San Rafael Parks and Open Spaces

San Rafael has several parks and groomed open spaces that can be reserved or are available on a first-come, first-served basis for picnics, barbeques, family events, and parties. Some of the parks are considered community parks: Albert Park, Boyd Park, Pickleweed Park and the Terra Linda Recreational Center.

There are several neighborhood parks and mini-parks such as Bret Harte Park, Boyd Park, Sun Valley Park, Oleander Park, Victor Jones Park, Peacock Gap Park and Gerstle Park. Gerstle Park is also a historic and walkable neighborhood south of First Street close to central Downtown.

Civic Center Lagoon Park has a vast open space by the water and is across from the Marin Civic Center. It’s a nice gentle walk around the lagoon with shady or open spaces to rest in. You get a nice view of the Civic Center.

Dog Park

Field of Dogs is located centrally on 794 Civic Center Drive. There’s a large space to run around and burn up energy, and plenty of toys for the dogs to play with.

Reservations Required

These parks have picnic areas that need reservations if you’d like to use them.

• Boyd Park has a museum, picnic tables, tennis court, and playground.
• Freitas Park has a water play area, amphitheater seating, and a playground.
• Gerstle Park is equipped with picnic tables, barbeques, multiple group picnic areas (capacity up to 100), basketball court, tennis court and a brand-new multiage playground.
• Pickleweed Park has a sports field, picnic tables, and playground.
• Santa Margarita Park’s group picnic area takes 20-25 people. There’s a tennis court and a new playground.
• Sun Valley Park has a group picnic area, picnic tables, basketball court, volleyball court, and a playground.
• Terra Linda Park has picnic tables, a playground, and basketball courts.
• Victor Jones Park has a larger group picnic area that can accommodate 35, a baseball diamond, basketball courts, and a playground.

No Reservations Needed

Eating areas and sports fields in the parks listed below are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Bret Harte has picnic tables, basketball courts, and upgraded playgrounds.
• Oleander Park has picnic tables and a playground.                                   .
• Russom Park has access to open space.
• Schoen Park has a playground.

China Camp State Park

This large 1,648-acre bayside regional park is located just outside of San Rafael and got its name from a Chinese fishing village that once flourished there. There is a preserved fisherman’s cottage and more artifacts in the China Camp Museum.  Check the Parks site as this camp's facilities may be reduced due to state budget cuts.