Mt. Tam is a vast area with a lot of variety – open sky, famous vistas, sprawling California oak hills, dense pockets of redwood, and some unique Marin history. This little photo session gallery & location guide focuses on three distinct areas near the top of Tam – Rock Springs Trailhead, Cushing Amphitheater and the Bolinas Bay Vista.
General Info
- Indigenous history – Coast Miwok
- Mt. Tam Weather – NOAA Mt. Tam Point Forecast
- Golden Hour – Mill Valley Sunrise & Sunset Times
- Pronunciation – How to say “Mt. Tamalpais”
- Official Resource – Mount Tamalpais State Park
- Other Nearby Locations – The 6 Best Places for Family Photos in Marin
Mt. Tamalpais is central to the history, culture, and aesthetic of Marin and the broader Bay Area. It is also a wonderful place for a little family adventure and photographs.
Looking for sunshine during the foggy summer months?
One of the most unique things about Mt. Tam is the weather. Tam often sits above the Bay Area coastal fog! If you have seen a time-lapse photo (from above) of ethereal clouds engulfing Bay Area forests and ridgelines, it was likely shot from Mt. Tam.
Another important consideration when exploring Mt. Tam with your family is driving time. Despite being located right in the middle of Marin County, the narrow and windy labyrinth roads often mean more driving than expected. It’s worth it, but don’t be surprised.
Keep scrolling to find more information about specific photoshoot locations on Mt. Tam. The pictures I’ll share are from a Mill Valley family celebrating their 10 year wedding anniversary. It was a fun one!
Rock Springs Trailhead
Click for parking location & directions.
Rock Springs Trailhead is a nexus of Mt. Tam roads and trails. There is plenty of parking and public restrooms. This is a great family photo location if you are looking for that California golden grass feel.
There are some oak and pine forests in the area as well, but I prefer the forests near the Cushing Amphitheater if that’s the environment you are going for. There are also several sweeping San Francisco vistas accessible from the Rock Springs parking area.
Cushing Amphitheater
Click for the closest parking to the amphitheater.*
*Note that this parking area is extremely limited. You can also stick with the Rock Springs parking area and walk (10 minutes) via the Mountain Theatre Fire Road. There are restrooms available at the amphitheater.
The Cushing Memorial Amphitheater is historic and beautiful. Located in a fairly dense pine and oak forest, and with the extensive and striking stonework of the theatre seating, it has a magical feel, especially near sunrise and sunset.
For families from Marin, this is fun and easy family photo session location!
Bolinas Bay Vista
Click for parking location & directions.
Once you have witnessed Bolinas Bay Vista, you will begin noticing it in photographs everywhere. It is a famous viewpoint for a reason – its physical prominence paired with the sweeping coastline backdrop makes for a timeless composition.
This location has me breaking my own rule of never getting in the car mid-photo session. But Bolinas Vista is best at sunset, and it is a small area, so I recommend starting your photo session at Rock Springs or the Amphitheater before driving to the Vista for sunset.
Check out more Marin locations!
Try my article – The 6 Best Places for Family Photos in Marin
I’m David, and I photograph Bay Area families that are super proud of where they live. My easygoing presence puts everyone at ease, and I focus on candid emotion and moments of connection. No posing, no stress.
