Santa Margarita Island Preserve

• This is the only true island preserve in the Marin County Open Space District.
• This 9-acre preserve (the island 4.5 acres) was once the proposed location of a residential subdivision designed to mimic Venice, Italy. A few remnants remain, including cement canal walls, light post, and imported palm tree.
• See Mount Tam off in the distance. 
• No dogs or horses allowed.

• Marsh edging the island provides habitat for endangered Ridgeway's rail, a shy bird.
• A wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds also flock to the waters. Swallows nest under the bridge in spring. Woodpeckers and California scrub jays feast on acorns.
• Three types of oak as well as madrone and California bay trees stand tall in the island's center.
• Pipevine and other shade loving plants grow beneath the canopy, attracting butterflies in spring.
• Blue dicks and checkerbloom appear in spring in the grassland between the trees and the high tide mark.
• Check out the iNaturalist field guide. Add your own observations.

• Stay on roads and trails to preserve sensitive ecosystems and to avoid trespassing on private property.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Trails can be muddy during rainy season.
• Bring water.
• If launching a kayak, watch tides. Currents can be strong.
• There are no restrooms at this location.
• Steer clear of poison oak.
• After an outing, check for ticks.

From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the N San Pedro Rd exit east and turn left at Meadow Dr. MCOSD gate is at the end.

Street parking only. Please be respectful of local residents. Do not block streets, gates, or driveways.

• Golden Gate Highway and Transportation District
• Marin Transit Trip Planner
• Route from San Rafael Transit Center

You can also dial 511 to find out about transit options from your location.

ALL VISITORS

• No smoking or fires. 
• Weapons and hunting prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles prohibited. (Individuals with qualified disabilities may operate certain kinds of zero-emission mobility devices on some roads, multiuse trails, and certain other facilities.)
• Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to horses. 
• No model airplanes, drones, or other self-propelled crafts.
• Dispose of waste property. Pack it out.
• Permit required for commercial use and groups of more than 15 people.
• All resources are protected. 

BIKES

• No bicycle riding in this preserve.

HORSES

• No horseback riding in this preserve.

In an emergency, call 911. To report an incident or suspicious activity, call the Ranger Field Office at (415) 473-2816 or submit an Incident Report via the online form.

Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying all Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) regulations. Citations will be issued for violations. Read the official regulations: Marin County Municipal Code Appendix A.

Call (415) 473-6387 for more information regarding allowable types and use of mobility devices for people with qualified disabilities.

The MCOSD is a special district pursuant to the California Public Resources Code. Marin County Parks oversees the management of the county parks system and provides public information on behalf of the MCOSD.