Sonoma and Marin - Coyote Ridge Trail to Dillon Beach

It’s fun to think about special places and I know I never really had this feeling fully until I moved from LA to the Bay Area in 1990. I will always love the beaches of LA (Venice and Santa Monica), but they don’t compare to all that is available to us up here in the Bay Area.

For my time in Marin County, I would say all of Mt Tam, but especially Coyote Ridge Trail. It was easy to get to from our house on Laurel Way and I spent endless hours hiking up there, solo and with friends…but mostly by myself. I spent a LOT of time hiking up there when I was going through breast cancer treatment and I found it healing and rejuvenating.

Since moving to Sonoma County, I feel that I haven’t explored nearly as much as I would like, and part of that is having dogs. There are a lot of beautiful places and parks, but they don’t allow dogs, and if I’m going to get out to exercise, I want them to, also! So, I’d have to say Dillon Beach has become my favorite “go to” spot. The dogs can run free and I can enjoy a beautiful 4 mile walk along the water to the mouth of Tomalas Bay, which is a glorious view, and never disappoints. I try to get out there a few times a week during the week when there really aren’t many people out there.

- RH