McNears Beach Park

Directions

From Highway 101 in San Rafael, take exit 452 for Central San Rafael east. Take 2nd Street east, which merges into 3rd Street, and then turns into Point San Pedro Road. Follow Point San Pedro Road for 3.6 miles, turn right at 201 Cantera Way.

Parking

Park in the large public lot at the end of Cantera Way. 

Public Transit

• Golden Gate Highway and Transportation District [External]
• Marin Transit Trip Planner [External]

You can also dial 511 to find out about transit options from your location.

MCNEARS PARK

• Dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed, with the exception of dogs trained and used as service animals, as defined by the American with Disabilities Act. Individuals accompanying dogs are required to clean up and dispose of pet waste.
• Keep the park clean and litter-free. Use garbage cans provided, and carry out all your belongings.
• Keep the park peaceful. Loud noise and amplified music are not allowed.
• No smoking, campstoves, or campfires. Fires are only allowed within designated BBQ pits. Portable BBQs must be raised from the ground by at least two feet. Dispose of hot coals in cans.
• No camping or overnight stays.
• No firearms or weapons of any kind.
• Groups of 20 or more people must make a group reservation.
• Some park locations may require permits for commercial use, including tours, classes, camps, film, or photography. Learn about permit applications.
• Fishing is allowed subject to regulations of California Fish and Game, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Marin County Parks. No license required to fish from the pier. When fishing from the shore, a valid fishing license is required [External].
• Do not follow, approach, or feed wildlife.
• No operating or landing aircraft of any kind, including drones.

MCNEARS TENNIS/PICKLEBALL COURTS

• Open during regular park hours.
• Tennis and pickleball play only.
• Rubber-soled shoes only.
• No dogs are permitted in the park.
• First come, first serve. Play time is one hour or conclusion of set when others are waiting.
• Commercial use is not allowed. Violators will be asked to leave the courts..
• Tournaments and other special events require an approved Special Event Permit. Call (415) 473-7608 for more information.
• To report maintenance or hazardous conditions please contact McNears park rangers at (415) 446-4424 or complete an Incident Report.

Always listen to Parks staff. Rule violations can result in citation and fines. Read the official Parks regulations: Marin County Municipal Code Title 10.

Call (415) 473-6387 for more information regarding allowable types and use of mobility devices for people with qualified disabilities.

MIWOK VILLAGES

Before European settlers arrived, McNears Beach was home to Coast Miwok villages that thrived on the bounty of the bay. In 1775 Spanish explorers founded Mission San Rafael Arcángel nearby. Over the next 100 years, the Coast Miwok suffered from fighting and disease.

MEXICAN LAND GRANTS

After achieving independence from Spain, Mexico awarded vast tracts of American land. Timothy Murphy, an Irish settler who spoke fluent Spanish, gained Mexican citizenship and was viewed favorably by native tribes. He was granted 22,000 acres in 1844, and became the mayor of San Rafael. But at the end of his life he fell on hard times. After his death, the U. S. Land Commission denied Miwok tribes their claims to the land.

MCNEAR FAMILY INDUSTRIES

John and George McNear, brothers and local businessmen, acquired 700 acres of the lands in 1859. The McNear brothers built two houses, a stable, warehouse, and a general store. The family dairy was called the Marin Dell Milk Company. But the brothers feuded. John went on to acquire 2,440 acres in the area. During the 1880's, John and his son George McNear established a fashionable beach resort, called "The Glen", with a hotel, gardens, and dance hall. John partnered with his other son to create the McNear Brick Company. (This company is still in operation next to McNears Beach Park.) In 1955 the McNear family sold off parcels of land which became the nearby Glenwood and Peacock Gap neighborhoods.

PUBLIC PARK

In 1970, the County acquired 55 acres to create McNears Beach Park. The McNear brothers' original stable remains, and is now used as a Park Ranger office.

For more information about the history of McNears Beach visit:

• Marin History Museum [External]