Picnic tables with a view in Marin

Official park picnic spots where you can eat a sandwich and actually see something.

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You packed a sandwich. You drove somewhere. You want to eat it at a table with a view, not in a parking lot. These are official park picnic areas in Marin where the view is the point — the bay, the lake, the ridgeline. East Peak is already on the hikes guide, but it belongs here too, because this is not a hike list. This is where to eat the sandwich.

Where to hike in Marin.

Mount Tamalpais State ParkParadise Beach Park — Marin County ParksMcNears Beach Park — Marin County ParksTomales Bay State ParkMMWD Sky Oaks

1. Mount Tam

   East Peak, Mount Tamalpais

   This is the view everyone talks about — the bay, the bridges, San Francisco on a clear day. There are picnic tables near the Verna Dunshee trailhead, accessible restrooms, and a visitor center staffed on weekends. First come, first served. Parking is eight dollars. You can walk the half-mile Verna Dunshee loop before or after you eat, but you do not have to hike to earn the table.

2. Tiburon

   Paradise Beach Park

   Nineteen acres on the bay in Tiburon, with picnic areas, a fishing pier, a beach, and a redwood grove. Most tables are first come, first served. Groups of 20 or more need a reservation. The bayside tables look straight across at San Francisco. Parking is five dollars from April through October, free in winter.

3. San Rafael

   McNears Beach Park

   Fifty-five acres in San Rafael with bay views, a beach, a pier, volleyball courts, and multiple picnic areas. The beachside and southshore areas can hold a crowd if you reserve ahead, but walk-in tables are there too. No dogs except service animals. Summer hours through September 7 are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fall hours from September 8 are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

4. Inverness

   Heart's Desire Beach

   Tomales Bay State Park has 45 to 50 picnic tables on a vegetated bluff overlooking the bay. Some are shaded under the trees, some are out in the open with panoramic water views. BBQ grills and restrooms nearby. First come, first served in summer. The Vista Point group area can be reserved after Labor Day. Parking is eight dollars. Dogs are not allowed on beaches or trails here.

5. Fairfax

   Lake Lagunitas Picnic Area

   The Marin Municipal Water District picnic area between Lake Lagunitas and Bon Tempe, in a redwood grove with views of the lakes and Mount Tam. Picnic tables, charcoal grills, drinking water, and restrooms. You can reserve the shelter or the group site, but individual tables are first come, first served. Eight dollars per vehicle at the Sky Oaks kiosk.