Summer is officially here! The days are hot, sunny and long. Where does one cool their heels when the temperature climbs? If you don’t have a pool in your backyard and aren’t a member of a private club, what do you do? Fortunately, in Marin, there are many options for a refreshing swim and other summertime activities from one end of the county to the other.
Here are some of the best watery oases to dip into in Marin...
Tucked away in the Homestead Valley neighborhood of Mill Valley is a charming center replete with a community center, large deck and 80+ acres of open space where a music festival is hosted every August. The center is managed by local residents and the Homestead Valley Land Trust (HVLT).
55 acre McNears Beach Park is a Marin County Park in San Rafael that sits in a sheltered cove along the shores of San Pablo Bay. The swimming pool and snack bar opens Memorial Day weekend and stays open through Labor Day weekend. There are also group picnic areas, expansive grassy areas, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts and a fishing pier a few steps from the parking lot. The rocky beach is ideal for launching kayaks, canoes and SUPs.
The Marinwood Pool is run by the Marinwood Recreation Department. The pool opens in April and closes in mid October. The facility consists of a 25 yard length pool with a double flume water slide. There are swim lessons and CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard Training offered. There are surrounding picnic areas, a clubhouse for parties and events, in addition to a park attached to the facility.
Since 2010, the City of Novato has partnered with the City of San Rafael to provide an aquatics program at this state of the art pool. Swim lessons, lap swim, rec swimming, and events are all offered. There is also a water play structure in the separate wading pool. The pool is open from mid May through late September.
The Strawberry Rec Center is located in the unincorporated waterfront community in the Strawberry neighborhood of Mill Valley. It is run by the Strawberry Rec District which maintains the playing fields, community center, gym, tennis courts, and offers a variety of courses, workshops, and activities including the very popular Strawberry Festival in June. The 5 lane pool is open year round. In addition, there is a teaching pool, adult spa and dry sauna.
This family friendly pool is managed by the City of San Rafael. The main pool goes from 3 feet to 9.2 feet and has both swim lanes (8) and an open swim area as well as a diving board. When the weather is particularly nice, the aquatics staff sets up an enormous, inflatable obstacle course (just like a bounce house) with inflatable slides in the middle of the pool! There is a tot pool with spray fountains, a playground and a picnic area with BBQs.
For those not so nice days, the Mill Valley Community Center has an indoor pool with a 3 lane main pool which is 25 yards long and 4-5 feet deep, a two story water slide and a shallow children’s pool. There is also an 11 person spa. The pool offers lap swimming, lessons and the ability to host pool parties. There is also a fitness center attached and a very vibrant community center to book for events and classes.
Dive on in and enjoy the summer!