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Strawberry

Top 13 Lakes around Strawberry

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.

Best lakes around Strawberry

  • The most popular lakes is Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing, a facilities area that offers regular passenger ferry service to Tiburon and San Francisco. This location provides access to Angel Island, which is car-free and features trails for hikers and bikers.
  • Another must-see spot is Phoenix Lake, a lake known for its emerald/blue waters. Visitors can ride along its shores and access trails leading to other lakes in the watershed and Mt Tamalpais State Park.
  • Visitors also love Palace of Fine Arts 🏛️, a man-made monument with an adjacent lake. This structure was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and offers a tranquil escape.
  • Strawberry is known for tidal wetlands, freshwater lakes, and marsh preserves. The area provides a variety of water bodies to see and explore, from natural reserves to historical sites with water features.
  • The lakes around Strawberry are appreciated by the komoot community, with 27 upvotes and 34 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: June 24, 2026

Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing

Highlight • Rest Area

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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Bothin Marsh Preserve

Highlight • Natural

This 106-acre preserve incorporates a 2-acre tidal wetland that’s a small reminder of the vast salt marshes that once surrounded San Francisco Bay. A quiet inlet at the north end of Richardson Bay, surrounded by cordgrass and pickleweed, it’s home to several endangered species and many shorebirds and waterfowl rest and feed here. The Sausalito-Mill Valley bike path, and the branch to Tennessee Valley/Mt Tam, are paved through the marsh.

For more info, check out: marincountyparks.org/depts/pk/divisions/open-space/bothin-marsh

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Remillard Park 🌳

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great nature observation in this waterfront park with a 1 mile gravel loop trail along the Larkspur inlet/Corte Madera Creek estuary offering stunning views of Mt Tamalpais

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Phoenix Lake

Highlight • Lake

On Shaver Grade Road, you get to ride along the incredibly blue waters of Phoenix Lake.

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Sunset Trail lookout

Highlight • Viewpoint

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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Popular around Strawberry

Hiking around Strawberry

Cycling around Strawberry

Road Cycling Routes around Strawberry

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Tips from the Community

Eric Cross
August 10, 2025, Phoenix Lake

log cabin at phoenix lake

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Alex
September 10, 2024, Sunset Trail lookout

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of lakes and water bodies can I explore around Strawberry, California?

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 🏛️.

What are some of the most appreciated lakes in the Strawberry area by visitors?

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.

Are there opportunities for hiking or cycling near the lakes around Strawberry?

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.

Can I go wild swimming or kayaking in the lakes around Strawberry?

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.

What kind of wildlife or natural features can I expect to see near these lakes?

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.

Are there family-friendly lakes or activities available in the Strawberry area?

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.

Are any of the lake areas around Strawberry accessible for wheelchairs?

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.

Are there any historical sites or unique landmarks associated with the lakes?

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.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Strawberry?

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.

Are there dog-friendly trails or areas near the lakes?

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.

Where can I find cafes or accommodation near the lakes in Strawberry?

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.

What makes Phoenix Lake a notable destination?

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.

What is the significance of Ayala Cove and Angel Island?

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.

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

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