Highlight • Beach
Road cycling
5.0
(15)
McNears Beach County Park is a sprawling 55-acre regional park nestled along the picturesque San Pablo Bay shoreline in San Rafael, Marin County, California. This well-maintained destination, situated at sea level within the greater San Francisco Bay Area, offers a unique blend of recreational amenities and natural beauty, making it a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.
Visitors consistently praise the park's beautiful sheltered cove and mature landscaping, which create a tranquil atmosphere. The expansive lawns are perfect for…
Cycling is not permitted at this location
Tips
January 31, 2017
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near McNears Beach County Park
5.0
(2)
270
riders
90.7km
04:25
1,000m
1,000m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(2)
170
riders
93.4km
04:31
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
160
riders
94.9km
04:13
780m
780m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Details
Informations
Elevation -30 m
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Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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While the park itself is a popular spot for families and recreation, dogs are generally not permitted on the beach, in the swimming pool area, or in most developed areas of McNears Beach County Park. However, leashed dogs are allowed on the paved pathways and in some of the grassy areas. Always check for current signage upon arrival, as rules can change.
As of July 1, 2024, entry to McNears Beach County Park is free, and there is no parking fee. This makes it an accessible and affordable option for a day out. However, the seasonal swimming pool has a separate per-person fee, typically $5.
McNears Beach County Park can get quite busy, especially on warm weekends and during the summer months when the pool is open. The parking lot can fill up quickly. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving earlier in the morning on weekends.
Within the park, you'll find pleasant paved pathways and expansive turf areas suitable for walking. For a longer adventure, a narrow trail connects McNears Beach County Park to the entrance of China Camp State Park. This allows hikers and cyclists to extend their journey along the bay, offering more extensive walking and cycling opportunities.
McNears Beach County Park is very family-friendly. It features a seasonal swimming pool, including a dedicated toddler pool, sand volleyball courts, and expansive lawns for play. The narrow, sandy, and pebbly shoreline is ideal for wading, and an accessible beach mat near the pool provides easy access to the water. Modern restrooms with changing rooms, lockers, and showers are also available.
Yes, the popular fishing pier at McNears Beach County Park extends into San Pablo Bay and offers opportunities to fish without a license. Anglers frequently catch sturgeon, striped bass, shark, perch, bat ray, halibut, and crab from the pier.
There isn't a cafe or pub directly within McNears Beach County Park, though a seasonal snack bar operates near the pool. For more dining options, you would need to venture a short distance into San Rafael, where you'll find a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
Yes, McNears Beach County Park offers several accessible features. The parking lot and the fishing pier are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, an accessible beach mat near the pool provides a firm surface to reach the water, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the shoreline.
The seasonal swimming pool at McNears Beach County Park is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day (late May through early September). This period, generally late spring to early fall, is the best time to visit if you plan to swim, as the weather is warm and the pool facilities are fully operational.
Given its location on San Pablo Bay, McNears Beach County Park is home to various bird species, especially waterfowl and shorebirds. The bay waters are rich with fish, attracting anglers. You might also spot marine life from the pier. The park's mature landscaping provides habitat for common urban wildlife.
Yes, McNears Beach County Park offers several group picnic areas of varying sizes, some of which are reservable and include charcoal grills. These are popular for gatherings and can be booked in advance, especially during peak season.