Rodeo Beach050

Rodeo Beach is another dramatic Marin beach, less family-friendly than Muir Beach and Stinson Beach, but with its own charms. Its biggest plus, however, may be its huge parking lot; if you're turned away from Muir Beach because the lot is full (and it happens more than we'd like), try Rodeo. The beach is open and windy and the surf rough, which is why Rodeo is popular with surfers. On a calm day, adults and older kids might venture into chilly water but most days the waves make the prospect too daunting. The beach shelves off steeply into deep water, making it better for strolling and sand play than for swimming. The north end of Rodeo is carpeted with tiny, multicolored pebbles, polished by sand and surf and perfect for collecting. Look for the tiny orange ones; they're rare and pretty enough to be made into jewelry. Behind the beach is a large fresh-water lagoon that attracts many species of birds. Unfortunately, the water is contaminated so no swimming is allowed here. Hiking trails leading up from the beach take you into the Marin Headlands, over to the lighthouse at Point Bonita, or north along the coast to Muir Beach. You can also extend a day at the beach with a visit to the Marine Mammal Center to see the recuperating sea lions. Several old military observation posts on the surrounding bluffs make fascinating destinations for junior explorers. Also, just off the road to the beach is a former Nike missile site that has been preserved and is open as a museum.