Old St. Hilary's Preserve

Old St. Hilary's Preserve offers families an easy, rewarding hike through one of the Bay Area's most beautiful wildflower meadows, culminating in breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Mount Tamalpais. The gentle trails are perfect for little legs, and kids love spotting colorful wildflowers in spring while working their way up to the historic church at the summit.

• ✓Spectacular panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and surrounding hills from the summit
• ✓Spring wildflower displays featuring rare native species like Tiburon Mariposa lily
• ✓Historic St. Hilary's Church (1888) with Victorian architecture and period details
• ✓Easy, kid-friendly loop trail under a mile with gentle elevation gain
• ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities including butterflies, birds, and occasional deer

1. 1.Visit on Sunday afternoons (1-4 PM) when the historic church is open for tours,kids love exploring the 1888 Carpenter Gothic building with its vintage details
2. 2.Park along Vistazo Street and bring a wildflower identification guide in spring (March-May) when the preserve explodes with rare native blooms
3. 3.The loop trail is only about 0.8 miles but can feel longer for small kids, so bring water and small snacks to keep energy up
4. 4.Arrive early in your Sunday window to avoid crowds and get the best photos from the summit before afternoon fog rolls in
5. 5.Bring binoculars for kids to spot boats on the bay and pick out San Francisco landmarks from the top

Spring (March through May) on Sunday afternoons offers the magical combination of peak wildflower bloom and church access. Mornings provide clearer views before afternoon fog, but the preserve is technically only officially open Sunday 1-4 PM, though trails are accessible year-round.

The preserve is free to visit with limited street parking along Vistazo Street. There are no facilities (restrooms, water, or food), so come prepared, and the terrain isn't stroller-friendly,opt for a child carrier for younger ones.

Spring (March-May) is peak season for wildflowers and the main draw for families. Summer can be dry and brown, though views remain spectacular. The preserve is open year-round for hiking, but the historic church is only accessible Sunday afternoons 1-4 PM. Avoid visiting during rainy weather as trails can get muddy.

Head to downtown Tiburon (5-minute drive) for family-friendly options like Sam's Anchor Cafe with waterfront views and a kids' menu, or Servino Ristorante for pizza and pasta that pleases all ages in a casual atmosphere.