Marin camp day
Head to Marin for a scenic hike, then relax at a campsite with fire and ~perhaps~ a boardgame. Plus, BONUS activity at the end if you’re looking for extra action at the end of the night (it’s definitely worth).
Pantoll Campground, Mt. Tam (Marin County)
About that fire
We’re all huge suckers for a great campfire, and Pantoll Campground is one of the best places to do it. Each campsite has 2-3 firepits (usually a rock formation style for cooking, grill, and a “trash can style” fire pit for communal roasting of marshmallows). You can’t go wrong with any of them, but for your romantic camp getaway, we recommend the trash can style since they’re usually next to seating (Pantoll Campground has benches / tables) and great for telling ghost stories. Before you head out, you’ll need to grab a few supplies from home or your nearest grocery store (Safeway has all the stuff):
Kindling (old newspapers, dryer lint, cotton balls all work great!)
Starter wood (we highly recommend Duraflame fatwood, lights up real quick and burns HOT!) - ~$11/box
Seasoned hardwood (the stuff that makes your fire LAST) - ~$9/box
Handy lighter OR if you’re a seasoned camping pro, a firestarter
Perhaps a board game! Honestly, going into board games probably requires an entire other article.. so I wrote a couple suggestions below that you can’t go wrong with.
S’mores materials OR your choice of campfire food (last I was there, it was Chicken Apple Gouda sausages)
Flashlight or headlamp! A must-have for any adventure.
Can’t go wrong with a blanket
A bit of cash (during business hours Pantoll Campground has a ~$8 parking fee, but if you go after the rangers leave, it’s free!)
If you’re brand new to firemaking, we got you. Checkout this great video from REI to get started, or just invite that one friend that goes backpacking every other week or that one other friend that was an eagle scout. We have faith in your firemaking abilities 🏕
The thing about board games
… is that there are literally thousands of great ones. But here’s some starters that you can’t go wrong with. Pick based on your style :)
Fun / easy to learn / party style: Sushi Go Party
Competitive friendship ender: Settlers of Catan
Watched Queen’s Gambit and now obsessed with chess, like me? Here’s the best portable wooden chess set I found on Etsy. It’s awesome and affordable AND it folds (so I bring it everywhere)
Let’s get down to business
Head over to Pantoll Campground! Here’s a handy google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/UJwDgosz2hsVurWn7
There’s a TON of hikes around. But we recommend the “Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Pantoll”. Here’s a handy AllTrails link with more details on the hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dipsea-trail-to-steep-ravine-trail-loop-from-pantoll. It’s mostly shaded but has some open segments with beautiful panoramic views. It also features some creeks, some easy (FUN) ladder climbing, and a waterfall. Gorgeous.
When you’ve had your fill of amazing views, waterfalls, and cute step ladder thingies (you’ll see what I mean on the trail), head back, choose an empty campsite, and make your fire. Now, cue board games, gossip, and whatever else one might do in front of an amazing glowing fire. If you did our Vodka Tasting in Sausalito nudge, I’ll also recommend a drink: 2 oz Hanson’s Habanero Vodka, 4 oz Mango Juice, top off with club soda. BAM.
And that’s it! Recipe for a perfect half day getaway. But look, I know you might want to go above and beyond. So I came prepared with a night time add-on…
If you want the perfect end to the evening…
Here’s what you do. Head over to In N Out at Fisherman’s Warf. Here’s a Google navigation link. Order your usual (mine is double double, animal style, grilled AND raw onions, extra sauce. What can I say, I like to live large…) and walk a couple blocks west to an AMAZING view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Here’s a map link to the spot. If you’re feeling the beach, kick off your shoes and nom on that juicy burg, or eat in the car. And to top it all off, here’s a soundtrack for your late night view.