The best parks & outdoor spots in San Rafael

8 parks & outdoor spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Pinned in San Rafael today

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Parks & Outdoors · 8 places · showing the latest additions first

Temescal Regional Recreation Area

Parks & Outdoors

Urban, lakeside retreat offering swim & picnic areas, a fishing dock, trails & playgrounds.

6500 Broadway (Oakland)

“Urban, lakeside retreat offering swim & picnic areas, a fishing dock, trails & playgrounds.”

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McLaren Park Trails

Parks & Outdoors

Large forested park featuring scenic hilltop viewpoints, tennis courts and a playground.

2075 Burrows St (San Francisco)

“Large forested park featuring scenic hilltop viewpoints, tennis courts and a playground.”

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Alemany Farm

Parks & Outdoors

Expansive farm run by the community, offering internships, classes & volunteer opportunities.

700 Alemany Blvd (San Francisco)

“Expansive farm run by the community, offering internships, classes & volunteer opportunities.”

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John McLaren Park

Parks & Outdoors

312-acre park featuring a golf course, a pool & an amphitheater, plus 7 miles of walking trails.

100 John F Shelley Dr (San Francisco)

“312-acre park featuring a golf course, a pool & an amphitheater, plus 7 miles of walking trails.”

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Run a San Rafael business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Gerstle Park

Parks & Outdoors

When you need low-stress fresh air, Gerstle Park brings picnic tables, barbecues, roomy group sites, a basketball and tennis court, plus a…

San Rafael Ave

“When you need low-stress fresh air, Gerstle Park brings picnic tables, barbecues, roomy group sites, a basketball and tennis court, plus a solid multi-age playground. Rally the fam or your weekend crew, claim a table, and let the kids burn energy while you actually relax.”

From the Vallejo newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Mill Valley Chickens

Parks & Outdoors

Family-owned farming business offering heritage chickens, coops & classes on urban gardening.

106 Lomita Dr (Mill Valley)

“Family-owned farming business offering heritage chickens, coops & classes on urban gardening.”

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Keller Beach Park

Parks & Outdoors

Small, clean beach with barbecue pits, a shower and restrooms, plus biking and jogging trails.

Richmond

“Small, clean beach with barbecue pits, a shower and restrooms, plus biking and jogging trails.”

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Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline

Parks & Outdoors

Waterfront space with a picnic area, beach, fishing pier, panoramic views & a model railroad museum.

900 Dornan Dr (Richmond)

“Waterfront space with a picnic area, beach, fishing pier, panoramic views & a model railroad museum.”

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