Offering a lush and diverse landscape, Marin County is ideal for a weekend getaway. From serene coastal views and mountain hikes to trendy dining spots and historic towns, Marin is home to several distinctive regions of renown (think Sausalito, Tomales Bay, and Point Reyes), each with its own charms. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a history buff, the variety here ensures something for everyone and every interest.
Nestled right on the bay, Sausalito offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, and the Marin Headlands. Known for its Mediterranean-like climate and charming waterfront, Sausalito is perfect for a leisurely stroll, shopping, or enjoying a meal with a view. Couples will find a romantic, European-like atmosphere, and families love the Bay Area Discovery Museum with its interactive, hands-on exhibits and stunning waterfront campus. The luxurious Inn Above Tide is perfect for a romantic getaway. Rooms with fireplaces are perched over the water and feature stellar vistas. Dine at Poggio Trattoria where the people watching from the al fresco patio is nearly as wonderful as the delicious Italian fare. Sushi Ran is known as one of the best sushi restaurants in the Nation and has been a favorite of locals and visitors for nearly four decades. Great food, great service, and impeccable hospitality are the keys to the restaurant’s success according to owner Yoshi Tome who has greeted guests daily and nightly since 1986.
Neighboring Tiburon is renowned for both historic charm and exclusivity. This former rowdy railroad town that once served railroad workers and their families in the early 1900’s is one of the Bay Area’s most exclusive residential regions. Luxury homes line the waterfront and are stacked into the hills, each afforded a vista as enchanting as any along the French Riviera. Tiburon is a gateway to ferry services to Angel Island, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities and scenic exploration. At Waters Edge Hotel, it’s all about the expansive, south-facing waterfront deck that juts over the bay, offering an up close peek at the boats and yachts bobbing in Tiburon’s harbor. Dine at The Bungalow Kitchen where partners Brent Bolthouse and Michael Mina have fashioned a convivial atmosphere where all are welcome. The “community clubhouse” vibe is exactly what the duo hoped to create.
Located at the foot of Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley is a picturesque hamlet with a welcoming, small-town feel. Known for its vibrant arts scene (i.e. the annual Mill Valley Film Festival which has become a must-attend event), the locale features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a variety of cafes and boutiques. The town’s proximity to Muir Woods National Monument and Mount Tamalpais State Park makes it an ideal spot for hikers and nature lovers. Stay at The Mill Valley Inn where quaint accommodations are just off the town’s main street, with easy access to shopping and hiking trails. Dine at Piazza D’Angelo, an upscale Italian restaurant that offers delicious pastas and fresh seafood.
Lovely Larkspur has a historic district with tree-lined streets, Victorian-style buildings, and boutiques. Exuding a nostalgic vibe, it is perfect for a leisurely afternoon of browsing and shopping. On the other side of town, Marin Country Mart is a hip gathering spot where locals convene for artisanal goods, high-end fashion boutiques, and gourmet food options, such as at Farmshop, a warm and welcoming restaurant that’s perfect for afterwork drinks, weekend brunch or a special celebration with friends and family.
For those craving wide-open spaces, stunning coastal beauty, and abundant wildlife, Point Reyes Station and Tomales Bay are musts. The area is known for its dramatic cliffs, wild landscapes, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Explore the rugged coastline, visit the famous Point Reyes Lighthouse, kayak Tomales Bay waters, sample local oysters at iconic Hog Island Oyster Co., or hike to Alamere Falls, a stunning waterfall that spills onto the beach. Stay at Lodge at Marconi where 45 guestrooms and suites of varying size and layout encircle a large Adirondack-chair-lined fire pit. The grounds suggest “family camp,” yet every accommodation features plush linens, Matouk robes, and Frette slippers. Dine at Nick’s Cove, a local institution that dates to the 1930s, known for its excellent seafood, particularly oysters and a fantastic lobster roll.
The Marin Headlands is a rugged area just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Known for its military history, hiking trails that reward with scenic views, and wildlife, the Headlands offer some of the best photo opportunities in Marin. Don’t miss Battery Spencer, a former military installation that affords one of the most iconic vantage points of the Golden Gate Bridge. Stay at Cavallo Point Lodge, which honors its Fort Baker roots by fully utilizing its 24 Colonial Revival buildings, each of which was built between 1901 and 1915. Its vast grassy expanse is great for families—and dogs.
Known for its long stretch of sand, Stinson Beach is perfect for those who enjoy surfing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. Local shops and boutiques are fun and funky, and local trails like the famed Dipsea Trail offer breathtaking ocean views. Find comfortable, updated rooms and cabins with kitchenettes at Sandpiper Lodging at the Beach, and dine at locally owned and operated Breakers Café, known for having one of the best burgers in Marin. Nearby Bolinas is a small, bohemian town, the residents of which famously crave privacy. It’s a perfect stop for those seeking solitude and a slower pace. The Bolinas Lagoon offers birdwatching and nature walks, while Agate Beach is famous for its secluded, picturesque shoreline. Dine at local favorite the Coast Café Bolinas which serves excellent comfort food dishes.
Whether you’re hiking the hills of the Marin Headlands, enjoying fresh oysters near Point Reyes, or shopping and dining in its charming towns, Marin County has something to offer every visitor.
Main image: Sausalito to Tiburon bike route. Photo by Dan Miller