PERFECT PICNIC SPOTS

As the temperatures start to climb, so does the allure of feasting alfresco. Given Marin’s embarrassment of outdoor riches, it’s no surprise that opportunities to partake in the most leisurely of meals — a picnic — abound here. Sure, you can hike and bike

SHORE THING

At Tomales Bay State Park, the sheltered location of Heart’s Desire Beach makes it an idyllic spot. Other draws? You can wade or swim in the shallow water, which is safer and usually warmer than at other area beaches. The amenities include restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and charcoal grills. And the parking lot is mere steps from the beach, so you don’t have to haul your gear very far. Should you tire of sitting or lying out in the sun, there are also hiking trails in the vicinity, and Heart’s Desire Beach is a popular kayak launch site.

Good to know: When it comes time to eat, a little elevation — like a folding table — will help avoid ingesting sand with every bite. A large umbrella can act as a sunshade or windbreak. If you’ve got a large group (up to 75), for a fee, you can reserve a table at the Vista Point Group Picnic Area, above Heart’s Desire Beach.

Getting there: 1100 Pierce St. Point Road, Inverness.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS

At 620 feet, the top of Old St. Hilary’s Open Space Nature Preserve in Tiburon comes with quite the reward: a serene setting with 360-degree vistas. Lay down your blanket and spread, and then maybe follow up your repast with a nap. The 122-acre preserve is indeed home to a namesake Carpenter Gothic chapel, with a botanical garden. Keep your eye out for the very rare Tiburon jewelflower, a dark maroon bloom that is part of the mustard family, and typically appears mid-May to mid-June on Vistazo Fire Road. (The preserve has two official trails; the one that includes Vistazo is not connected to the ridgetop trail.)

Good to know: The trails are not shaded, so sunscreen and hats are advisable. The church is open Sundays, 1-4 p.m., April through October, and hosts a concert series. Add a little culture to your excursion and grab tickets to performances by Musae (May 21) and Hiroya Tsukamoto (June 11).

Getting there: Vistazo Street West, Belvedere Tiburon

INTO THE WOODS

You’ll find some of Marin’s largest coast redwood trees at Roy’s Redwoods Preserve — without the Muir Woods-esque crowds. In a past life, Roy’s was inhabited by members of a commune, and it also served as a location for George Lucas’ 1984 TV movie “The Ewok Adventure.” Equestrians, dog walkers, cyclists, joggers and hikers alike now take advantage of its trails. Spend some time traipsing through the redwood grove before setting up a picnic in the grassy meadow.

Good to know: There’s no drinking water on the premises, nor are there any picnic tables. Bring binoculars for bird-watching, like daytime sightings of pileated woodpeckers and black-throated gray warblers; early mornings and evenings bring out the barn and great horned owls.

Getting there: Nicasio Valley Road, Woodacre

ISLAND TIME

Pack your picnic basket and then hop on a ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon to Angel Island State Park. A brief walk from the ferry dock is Ayala Cove, whose lawn area includes picnic tables and charcoal barbecue grills. For large groups (35 to 200), there are a handful of picnic areas on the island that can be reserved for a fee, including three near Ayala Cove. There’s no shortage of things to see and do, such as Camp Reynolds (with Civil War military structures), Immigration Station, bike or kayak rentals, hiking and tram tours.

Good to know: If you need further sustenance — ice cream or more drinks, perhaps — there’s the Angel Island Cafe and Cantina. Wood fires are not permitted. And charcoal is not sold on the island, so if you’re planning to grill, make sure it’s on your checklist of things to bring.

Getting there: Ferry from Tiburon: 21 Main St. (www.angelislandferry.com); ferry from San Francisco: Purchase tickets at Pier 39; depart Pier 41 (www.blueandgoldfleet.com)

HISTORIC HEIGHTS

The half-mile adventure to Point Bonita Lighthouse, situated at the southwest tip of the Marin Headlands, 124 feet above the sea, is dotted with attractions — including rare pillow basalt rock formations, wartime relics, wildflowers galore and a small museum. Accessing the lighthouse, which dates back to 1855 and is still active, requires traversing a steep dirt trail, hand-carved tunnel (open 12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturdays through Mondays) and suspension bridge. Battery Wallace, along Conzelman Drive, offers a prime picnicking site, complete with tables, grills and spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Good to know: Be sure to bring water, as there isn’t any available for drinking or cleaning. With the wind and fog, wearing layers is recommended, as is a thermos filled with your favorite hot beverage.

Getting there: Point Bonita Trailhead, Sausalito