Family-Friendly Napa Neighbor: Tennessee Beach

So maybe calling Tennessee Beach a Napa neighbor is a bit of a stretch, but it’s only about an hour drive from the town of Napa.

Located near Mill Valley over in Marin County, this spectacular beach offers a wonderful all-day experience for the entire family.

First, while driving through the cute Mill Valley downtown we stopped at the Mill Valley Market to pick up a simple lunch of sandwiches and fruit. We did not go for our usual feast of charcuterie, cheeses, salads, and baguettes as it is a 1.7 mile hike from the parking lot to the beach–and packing along our big picnic basket didn’t sound like fun.

The Tennessee Valley is just a short drive from downtown Mill Valley.

At the trailhead is a large, free parking lot with restroom facilities. The facilities are not the greatest though (think hole-in-the-ground toilets and no sinks). I longed for hand wipes and hand sanitizer.

Note: These are the only facilities but for one nasty portapotty located mid-way down the trail (so I probably don’t need to tell you to have everyone go before you hit the trail).

Then, the trail starts out as a paved road but quickly becomes a well-maintained gravel path. We saw many families with strollers and did end up wishing we’d brought ours.

Note: You will need a jogging stroller or one with air-filled tires, not an umbrella-type with the hard wheels. And wear hiking boots or good walking shoes.

The scenery is beautiful; you’ll see mountains, meadows, native plants, and wildlife.

Be sure to watch for this sign, located about half-way up the trail:

Here’s a close up:

Take the trail that’s immediately to the right of the sign above, not the trail to the far right of this sign–even though a sign over there says:

We found out the hard way that the trail to the immediate right (aka The Lower Trail) is much easier than the one to the far right. But if you are looking for a slightly more rigorous hike, by all means try it out.

Just as Samantha tired out–just before the trail reaches the beach, is a striking fresh water pond.

Then, a few hundred feet beyond the pond the trail finally opens onto the beach.

The beach is not fine sand, but rather dark pebbles that are a bit hard on the feet.

Note: Bring flip flops or water shoes.

There is a small creek running from the pond to the ocean. With its mellow waves, warmer temperatures, and smooth sea-tossed rocks, the creek is a wonderful spot for the kids to explore and play.

On the day of our visit, the weather was perfect. Later, upon returning home, we found out that it was 100 degrees in Napa.

If you’re not familiar with summertime California weather patterns, it’s generally quite cool (to cold!) along the coast, particularly as you get closer to San Francisco. Of course the hotter it is inland, the hotter it is at the coast. In general, plan for the coastal temperatures to be anywhere from 10-15 degrees cooler than inland.

Note: Due to these variable temperatures, bring layers.

As the waves are too powerful–and the water too cold–there is no swimming. But it is fun to dip your toes into the surf. Be careful as the tide can be a bit unpredictable. As the saying goes, never turn your back on the ocean.

On the hike back, we found the entrance to The Lower Trail. You can see below how much easier it is than the trail we took heading in.

Here’s a recap of what we didn’t bring that we wish we had:

• Flip flops/water shoes for the beach
• Stroller
• Hand wipes and sanitizer
• Backpacks–not handle bags like we had
• Cool water in the car for the return trip

Of course, bring all the usual items for a hike and a day at the beach including good shoes, sunscreen, hats, blankets, towels, buckets, lunch, snacks, bag for trash, etc.

Who: All ages

What: A family day at the beach

Where:
From the North:
South on highway 101
Take the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 exit
Follow Shoreline Hwy until you see the Tennessee Valley Road sign (the turn off will be on the left )

When: Particularly wonderful during those hot, hot days we get in Napa/inland Bay Area, but the coast is amazing anytime of year

Why: To see the ocean, to get outdoors, to exercise, and to spend time together

Note: No dogs.

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