Family-friendly B&B in Tiburon

Hi, We're looking for a nice place to stay in or near Tiburon that would be friendly to a 6 month old. We're planning a night on Angel Island, and thought we might want a cushier night either the day before or after, close by. jm

Day trips for swimming in Marin

Can anyone suggest a place to go swimming for the day in Marin? A friend from Portland will be visiting Marin soon and would like to take her sons (ages 8 and 12) swimming. Of course, there are the beaches, but she'd prefer either lakes or pools. I just don't know what's available in Marin that might be similar to what the East Bay Regional Parks offer. Thanks.

Pools: Somewhat limited choices unless member of a club, but there are a few pools at schools: Dominican University in San Rafael has a really nice, new pool/athletic facility that non-affiliated people can use during certain hours (don't know the hours off hand).

College of Marin in Kentfield also has a big pool, but I think it may be restricted to students/faculty during the academic year. Definitely open during the summer until mid-August. Can be crowded in late afternoons on hot days, and very little shade, but otherwise not many people seem to know about it. We go there with our two kids, 4 and 1, quite often.

Drake High School in San Anselmo. never used the pool, but I know there is one with I think public programs.

McNear's Beach in China Camp State Park, San Rafael. There is both a pool and a swimming beach. Have to pay for parking and to use the pool, but it's a nice place. Great for picnics, lots of grass and playground. My husband and I had our pre-wedding party there. I think it's busy on weekends, but nice during the week.

Beaches: McNear's (see above) Drake's Beach near Pt. Reyes. Absolutely beautiful spot, with a small museum and restaurant. Water is cold, of course, as it is anywhere, but great flat sandy beach that stretches for a mile or two. We love going there, especially in winter. Gretchen

We live in Marin County, and can recommend Angel Island as another fine place to go with kids, for hiking, biking, or just a picnic. You can get there via ferry from Tiburon.

Speaking of the Tiburon - Angel Island ferry... they run sunset cruises around the Bay on the weekends, at least during the summer. You bring your own dinner and watch the sunset as the ferry takes you around Belvedere Island, past Strawberry, Sausalito, and Alcatraz, under the Bay Bridge, and back to Tiburon. Duff

Dillon Beach

Holliday

Green Gulch Zen Center

Re: Weekend of solitude for mom

Green Gulch Zen Center is beautiful, peaceful, and while there are people around, no one expects you to talk. You can walk to Muir Beach, they provide the meals and lodging and meditation center if you want to meditate. If you rent a place at Sea Ranch, you will be totally alone, just you and the sea and trees. There is also the Vedanta Center in Olema. monica

Directions:
FROM SOUTH OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE Just after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, take the first exit off Highway 101 at Alexander Avenue. Once you exit Highway 101 there are two approaches to the Center:

1) SCENIC ROUTE
Stay to your left and follow the signs for Highway 101 South (this will bring you under the freeway to the other side). Just before the entrance to the bridge, look for Conzelman Road on your right with signs for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and Marin Headlands. Follow this road until it forks at McCullough Road. Stay right at the fork, heading downhill and inland. Turn left at Bunker Road at the bottom of the hill. Follow Bunker Road past the stables and cross over Rodeo Lagoon. (Follow directions below to HOSPITAL)

2) TUNNEL APPROACH
Stay to your right and follow Alexander Avenue as if you are heading into Sausalito. Turn left after approximately 100 yards there will be a Marin Headlands sign. Follow road and stay to the left. Wait for signal and enter tunnel. This is Bunker Road. Follow Bunker Road past the stables and cross over Rodeo Lagoon. (Follow directions below to HOSPITAL)

To reach the hospital: About halfway past the lagoon, you will see a small road heading uphill on your right with the Marine Mammal Center sign displayed. Take the right fork and head up the hill.

Duff