Skip to content
China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park

ExploreSan Rafael, North Bay4.6/5

About This Place

A 1,514-acre park along San Pablo Bay with 15 miles of trails, beaches, and a historic 19th-century Chinese fishing village. The easy Turtle Back Nature Trail offers educational panels about the ecosystem, and the Shoreline Trail is stroller-friendly.

Info

Age Range

2-5, 5-8, 8-12

Venue Type

Outdoor

Price Level

$

Best Time

Spring and fall for comfortable hiking weather; August for Heritage Day

Parking

$5 day-use parking fee. Multiple staging areas available.

Tips

Turtle Back Nature Trail is only 3/4 mile with interpretive panels, perfect for young kids. Chinese-American Heritage Day each August features activities for children.

Stroller FriendlyChanging Station--Dining On Site--Reservation Needed--

Tags

state-parkhikinghistorybeachnature
Official Website

Location

San Rafael, North BayGet Directions

Pack for a Water Day

Handpicked for this kind of outing — including a few things families usually wish they'd packed.

SEEKWAY Barefoot Water Shoes for Kids - Wide Toe Box and Quick-Dry Sand Shoes Toddler for Hiking Swim Beach Pool Kayak Sport Accessories, Camping Essentials Non-Slip for Boys Girls Sizes

SEEKWAY Barefoot Water Shoes for Kids - Wide Toe Box and Quick-Dry Sand Shoes Toddler for Hiking Swim Beach Pool Kayak Sport Accessories, Camping Essentials Non-Slip for Boys Girls Sizes

View on Amazon

Stylish Hooded Beach Towel for Kids - Soft Cotton Poncho for Toddlers 3-6

Stylish Hooded Beach Towel for Kids - Soft Cotton Poncho for Toddlers 3-6

View on Amazon

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch, Waterproof Phone Case, Black&Green 2-Pack

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch, Waterproof Phone Case, Black&Green 2-Pack

View on Amazon

Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers, Size 6+, 15 Count, Disposable Swim Diapers, Contains Mess, No Swell

Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers, Size 6+, 15 Count, Disposable Swim Diapers, Contains Mess, No Swell

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, kidsbayarea.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability shown are as of the last update and may change.

Similar Places

Elkhorn Slough Safari

Elkhorn Slough Safari

explore
Moss Landing4.8

A family-friendly 90-minute pontoon boat tour through Elkhorn Slough wetlands featuring playful sea otters, curious seals, and dozens of bird species. A trained naturalist narrates, and complimentary binoculars and refreshments are provided.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoor$$
boat-tourwildlifesea-otterswetlandsnature
Kirby Cove Campground

Kirby Cove Campground

explore
Sausalito4.8

An incredibly scenic campground with just 5 sites directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. A small beach offers stunning bridge views. Most sought-after camping near SF.

5-8, 8-12Outdoor$
campinggolden-gate-bridgebeachscenicunique

Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths

explore
San Francisco4.8

A spectacular 1.3-mile coastal trail with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, mysterious Sutro Baths ruins, and hidden shipwrecks visible at low tide. The Visitor Center has restrooms, maps, and a cafe for families to refuel.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoorfree
hikingscenicgolden-gate-bridgeruinscoastal
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

explore
Monterey4.8

One of the world's best aquariums with breathtaking exhibits including a massive kelp forest, sea otter exhibit, and Open Sea tank. The Splash Zone area is designed specifically for toddlers with touchpools and interactive play.

All AgesIndoor$$$
aquariumoceanottersday-tripworld-class