As summer approaches, many begin to plan trips, jobs, and outings. As a teenager in Marin County, it can feel like there are few nearby activities to alleviate the boredom of a long summer. However, we’ve compiled a list of accessible and fun activities just for you around the Bay Area.
No. 1: Terra Linda Community Center pool
For a quick day in Marin outside of San Anselmo, the Terra Linda pool at the Terra Linda Community Center offers free swim every day from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer. The pool has eight, 25 yard lanes, and also features a toddler pool, vending machines, indoor locker rooms, a grassy area, and lounge chairs. There is also a delegated lap swim area as well as recreational swim days, which start Saturday, May 9, and on select days, a large pool inflatable is assembled. For ages 1 to 17, and 62 years or older, a ticket costs 11 dollars. For ages 18 to 61, a ticket costs 13 dollars.
((Stella Arthur))
No. 2: Samuel P. Taylor
For a close overnight camping trip, Samuel P. Taylor State Park is a great option. Located in West Marin, you can enjoy a rushing creek, beautiful redwood trees, and amazing views while on hikes. Campsites and cabins are available, with prices ranging from seven to 100 dollars, depending on the preferred stay.
No. 3: San Francisco Giants Baseball Camp
At Alto Field and Piper Park in Larkspur, the San Francisco Giants host four different baseball camps for those aged 4 to 13. Each camp runs Monday to Friday, costs 695 dollars, and operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., focusing on the fundamentals of the sport while keeping it fun. Each camper also receives two tickets to the reunion game at Oracle Park, an autographed headshot of a current Giants baseball player, and a full uniform.
No. 4: Half Moon Bay
A little over an hour drive south, Half Moon Bay is a cute, picturesque town with a dreamy cliffside. The town has a vast array of gift shops and restaurants, including a beautiful hotel right on the oceanside cliffs. Mavericks Beach is a sight to see, with high recommendations and reviews. It’s impossible not to enjoy the stay, but note that the fog is very persistent with its visits.
No. 5: Marinwood Camps
Marinwood Camps offer a variety of specialty themes, such as dancing, the Olympics, wildlife, and the Wild West, that appeal to kids with various interests. Their specialty camps also include fun field trips to Six Flags, Cal Skate, and the Oakland Zoo. Campers are ages 3 to 12, and there is a CIT program for ages 13 to 15, with the deadline to sign up approaching Wednesday, May 13.
No. 6: Santa Cruz
After a nice drive down the 101 for about an hour and a half, Marinites can reach the beautiful coastal town of Santa Cruz. Now, it does seem like a long drive, but it will be so worth it. Santa Cruz offers a variety of activities, like hiking the redwood groves, watching the sunset on the wharf, or enjoying the rollercoasters on the beach boardwalk. This is the perfect place for a quick weekend getaway, with a range of cuisines and prices, this will definitely be a ten out of ten stay.
No. 7: Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay offers a variety of natural sights, like the Bodega Head cliffs, and the historical schoolhouse in the movie The Birds, a horror film by Alfred Hitchcock, is sure to be a popular pick. Another option in this area is the beaches, like Duran Beach and Schoolhouse Beach. It’s just about an hour drive north, but the scenery is otherworldly.
No. 8: Hamilton Community Pool
On hot days, all one needs is some poolside relaxation. The Hamilton pool is perfect for that, with plenty of lounging areas and a beautiful pool to swim around in. For ages 1 to 17, the one-day pass is 10 dollars, while for ages 18 to 60, it’s 12 dollars. Located in the town of Novato, the pool also has a playground and snack shack, perfect for all ages.
No. 9: Muir Woods
The historic Muir Woods in southwestern Marin County is a simple and peaceful location with varied hiking trails under California redwood trees and camping. Muir Woods is a national monument and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The views of the forest floor are sure to take hikers’ breath away and leave them with a day of memories.
Whether spending the day at the beach or trying out a new camp, summer is always the time for new places and experiences. Spots and tickets do fill up quickly, so act fast and make this summer one to remember.
