Top 20 Lakes around Tiburon
Best lakes around Tiburon, California, are primarily features of the San Francisco Bay and its immediate surroundings. Situated on a peninsula in Marin County, the area offers diverse bodies of water, including lagoons and tidal wetlands. These natural and man-made features provide various recreational and natural experiences. The region is characterized by its proximity to the bay and its unique coastal landscape.
Best lakes around Tiburon
- The most popular lakes is Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing, a facilities area that serves as a landing for ferries to Angel Island State Park. This car-free island offers trails for hikers and bikers, with private boats able to moor at the pier.
- Another must-see spot is Aquatic Park Beach, a beach and historical site. Its sandy beach is known for open water swimming and is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
- Visitors also love Palace of Fine Arts ποΈ, a man-made monument with a lagoon. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, it offers a tranquil setting and is a notable historical site.
- Tiburon is known for its bay-side features, lagoons, and tidal wetlands. These include both natural inlets and man-made water bodies, offering a variety of environments to explore.
- The lakes around Tiburon are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and over 40 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Stow Lake - Golden Gate Park
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Aquatic Park Beach
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Its sandy beach is one of the cleanest in the state and best places to take an open water swim close to Downtown. There are showers as well as two boat/swim clubs which are open to the public for about $10 to use showers/saunas and change rooms, a municipal pier, restrooms, concessions stand, stadia, and two speaker towers.
The District's San Francisco Maritime Museum building was built as a bathhouse in 1936 by the WPA; in Streamline Moderne style, its interior is decorated with fantastic and colorful murals. The Steamship Room illustrates the evolution of maritime technology from wind to steam, and there are displays of lithographic stones, scrimshaw, and whaling guns and photo-murals of San Francisco's early waterfront. A visiting-attractions gallery hosts exhibitions.
In front of the Maritime Museum is a man-made lagoon on the site of the former Black Point Cove. To the west is the horseshoe-shaped Municipal Pier, which was voted SFWeekly's Best Place to Go Fish 2009. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatic_Park_Historic_District
nps.gov/safr/planyourvisit/aquaticparkcove.htm
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Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing
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Hellman Meadow and Lloyd Lake
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Bothin Marsh Preserve
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For more info, check out: marincountyparks.org/depts/pk/divisions/open-space/bothin-marsh
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The Angel Island Ferry Landing in Ayala Cove offers regular passenger ferry service to Tiburon and San Francisco. The Angel Island to Tiburon Ferry provides a 15-minute crossing of the Racoon Strait to the Tiburon Ferry Terminal. The island is car-free, providing safe trails to hikers and bikers. Unlike the Tiburon and Sausalito ferry piers, private boats can moor at Ayala Cove Pier under Angel Island State Park's rules. Late in the day, lines can grow long, and on busy dates, visitors may be left waiting at the pier when the ferry reaches capacity.
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This island is the largest in San Francisco Bay, with a long history. It has been a hunting and gathering location for the local native tribes, a haven and supply stop for Spanish explorers, a cattle ranch, a place to process hundreds of thousands of immigrants, and a refuge for the military dating back to the Civil War era, up to the 1960s. The island's transition into a California State Park took over to protect the remains of the former immigration and quarantine stations, as well as military defense installations, and allow visitors to enjoy this beautiful hidden gem surrounded by the urban Bay area. Ayala Cove is the landing area for Angel Island State Park and is only accessible by ferry. It is a passage from Tiburon or a longer ride from San Francisco. From here, the entire island is car-free and reserved for hikers and bikers to explore this fantastic island.
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Hellman Meadow is hosting the annual "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" festival, on the first long weekend of October on some 5 stages of free live music in Golden Gate Park, financed since 20 years before his death with a foundation grant by angel investor Warren Hellman, who loved music.
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Really nice park π
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Landing of the short ferry from Tiburon or the longer ride from San Francisco. From here the entire island is car-free, reserved for hikers and bikers.
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Quaint small lake fed by a stream pumped uphill and descending as an artificial waterfall. Across the street from Hellman's Hollow, the meadow hosting the annual "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" festival, on the first long weekend of October on some 5 stages of free live music in Golden Gate Park, financed with a foundation grant by Warren Hellman, who loved music.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of water bodies can I explore around Tiburon?
Around Tiburon, you'll find a diverse range of water bodies, including lagoons, tidal wetlands, and bay-side features. These include natural inlets like Belvedere Lagoon and the tidal wetlands of Bothin Marsh Preserve, as well as man-made features such as the lagoon at the Palace of Fine Arts ποΈ and the protected cove at Aquatic Park Beach.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks near the water bodies?
Yes, several water bodies are associated with significant historical and cultural sites. Aquatic Park Beach is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and features a historic bathhouse. Palace of Fine Arts ποΈ, with its tranquil lagoon, was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Additionally, Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing is the gateway to Angel Island State Park, which has a rich history as a hunting ground, supply stop, immigration station, and military defense site.
What natural features and viewpoints can I find near Tiburon's water bodies?
The region offers various natural features and viewpoints. Ayala Cove on Angel Island provides panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Bothin Marsh Preserve is a vital tidal wetland habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl, offering opportunities for wildlife observation. Belvedere Lagoon is known for its scenic views and tranquil escape. Even Aquatic Park Beach offers views of the bay and Alcatraz.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes and water bodies around Tiburon?
Visitors particularly enjoy the peaceful settings and scenic beauty. Many appreciate the opportunity for open water swimming at places like Aquatic Park Beach, despite the cool water. The car-free environment of Angel Island, accessible via Ayala Cove, is highly valued for hiking and biking. The historical significance and architectural beauty of sites like the Palace of Fine Arts ποΈ also draw many visitors.
Are there family-friendly water bodies or activities around Tiburon?
Yes, several locations are great for families. Aquatic Park Beach is popular with families and kids for swimming on warm days, offering amenities like restrooms and concessions. Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing leads to Angel Island, which is car-free and safe for family hikes and bike rides. Palace of Fine Arts ποΈ provides a tranquil setting for a family stroll, and Hellman Meadow and Lloyd Lake in Golden Gate Park offer a peaceful environment.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible areas near Tiburon's water bodies?
Yes, Bothin Marsh Preserve is wheelchair accessible. Paved paths, such as the Sausalito-Mill Valley bike path, run through the marsh, making it easy to observe wildlife and enjoy the natural environment.
Can I go swimming in any of the water bodies around Tiburon?
Yes, Aquatic Park Beach is well-known for open water swimming. Its sandy beach is considered one of the cleanest in the state, and it's popular with hardy swimmers year-round. Showers and changing facilities are available nearby.
What outdoor activities can I do near these water bodies?
The area around Tiburon offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including the 'Angel Island Perimeter Road' and 'Paradise Beach County Park β Tiburon Linear Park Bike Trail loop'. For mountain biking, trails like 'Mount Tamalpais & Coastal Trail loop' are available. Running enthusiasts can explore routes such as 'North Ridge and Sunset Trail Loop' and 'Richardson Bay Park loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Tiburon, Cycling around Tiburon, and Running Trails around Tiburon guides.
Are there hiking trails near the water bodies around Tiburon?
Absolutely. Angel Island, accessible via Ayala Cove, is car-free and offers many trails for hikers. The Bothin Marsh Preserve also features paved paths suitable for walks. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like 'North Ridge and Sunset Trail Loop' or 'Richardson Bay Park loop' which are detailed in the Running Trails around Tiburon guide, many of which are also suitable for hiking.
Is there a good time of year to visit the lakes and water bodies near Tiburon?
The Tiburon area, being largely surrounded by San Francisco Bay, offers pleasant conditions for visiting its water bodies throughout much of the year. While the Pacific Ocean water is consistently cool, sunny days, particularly in summer and early fall, are ideal for activities like swimming at Aquatic Park Beach. The mild climate generally makes hiking and cycling enjoyable in spring and fall as well. Winter can bring more rain, but many trails and sites remain accessible.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth exploring?
While not a 'hidden gem' in the traditional sense, Bothin Marsh Preserve is a quieter inlet at the north end of Richardson Bay. It's a vital habitat for endangered species and a resting ground for many shorebirds and waterfowl, offering a peaceful natural experience away from more crowded areas. Belvedere Lagoon also provides a tranquil escape with scenic views, known for its fishing opportunities.
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