Best lakes around Strawberry, California, are primarily found within the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly in Marin County. This region is characterized by its coastal wetlands, estuaries, and proximity to significant natural and historical landmarks. The area offers diverse water bodies, from tidal marshes to freshwater lakes, providing varied outdoor experiences. It serves as a gateway to exploring the unique ecosystems of the Bay.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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While navigating the switchbacks here on Sunset Trail, enjoy rewarding views of Golden Gate, Richardson Bay, and Tiburon. The best views are on the corners of the switchbacks, and on some corners there are little wooden benches to sit on and take a break.
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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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Small park with a waterfront path that has benches for soaking in the views!
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On Shaver Grade Road, you get to ride along the incredibly blue waters of Phoenix Lake.
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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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Great overlook to the north and west, with Golden Gate, Richardson Bay and Tiburon views
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The Strawberry area in Marin County, California, offers a diverse range of water bodies. You can explore tidal wetlands, freshwater lakes, and marsh preserves. These include significant natural reserves like Bothin Marsh Preserve, as well as historical sites with adjacent water features like the Palace of Fine Arts 🏛️.
Visitors particularly appreciate Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing, which provides access to the car-free Angel Island with trails for hikers and bikers. Another favorite is Phoenix Lake, known for its emerald/blue waters and trails leading to other lakes and Mt Tamalpais State Park. The Palace of Fine Arts 🏛️, with its tranquil adjacent lake, is also a popular spot.
Yes, there are many opportunities for hiking and cycling. Angel Island, accessible via Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing, is car-free and features trails for both hikers and bikers. Phoenix Lake offers trails that connect to other lakes and Mt Tamalpais State Park. Additionally, the Bothin Marsh Preserve has paved paths suitable for cycling, like the Sausalito-Mill Valley bike path. For more detailed routes, you can explore running trails, road cycling routes, and MTB trails in the area.
While some lakes are reservoirs or preserves, specific information on wild swimming or kayaking is not detailed for all. However, areas like Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing allow private boats to moor, suggesting water access. For specific regulations on swimming or kayaking, it's best to check with local park authorities for each lake.
The region is rich in natural features, especially in its wetlands and estuaries. At Bothin Marsh Preserve, you can observe endangered species, shorebirds, and waterfowl in its tidal wetlands. Remillard Park 🌳, located at the mouth of the Corte Madera Creek estuary, is excellent for nature observation, offering views of Mt Tamalpais and diverse birdlife.
Yes, several spots are considered family-friendly. Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing provides access to Angel Island, which is car-free and safe for families to explore by foot or bike. The Palace of Fine Arts 🏛️ with its adjacent lake is a beautiful and tranquil spot for families. Remillard Park 🌳 also offers a family-friendly environment with its loop trail and nature observation opportunities.
Yes, Bothin Marsh Preserve is noted as wheelchair accessible, with paved paths like the Sausalito-Mill Valley bike path running through the marsh, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs.
Absolutely. The Palace of Fine Arts 🏛️, a monumental structure originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, features a beautiful adjacent lake and is a significant historical landmark. Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing provides access to Angel Island, which has a rich history as a hunting ground for native tribes, a Spanish explorers' stop, an immigration station, and a military defense site.
The region's coastal climate generally makes it pleasant year-round. However, for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and fall often offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer is also popular, especially for water-related activities, but can be busier. Winter provides a quieter experience, though some trails might be wet.
While specific dog policies vary by location, many outdoor areas in Marin County are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on leash. It's recommended to check the specific rules for each park or preserve, such as Angel Island State Park or the Marin County Open Space District, before visiting with your dog.
The Strawberry area is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly Marin County, which is well-developed. You'll find various cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options in nearby towns like Mill Valley, Sausalito, and Tiburon, which are all easily accessible from the lake areas.
Phoenix Lake is renowned for its strikingly emerald/blue waters. It's a drinking water reservoir that also serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails extending in northern, western, and southern directions to other lakes in the watershed and to the peaks of Mt Tamalpais State Park.
Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing is the primary access point to Angel Island, the largest island in San Francisco Bay. The island is car-free, offering a unique environment for hikers and bikers to explore its extensive trails. It holds significant historical importance, having served various roles from a native gathering site to an immigration station and military post.


Still not found your perfect lake around Strawberry? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.