Savvy Bay Area locals knows Marin is one of the best places in the area to mountain bike, thanks to the expansive views, sunny weather, and unexplored terrain. Not to be missed is the superb single-track loop at San Rafael's China Camp State Park. Here's your guide to the perfect weekend bike ride.

The 1,514-acre park situated on Point San Pedro is located along the shore of the San Pablo Bay. Highlights include a don't-miss intertidal salt marsh, meadow, and oak habitats. For beginner and intermediate riders, try a quick morning ride along the dirt, multi-use Shoreline Trail. To up the ante, lengthen your loop to 12 miles by connecting to a moderate two-mile climb on the Bay View Trail to the Oak Ridge Trail, then head back to the Shoreline Trail through forest and past views of San Pablo Bay.

After your ride, which, thanks to the route's climbs, twist, and turns, will feel like a real workout, take a load off and relax at China Camp Beach, which was originally a historic shrimp fishing village. In the 1880s, nearly 500 people from Canton, China, lived in the village. At one point, the area bustled with three general stores, a marine supply store, and a barbershop, and you can still see the relics today.

For cyclists who travel by bike to China Camp, a "Hike and Bike" campsite is available at the park's Back Ranch Meadows (regular campsites are also available). All campsites at Back Ranch Meadows campground are tent camping only and are an easy hike in (300 yards max) from the parking lot. 

Riding and camping at China Camp is a perfect way to overnight in a beautiful outdoor Marin setting and to take in the heritage of Marin's homegrown, ever-popular sport of mountain biking.