Recent downturns in the economy have many of us searching for inexpensive ways to entertain ourselves. We had intended to do a weekend road trip last Saturday, but after an audit of our finances we decided to downsize our adventures. Years ago when our four children were little my wife became an expert on creating maximum entertainment from little dollars.We headed to one of her favorite destinations, McNear's Beach Park, this time sans kids.
McNear's Beach is a well maintained park with large areas of grass and rocky beach. There are lots of picnic tables and benches in the shade. Included in the admission price are nice amenities like tennis courts, restrooms, snack-bar, fishing pier and a small arcade. On weekends it costs $10 a day per car. If you go often a season pass is $75. Use of the pool is $5 extra. Groups can reserve large picnic areas.
Views from the fishing pier
Palm tree picnic site and pool
Since our destination was spontaneous we had not packed food. We stopped at Fresh Coffee and Sandwiches , a hole in the wall joint, in San Rafael. We tried the pork and chicken banh mi sandwiches. Not really authentic, but tasty nonetheless. In the future when we go I will bring chairs and a small barbecue like so many others did. People and food watching are fantastic here! The smell of our neighbors' barbecue was seductive. I would also encourage bringing sunscreen, hats and layers of clothes. The park is located on the Bay so weather can change rapidly.
Chicken and pork Banh Mi sandwiches
McNear's Beach is a well maintained park with large areas of grass and rocky beach. There are lots of picnic tables and benches in the shade. Included in the admission price are nice amenities like tennis courts, restrooms, snack-bar, fishing pier and a small arcade. On weekends it costs $10 a day per car. If you go often a season pass is $75. Use of the pool is $5 extra. Groups can reserve large picnic areas.
Views from the fishing pier
Palm tree picnic site and pool
Since our destination was spontaneous we had not packed food. We stopped at Fresh Coffee and Sandwiches , a hole in the wall joint, in San Rafael. We tried the pork and chicken banh mi sandwiches. Not really authentic, but tasty nonetheless. In the future when we go I will bring chairs and a small barbecue like so many others did. People and food watching are fantastic here! The smell of our neighbors' barbecue was seductive. I would also encourage bringing sunscreen, hats and layers of clothes. The park is located on the Bay so weather can change rapidly.
Chicken and pork Banh Mi sandwiches
7 comments:
I've never been to that park. Must be the entrance fee that's putting me off.
Glad you had a nice picnic! I've wanted to try those banh mi from that joint. (And now that I'm sneaking gluten into my diet, I can.)
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cookiecrumb- Me thinks this would be a great location for a blogger picnic.
What an interesting park concept. I hope more parks don't adopt the pay-as-you-go mentality, however.
Zoomie- they have always charged at this park.Worth the price for us.
Greg, I'm glad that you had a great time at the beach. That is one good way to have fun without spending too much.
Parks are the usual destination for our family. My wife adores nature- the trees, hiking, and the serenity that it brings.
Sounds like hitting the beach could be another great option. Thanks for sharing!
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