranging from orchestras, coin-operated pianos, antique slot machines and animations.
4: Camping
A more time-consuming activity is planning and going on a camping trip. The Bay Area and outskirts of Marin offer great staycation areas with various locations to pitch up a tent and spend a few days in nature. Spending time outside around a fire cooking ramen is a summer activity that could even take place in your backyard.
If you are looking for a more typical camping experience, there are a few great sights only 40 minutes away. Samuel P. Taylor state park has a campsite called Upper Eagle campsite. This campsite requires online reservations, but it only costs $35, and the sights are sprinkled with Redwood trees. Daytime at the Upper Eagle allows for hiking throughout Inverness, a trip up the road to the Inkwells and lovely days of fog or sunshine. Another campsite is called Coastal Camp, located off of Point Reyes. This campsite provides spectacular views of the ocean. Coastal Camp requires a hike to the campgrounds that all have vault bathrooms and pump water stations. This campsite requires a $30 fee for a pass to camp on site and reservations during the busy seasons. This area provides hiking for those who love the backcountry, picnics on the open coast and breathtaking views of the ocean. The last campsite worth mentioning is Steep Ravine, located right outside of Stinson Beach. This beautiful and convenient spot is one of the harder reservations to obtain and may require additional planning. The site provides views of the coast and amenities such as bathrooms and water pumps. These reservations cost only $7.99. Keep in mind, though, that the majority of campsites require reservations at least a week in advance.
5: Beach Day
If you are looking for a day at the beach but are done with the crowds at Stinson or Bolinas, there are plenty of alternative beaches that can fulfill your needs. Limantour Beach, Tennessee Valley and Ocean Beach all offer scenic views, access to the city and Point Reyes national seashore and provide space for bonfires. At Limantour, visitors are exposed to a view of sea lions and scenery like no other, which display the marina and the rolling hills that are scattered along the coast. Also during certain summer months, it allows for campfires, which is a great way to spend an evening. Ocean Beach provides a different beach day. Coming out of the city, students can get a nice view of the bridge. The beach also allows for bonfires up until 12 p.m. The last beach that every student should visit is the Tennessee Valley beach. A good hour hike in, this beach is secluded, and the water is crystal blue; truly feels like an escape from Marin. Tennessee Valley beach is located in Mill Valley and is only accessible by foot.
6: Concerts
Living in the Bay Area, we are privileged with accessibility to many musicians and performances. From walking in Golden Gate Park and hearing street music to the many venues scattered throughout the city and Marin, local and non-local artists often have either free or cheap tickets, as well as more pricey ones. The local venue Sweetwater in Mill Valley has either free tickets or up to $20 tickets to see great live music. Other local venues include the Hopmonk in Novato and the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma. Both venues provide either free shows or at most $20 tickets to see incredible up-and-coming musicians. Alternative venues can be found in the city, which include the Great American Music Hall, August Hall and the Fillmore. If you check these websites monthly, students can find decently priced tickets and a very fun evening. Another music event that comes during summer is the infamous Outside Lands, a more pricey music event that takes place in the city and provides a unique experience that many Redwood students attend. From well-known artists to local DJs, the festivals are always a highlight of students’ summers.
