Spring in Marin - Mom Edition

Spring is my favorite season, and Marin really brings its A-game this time of year. After months of chilly mornings, rainy days, and being cooped up indoors, spring in Marin is finally here—bringing longer days, blooming hillsides, and the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

For me, nothing signals the arrival of spring quite like my kids starting baseball. Our local Opening Day parade, the excitement of new uniforms, and the scramble to find missing gear all mark the shift from winter’s slower pace to longer days spent outside. And with Daylight Saving right around the corner—thank God!—we’re about to get even more time for evening walks, post-dinner park runs, and just soaking up that extra bit of sun.

If you're looking for the best places to shake off that winter sluggishness and make the most of the season, here are some of Marin’s top outdoor spots for moms—whether you're bringing the kids or taking some well-deserved time for yourself.

Outdoor Family Fun

These spots offer a mix of fun for kids and enjoyment for parents, with easy trails, open spaces, and plenty to see and do.

🏖 Stinson Beach

A trip to Stinson Beach is a classic Marin outing. Kids can dig in the sand, build driftwood forts, or splash in the waves while you enjoy the ocean breeze. Spring is a great time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.

Bring: A picnic, extra layers, and beach toys.

🦆 Bothin Marsh & Mill Valley-Sausalito Path

If you need a stroller-friendly walk, this scenic path along Richardson Bay is a great choice. The marshland attracts birds, which makes for fun wildlife spotting with kids.

Bonus: There’s a great playground at Bayfront Park nearby.

🏖 Rodeo Beach (Sausalito)

A scenic, family-friendly beach in the Marin Headlands, perfect for exploring tide pools, flying kites, or just enjoying the ocean breeze. The unique pebble-covered shore makes it different from other sandy beaches, and kids love collecting colorful stones.

Bonus: There’s an easy 1.8-mile lagoon loop trail nearby that’s great for little hikers.

🏞 Ring Mountain Preserve (Corte Madera)

This kid-friendly hike is a hidden gem! The short trails lead to big boulders kids love to climb and offer amazing Bay views for parents. In the spring, the hills are covered in wildflowers.

Pro tip: Bring snacks and enjoy the view from the top.

🌳 Old Mill Park (Mill Valley)

If you want a redwood escape without the drive, Old Mill Park is perfect. There’s a shaded playground for kids, a creek to explore, and plenty of picnic tables.

Bonus: It’s walking distance to downtown Mill Valley if you want to grab coffee or lunch.

🌲 Dolliver Park (Dark Park) – Larkspur

Nicknamed "Dark Park" because of the towering redwoods that provide shade year-round, this hidden gem in downtown Larkspur is a local favorite for families. The playground is perfect for young kids, and parents will love the peaceful setting. It’s very shady and great for those super warm days.

Bonus: It’s just a short walk from Magnolia Avenue, where you can grab coffee or a snack.

🌊 China Camp State Park (San Rafael)

This bayfront park has easy walking trails, a historic Chinese fishing village, and calm beaches where kids can wade in the water. A low-key weekend outing with a mix of history, nature, and play.

🌸 Marin Art & Garden Center (Ross)

A peaceful spot with open gardens, fountains, and koi ponds—perfect for toddlers to explore.

Bring: A coffee and let little ones wander through the flowers while you enjoy the view.

🌿 Stafford Lake Park (Novato)

One of Novato’s best outdoor spots for families, featuring picnic areas, a lake for fishing, a huge open field, and a fantastic playground. Spring is the perfect time to visit before summer heat sets in.

Bonus: The park has a disc golf course, nature trails, and a bike skills park for kids and adults to enjoy.

🌼 Mount Burdell Preserve (Novato)

A family-friendly hiking spot with gentle trails, rolling green hills, and spring wildflowers. Great for a weekend stroll with kids or a casual picnic.

Best Outdoor Spots for Coffee & Connect Walks

Sometimes the best way to recharge is a walk and a good cup of coffee or tea —whether you’re meeting up with a friend or just taking a moment for yourself. Here are some of the best spots to grab coffee and stroll in Marin:

☕ Marin Country Mart + Larkspur Ferry Terminal Walk (Larkspur)

  • Coffee: Rustic Bakery

  • Walk: The waterfront path near the ferry terminal offers peaceful bay views.

  • Bonus—on Saturdays, you can pair your walk with the Farmer’s Market.

☕ Larkspur’s Equator Coffee + Creekside Walk

  • Coffee: Equator Coffee (Larkspur) – A local favorite with great outdoor seating and a cozy vibe.

  • Walk: Stroll through Piper Park, a beautiful open space with a playground, sports fields, and a paved walking path along the creek. If you want a longer route, walk through downtown Larkspur, exploring its charming small-town feel with tree-lined streets and historic buildings.

☕ Downtown Mill Valley + Old Mill Park Loop

  • Coffee: Flour Craft Bakery (great gluten-free options) or Equator Coffee

  • Walk: Start in the charming downtown area, then wander into Old Mill Park, where towering redwoods and a creek make for a lovely escape.

☕ Sausalito Bay Trail + Bridgeway Stroll

☕ Tiburon’s Shoreline Path + Downtown Stroll

  • Coffee: Caffe Acri

  • Walk: The Shoreline Park Trail offers stunning views of Angel Island and the Bay. It’s an easy walk, perfect for catching up with a friend.

☕ Downtown San Anselmo + Creek Park Walk

  • Coffee: M.H. Bread & Butter

  • Walk: A casual stroll through Creek Park, where kids can explore and moms can grab an outdoor seat at a café nearby.

☕ Downtown Fairfax + Cascade Canyon Preserve Walk

  • Coffee: Fairfax Coffee Roastery (a local classic) 

  • Walk: Fairfax is a fun, artsy town, and just a short drive from Cascade Canyon Preserve, where you can take an easy hike to Cascade Falls, a lovely waterfall tucked into the hills.

  • Best for: A relaxed coffee date before heading into nature, or a weekend morning outing with kids.

☕ Point Reyes Station + Bear Valley Trail Walk (West Marin)

  • Coffee:Bovine Bakery (legendary pastries!)

  • Walk: Take your coffee to Bear Valley Visitor Center, then walk along Bear Valley Trail—a peaceful, tree-lined path that eventually leads to the ocean. For a shorter, stroller-friendly option, wander around the Point Reyes Station historic district and enjoy the quiet rural atmosphere.

Best Outdoor Spots for Moms (With or Without Kids!) 

Sometimes you need an outing just for yourself—or at least a place where you can meet up with other moms and enjoy the outdoors without chasing toddlers the whole time.

🌲 Muir Woods National Monument

If you want a quick redwood escape, Muir Woods is a perfect pick. Spring mornings are especially beautiful with mist drifting through the trees. Best for: A solo walk or a low-key hiking date with a friend.

Tip: Arrive early or book a parking reservation in advance.

🏞 Phoenix Lake (Ross)

If you want a scenic but not-too-hard hike, Phoenix Lake is a favorite. The flat loop trail around the lake is great for an easy walk, and it’s dog-friendly, too!

🌅 Tennessee Valley Trail (Mill Valley)

This easy 3-mile trail leads to a beautiful, tucked-away beach. It’s great for a solo walk, a mom-and-baby stroller walk, or a relaxed meet-up with friends.

🌸 Point Reyes & Chimney Rock Wildflowers

Spring is wildflower season, and Chimney Rock in Point Reyes offers some of the best blooms in Marin. Bring a camera—it’s also a great place to spot elephant seals lounging on the beach below.

Supporting Local: Springtime in Marin is All About Community

One of the best things about spring in Marin is how the community comes alive—outdoor farmers markets, local school events, and sports gatherings bring people together. Supporting local businesses, farms, and events isn’t just about shopping local—it’s about strengthening connections, celebrating traditions, and making the most of everything our community has to offer.

Here are a few ways to support local Marin businesses and events this spring while soaking up the season:

🥕 Farmers’ Markets & Local Shops

  • Marin Civic Center Farmers’ Market (San Rafael, Sundays & Thursdays) – One of the largest markets, with fresh produce, live music, and local vendors.

  • Marin Country Mart Farmers’ Market (Larkspur, Saturdays) – Family-friendly with pony rides, face painting, and great food options.

  • Downtown Larkspur, Fairfax, and Point Reyes Station – Great spots to shop local, grab coffee, and support small businesses.

🎭 Community Events

  • Mountain Play (The Music Man, May–June) – A Marin tradition with live theater at Mt. Tam’s amphitheater. Take a shuttle or hike up for a full adventure.

  • Larkspur Flower & Food Festival (May) – A fun mix of live music, delicious food, and spring blooms.

  • Western Weekend (June, Point Reyes Station) – A charming small-town parade and celebration of Marin’s agricultural roots.

  • Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival (June, Downtown Novato) – A lively community event with live music, local food vendors, wine tastings, and family-friendly activities.

🏫 School Festivals & Fundraisers

  • Spring fairs & carnivals – Many Marin schools host community events with games, food, and family fun.

  • Jog-a-thons & fun runs – Join or donate to support local schools while getting outside.

Embracing Spring in Marin as a Mom

Whether it’s watching your little one march in the Opening Day parade, picking out fresh strawberries at the farmers’ market, or sneaking away for a quiet coffee walk in the sunshine, spring in Marin is all about soaking up the season, embracing longer days, and finding moments to recharge amidst the busyness of motherhood.

As moms, we spend so much time planning, coordinating, and making sure everyone else gets where they need to go—but spring is also a reminder to slow down and enjoy the season alongside our kids. Whether that’s a simple coffee walk with a friend, a weekend picnic at the park, or watching our little ones run through the grass barefoot, these small moments are what make motherhood in Marin so special.

With longer days and warmer weather, now is the perfect time to plan that family outing, take that solo hike, or finally try that new café with a friend. However you choose to embrace the season, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the best of spring in Marin—both for yourself and with your family.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy spring as a Marin mom? Drop a comment and share your go-to local spots!

Christina Klein