Marin Travel Guide: 5 Scenic Wildflower Walks in Marin County
Just when you think the breathtaking landscape of Marin County couldn’t get any more beautiful, here come the wildflowers transforming our green hills into a vibrant tapestry. If you’re staying at one of our Marin Hotels, you are perfectly positioned to explore Marin’s flowery hills and valleys over the next several weeks.
We’ve chosen our 4 of favorite wildflower destinations for their proximity to our hotels, and their suitability for nature enthusiasts and casual walkers alike. We added one further afield because the drive is beautiful, the hike is spectacular, and you can make an entire day of the trip. We hope you find one of two to add to your itinerary!
Tiburon Wildflower Hike at Old St. Hilary’s Preserve
Old St. Hilary’s Preserve, located only a 5-minute drive from Waters Edge Hotel and a smidge longer from Mill Valley Inn and Acqua Hotel, is the crown jewel in the Marin County Parks system!
This 232-acre Tiburon preserve offers world class views of Tiburon, the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Skyline, Angel Island, and Mt. Tam. And this time of year the views are matched by the Wildflowers of Old St Hilary Preserve! That link is worth a click since it identifies the flowers in the field.!
The trail we like is called the Tiburon Ridge Trail, specifically the section called the Heathcliff Fire Road. Expect some up and down on this hike as you immerse in the landscape of rolling hills.
Everything you need to know about seeing the Wildflowers at OSH Preserve is here.
Old Rail Trail in Tiburon
As long as you’re in Tiburon, stay an extra hour for a stroll along the paved, scenic, flat Old Rail Trail. Two main types of wildflowers are in bloom along the trail at this time of year: the California Poppy and the spectacular Buddleia.
We love this trail because it is suitable for everyone! Everything you need to know about Old Rail Trail is here.
Coastal Wildflower Walk in the Marin Headlands
Next up: Marin Headlands. Breathe in. Deeply. Now let it go. That's how it feels to be in the Marin Headlands. The area is vast, so we’ll narrow it down: we like the Tennessee Point Trail for a smattering of really lovely flowers all around the hills.
Park at the Rodeo Beach lot and head towards the Coastal Trail to Tennessee Point for an easy 1.5 mile loop with stunning views of the ocean and dramatic rocky flower-rimmed coastline.
Ring Mountain Preserve
Head up the hills on Ring Mountain Preserve and you’re in for more views, wildflowers, and some geology. This spot is a staff favorite at Waters Edge Hotel in Tiburon and it’s a bit of a hidden gem, so naturally we want to share!
No matter which way you approach it, you’re in for a steep climb. But wow when you get up there, worth it! Mars-like landscape. Vast open space. Views of the San Francisco skyline, and rare rocks and flowers. For the best wildflower viewing, hike the Hike Phyllis Ellman Loop Trail (1.76 miles) for a nature journey through oak woodland, wildflower strewn grasslands, and seasonal creeks.
Here’s a peek of the types of wildflowers you’ll see. And here’s everything you need to know to plan your hike.
Tomales Point Trail
A bit further afield — a little over an hour from any of our Marin Hotels — and certainly worth the drive, is Tomales Point Trail in West Marin. Tomales Bay on one side, the Pacific Ocean on the other. You: on a finger of land between the two. And wildflowers all around.
Note: you’ll park at Pierce Point Ranch, where the trailhead is. You may want to download the directions/map before you head out as cell service can be spotty out in West Marin.
Happy Wildflowering!
