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By: SMMC Community // Cover Photo by Amelia Plumb Photography  |   June 2, 2022

Photo by Amelia Plumb Photography

As you plan your family Father’s Day, Juneteenth or any old family day, consider one of these great Marin beaches personally recommended by SMMC members.

Abbots Lagoon
Recommended by Sara Szkola



I wanted to let other SMMC families know about one of our favorite beaches, Abbots Lagoon up in Point Reyes. It has lots of different adventures wrapped into one location, which is why we like it. We (our family of five - mom, dad, and three boys ages 7, 5, and 2) try to go up every year in the late spring/early summer because the wildflowers are so beautiful at that time of year. We start in the parking lot with a potty break (bathrooms at the beginning are key!), then hike on the flat, one-mile trail out to the beach. It goes through a gorgeous meadow and marsh, and more often than not we see lots of wildlife: ducks, egrets, a family of sea otters. The hike would probably take adults twenty to thirty minutes, but with little explorers we usually take an hour. The littlest one can do it on his own as the path is sand/gravel and a boardwalk. 

When we get there, the kids love to run up the sand dunes and then then slide down (pro tip: bring a change of clothes so the car isn’t a sandbox on the way home), play balance beam or make a see-saw on the huge driftwood logs, and splash in the outer lagoon. You can hear and see the waves, but the area just past the bridge is protected, shallow and calm. Then we usually have lunch and head back out. Add in a stop at the Inverness General Store for Its-It ice cream sandwiches on the way home, and it makes for a pretty fun weekend day!

Stinson Beach
Recommended by Cody Harris



If you’re willing to splurge a bit for a special occasion, consider renting a house at Stinson Beach. There are some rentals available on the lagoon in Seadrift. You can paddle board in the calm morning water in the lagoon and then cross the road to boogie board in the surf. 

Dillon Beach
Recommended by Shannon Kaiser



One of my family's favorite beaches is Dillon Beach on Bodega Bay. The beach is privately-owned but open to the public with a parking fee of $10-15 (credit cards accepted). Our favorite time of day to go is at low tide so we can explore the tide pools at the north end of the beach. My kids love finding sea life to look at and then release, plus splashing in the shallow tide pools when the waves are calm. Be sure to bring sand toys and buckets for tide pooling and building sandcastles. My kids also love exploring the sand dunes along the north end of the beach and scampering along the small cliffs. Our pup loves to join us on adventures to this dog-friendly beach while romping with other dogs in the surf. Being on the coast, the weather can change quickly so bring everything from a bathing suit and water shoes to jackets and a warm change of clothes. On the way into the beach there is a quaint cafe, a general store and a surf shop. There are also adorable cabins to rent for a weekend away. 

To get there, head west on Dillon Beach Road from the town of Tomales on Highway 1 west of Petaluma. Stay left as you head into town and the road leads right to the beach. 1 Beach Avenue, Dillon Beach, CA 94929

Rodeo Beach
Recommended by Sophie Walsh





Our family loves to visit Rodeo Beach. We start by going on a short family friendly, one-mile hike up to the Tennessee Point labyrinth to soak in the breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and then head back down to the sand for a picnic on the beach. It’s fun to watch the surfers and the enormous waves, but the water is not too safe to swim in. My son has found little stones of jade and unusual pebbles to add to his rock collection. It’s also a wonderful place to fly a kite! 

Check out the SMMC Survival Guide for more info on beaches.

We want to feature your family in The Crier next month!

Here are three ways you can contribute. The best submission will get a 15 minute family portrait with Amelia Plumb Photography. Email submissions to Celeste Ezell by Friday, June 10! Watch for more opportunities each month!

WEEKEND ADVENTURES: POOLS
Submit a family photo at a local pool along with 1-3 paragraphs about your adventure. Tell us how the day really went #fulldisclosure, what worked, and what didn't, and give us some advice for taking our own families!

MOM HACKS: KEEP COOL
Submit a photo and 1-3 paragraphs about a water activity, indoor activity or homemade air conditioner that helps your family beat the heat at home.

REAL RECIPES: POOL PARTY
Submit a recipe that would be ideal for a Pool Party. Tell us about a time when you made it and enjoyed it. Please include a photo!