West Marin Guide

Jayle
West Marin Guide

Sightseeing

Some sightseeing highlights of the many places to see in this region.
Some of the best views of San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean including incredible hiking and camping
194 recommandé par les habitants
Marin Headlands
194 recommandé par les habitants
Some of the best views of San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean including incredible hiking and camping
The most famous bridge in the world and is a must see, and even better to walk across it. Access from vista point north parking lot.
1321 recommandé par les habitants
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge
1321 recommandé par les habitants
The most famous bridge in the world and is a must see, and even better to walk across it. Access from vista point north parking lot.
A massive park with lots to see and do, including the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences and the historic Conservatory of Flowers. Big music events during the Summer months including Outside Lands Music Festival.
1721 recommandé par les habitants
Golden Gate Park
1721 recommandé par les habitants
A massive park with lots to see and do, including the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences and the historic Conservatory of Flowers. Big music events during the Summer months including Outside Lands Music Festival.
The biggest island in San Francisco Bay and a state park great for family picnics, hiking and camping. Easy ferry service from downtown Tiburon.
51 recommandé par les habitants
Angel Island State Park
51 recommandé par les habitants
The biggest island in San Francisco Bay and a state park great for family picnics, hiking and camping. Easy ferry service from downtown Tiburon.
A serene waterfront region with oyster farms, beach side parks and good local seafood restaurants; also a perfect place for stand up paddle or kayaking. Bring a cooler of ice, beer and wine then buy as many fresh oysters as you want for a picnic on the beach. We recommend Tomales Bay Oyster Company or Hog Island Oyster Company further down the highway.
34 recommandé par les habitants
Tomales Bay
34 recommandé par les habitants
A serene waterfront region with oyster farms, beach side parks and good local seafood restaurants; also a perfect place for stand up paddle or kayaking. Bring a cooler of ice, beer and wine then buy as many fresh oysters as you want for a picnic on the beach. We recommend Tomales Bay Oyster Company or Hog Island Oyster Company further down the highway.
The Valley region on the scenic drive towards the coast of West Marin County, known for its rolling hills, redwood groves, nature hiking, mountain and road cycling. Also some of the best artisan cheese dairies including Cowgirl Creamery, Nicasio Valley Cheese Company and Marin French Cheese Company all offering tastings throughout the day.
San Geronimo
The Valley region on the scenic drive towards the coast of West Marin County, known for its rolling hills, redwood groves, nature hiking, mountain and road cycling. Also some of the best artisan cheese dairies including Cowgirl Creamery, Nicasio Valley Cheese Company and Marin French Cheese Company all offering tastings throughout the day.
Nice long sandy beach good for walking, surfing and picnics
363 recommandé par les habitants
Stinson Beach
363 recommandé par les habitants
Nice long sandy beach good for walking, surfing and picnics
A nice small town located at the base of Mt Tamalpais. Lots of restaurants and places to explore. Hike the local trails then stop in for lunch or dinner.
76 recommandé par les habitants
Mill Valley
76 recommandé par les habitants
A nice small town located at the base of Mt Tamalpais. Lots of restaurants and places to explore. Hike the local trails then stop in for lunch or dinner.
A nice historic town worth stopping at in West Marin. Great for having a drink at the old western saloon or getting picnic supplies at the well stocked Palace market.
157 recommandé par les habitants
Point Reyes Station
157 recommandé par les habitants
A nice historic town worth stopping at in West Marin. Great for having a drink at the old western saloon or getting picnic supplies at the well stocked Palace market.
My vote for best local beach, its on a very scenic drive in Pt Reyes and when you get there you will feel that you have it all to yourself. Clean white sand beach that is great for picnics and walking. Whale sightings the winter months.
47 recommandé par les habitants
Limantour Beach
47 recommandé par les habitants
My vote for best local beach, its on a very scenic drive in Pt Reyes and when you get there you will feel that you have it all to yourself. Clean white sand beach that is great for picnics and walking. Whale sightings the winter months.
Another great road trip destination just above Tomales bay, nice beaches, views and seafood on the wharf.
291 recommandé par les habitants
Bodega Bay
291 recommandé par les habitants
Another great road trip destination just above Tomales bay, nice beaches, views and seafood on the wharf.
This old and funky bar has a postcard view of the bridge and bay. Great for a sunset drink after playing all day. Food available too.
Travis Marina Bar
1679 Sommerville Rd
This old and funky bar has a postcard view of the bridge and bay. Great for a sunset drink after playing all day. Food available too.
A great clean sandy beach. dogs are welcome and plenty of parking ($10)
61 recommandé par les habitants
Dillon Beach
61 recommandé par les habitants
A great clean sandy beach. dogs are welcome and plenty of parking ($10)
A beach worth visiting for its many views, located on the Western side the Presidio. Bring a picnic and relax but don't try to swim here because of its heavy currents. Lots of parking with restrooms nearby.
349 recommandé par les habitants
Baker Beach
349 recommandé par les habitants
A beach worth visiting for its many views, located on the Western side the Presidio. Bring a picnic and relax but don't try to swim here because of its heavy currents. Lots of parking with restrooms nearby.

Local restaurants and food destinations worth a visit.

One of San Francisco best food designations with lots of specialty food and restaurants plus a huge Farmer’s market on Saturday mornings. Note: Take the ferry from Larkspur for a easy car free experience.
189 recommandé par les habitants
Ferry Building
189 recommandé par les habitants
One of San Francisco best food designations with lots of specialty food and restaurants plus a huge Farmer’s market on Saturday mornings. Note: Take the ferry from Larkspur for a easy car free experience.
The biggest and best market in the area where the local chefs come and shop for their own restaurants. Lots of free parking, specialty food booths and fun activities for kids. I recommend getting picnic supplies here before heading out on your adventures.
37 recommandé par les habitants
The Sunday Marin Farmers Market
3501 Civic Center Dr
37 recommandé par les habitants
The biggest and best market in the area where the local chefs come and shop for their own restaurants. Lots of free parking, specialty food booths and fun activities for kids. I recommend getting picnic supplies here before heading out on your adventures.
A great waterfront restaurant with plenty of sunny outdoor seating for you to enjoy local seafood sourced from their own boat.
126 recommandé par les habitants
Fish.
350 Harbor Dr
126 recommandé par les habitants
A great waterfront restaurant with plenty of sunny outdoor seating for you to enjoy local seafood sourced from their own boat.
Don't let the line out the door stop you; this is one of the most popular restaurants in the County and it won't disappoint. Homestyle Puerto Rican food favorites in a funky island setting and ask for their homemade hot salsa.
226 recommandé par les habitants
Sol Food
903 Lincoln Ave
226 recommandé par les habitants
Don't let the line out the door stop you; this is one of the most popular restaurants in the County and it won't disappoint. Homestyle Puerto Rican food favorites in a funky island setting and ask for their homemade hot salsa.
One of the best cheese companies in the States with a nice variety of gold-medal winning cheeses.
54 recommandé par les habitants
Cowgirl Creamery
80 4th St
54 recommandé par les habitants
One of the best cheese companies in the States with a nice variety of gold-medal winning cheeses.
A long time favorite breakfast spot enjoyed by locals and tourists. Grab a seat at the communal table and chat with your table mates.
38 recommandé par les habitants
FRED'S Place
1917 Bridgeway
38 recommandé par les habitants
A long time favorite breakfast spot enjoyed by locals and tourists. Grab a seat at the communal table and chat with your table mates.
A long-time Marin County favorite that is just off highway 101. Great spot for brunch, dinner or happy hour. Note: It can be busy during commuter rush with people escaping the traffic.
103 recommandé par les habitants
Buckeye Roadhouse
15 Shoreline Hwy
103 recommandé par les habitants
A long-time Marin County favorite that is just off highway 101. Great spot for brunch, dinner or happy hour. Note: It can be busy during commuter rush with people escaping the traffic.
A newer restaurant owned by local Chef Ron Siegel. Small and comfortable with a locally sourced menu. Recently awarded a Michelin star which confirms the quality!
8 recommandé par les habitants
Madcap
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
8 recommandé par les habitants
A newer restaurant owned by local Chef Ron Siegel. Small and comfortable with a locally sourced menu. Recently awarded a Michelin star which confirms the quality!
This is very close to the Palmhouse and a great place with lots of good restaurant options, a small farmers market on Saturday and food trucks on Sundays too.
45 recommandé par les habitants
Marin Country Mart
2257 Larkspur Landing Cir
45 recommandé par les habitants
This is very close to the Palmhouse and a great place with lots of good restaurant options, a small farmers market on Saturday and food trucks on Sundays too.
There are a lot of taco and Mexican food food choices but this location offers great food in a clean atmosphere. Its my go to place for its carnitas burrito covered in ranchero sauce and melted cheese.
Picante
340 Bellam Blvd
There are a lot of taco and Mexican food food choices but this location offers great food in a clean atmosphere. Its my go to place for its carnitas burrito covered in ranchero sauce and melted cheese.
A highly recommended restaurant in a local historic farm house setting, very local farm to fork dining. Stop by on the way back from a day on the coast for a glass of bubbles or a full tasting menu.
45 recommandé par les habitants
Sir and Star at the Olema
10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
45 recommandé par les habitants
A highly recommended restaurant in a local historic farm house setting, very local farm to fork dining. Stop by on the way back from a day on the coast for a glass of bubbles or a full tasting menu.
The west coast restaurant with a cult like following, if you like fast food then this has the quality to do it. Simple menu of just burgers, fries and shakes.
8 recommandé par les habitants
In-N-Out Burger
798 Redwood Hwy
8 recommandé par les habitants
The west coast restaurant with a cult like following, if you like fast food then this has the quality to do it. Simple menu of just burgers, fries and shakes.
The Berkeley restaurant that started the whole California dining craze! Still worthy of a visit for your food bucket list.
337 recommandé par les habitants
Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck Ave
337 recommandé par les habitants
The Berkeley restaurant that started the whole California dining craze! Still worthy of a visit for your food bucket list.
Best sushi in Marin County..... Sit at the counter or a table and get the best Japanese food in the area.
114 recommandé par les habitants
Sushi Ran
107 Caledonia St
114 recommandé par les habitants
Best sushi in Marin County..... Sit at the counter or a table and get the best Japanese food in the area.
Good local spot set in a historic house next to the Larkspur creek. Good for casual dining on the patio or inside. Local tip: half price burger night is Tuesday and its not listed anywhere on menus, just ask for it like a local ($7)
32 recommandé par les habitants
Perry's on Magnolia
234 Magnolia Ave
32 recommandé par les habitants
Good local spot set in a historic house next to the Larkspur creek. Good for casual dining on the patio or inside. Local tip: half price burger night is Tuesday and its not listed anywhere on menus, just ask for it like a local ($7)
A twist on Indian foods, served burrito style and its good! I recommend the Lamb or Pumpkin burrito with a side of samosas.
37 recommandé par les habitants
Avatar's Punjabi Burritos
15 Madrona St
37 recommandé par les habitants
A twist on Indian foods, served burrito style and its good! I recommend the Lamb or Pumpkin burrito with a side of samosas.
My vote for the best market in the country, huge with the best selection anywhere, there must be at least thirty different varieties of mushrooms. Lots of in house eating too.
371 recommandé par les habitants
Berkeley Bowl West
920 Heinz Ave
371 recommandé par les habitants
My vote for the best market in the country, huge with the best selection anywhere, there must be at least thirty different varieties of mushrooms. Lots of in house eating too.
A new restaurant that is close to the Palm house with a complete vegan menu. Amys is well known for their frozen vegan foods and now offers them freshly cooked in its restaurant.
Amy’s Drive Thru
5839 Paradise Dr
A new restaurant that is close to the Palm house with a complete vegan menu. Amys is well known for their frozen vegan foods and now offers them freshly cooked in its restaurant.
A great local cheese dairy that is worth the stop for tasting and getting picnic supplies. Note: prices are discounted here which offers great value.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company
5300 Nicasio Valley Rd
12 recommandé par les habitants
A great local cheese dairy that is worth the stop for tasting and getting picnic supplies. Note: prices are discounted here which offers great value.
When in West Marin exploring this is a great place to stock up on picnic supplies, good wines and produce. Note: Try the buffalo milk soft serve ice cream.
36 recommandé par les habitants
Palace Market
11300 CA-1
36 recommandé par les habitants
When in West Marin exploring this is a great place to stock up on picnic supplies, good wines and produce. Note: Try the buffalo milk soft serve ice cream.
My go to place for fresh oysters, clams and mussels are available too. Bring a cooler with your favorite hot sauce and lemons. They will provide ice. Drive a mile south down highway 1 to Middleton park and have a picnic on the beach.
41 recommandé par les habitants
Tomales Bay Oyster Company
15479 CA-1
41 recommandé par les habitants
My go to place for fresh oysters, clams and mussels are available too. Bring a cooler with your favorite hot sauce and lemons. They will provide ice. Drive a mile south down highway 1 to Middleton park and have a picnic on the beach.
A new restaurant worth a visit, upstairs roof deck is great for views and to enjoy the warm summer nights.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Kientz Hall
625 San Anselmo Avenue
7 recommandé par les habitants
A new restaurant worth a visit, upstairs roof deck is great for views and to enjoy the warm summer nights.
A great place for breakfast or lunchwith a menu highlighting local ingredients. They are also a bakery with outstanding products. I recomend taking home a loaf of oil bread!
60 recommandé par les habitants
M.H.Bread and Butter
101 San Anselmo Ave
60 recommandé par les habitants
A great place for breakfast or lunchwith a menu highlighting local ingredients. They are also a bakery with outstanding products. I recomend taking home a loaf of oil bread!

Outdoor Activities and Sports

One of our favorite easy and level hikes. About a 45 min. walk to the beach where you can dip your toes in the sand. This is popular spot and the parking lot can be full on weekends so week days are better. Lots of wildlife to see from hawks circling overhead to coyotes and bobcats in the hills. Note there are restrooms available at the parking lot and close to the beach.
103 recommandé par les habitants
Tennessee Valley Trailhead
591 Tennessee Valley Road
103 recommandé par les habitants
One of our favorite easy and level hikes. About a 45 min. walk to the beach where you can dip your toes in the sand. This is popular spot and the parking lot can be full on weekends so week days are better. Lots of wildlife to see from hawks circling overhead to coyotes and bobcats in the hills. Note there are restrooms available at the parking lot and close to the beach.
Great beginning or advanced stand up paddle center with lessons and rentals available. The San Rafael canal has flat protected water perfect for paddling around.
8 recommandé par les habitants
101 Surf Sports San Rafael
115 3rd St
8 recommandé par les habitants
Great beginning or advanced stand up paddle center with lessons and rentals available. The San Rafael canal has flat protected water perfect for paddling around.
A good spot for beginners or advanced, they offer rentals and guided tours of Richardson Bay. Go paddle in the morning when calm then had to Sausalito for lunch.
45 recommandé par les habitants
Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Center
2100 Bridgeway
45 recommandé par les habitants
A good spot for beginners or advanced, they offer rentals and guided tours of Richardson Bay. Go paddle in the morning when calm then had to Sausalito for lunch.
Mountain bikes were born here and one of the best places to ride as well. There are many trails in Marin County with different levels of riding skill to choose from. I recommend the old railroad grade on Southern Mt Tam, being a former train route it has a gradual accent with amazing views along the way.
Mountain Bike San Francisco
1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Mountain bikes were born here and one of the best places to ride as well. There are many trails in Marin County with different levels of riding skill to choose from. I recommend the old railroad grade on Southern Mt Tam, being a former train route it has a gradual accent with amazing views along the way.
A great local course with good views too
8 recommandé par les habitants
Mill Valley Golf Course
280 Buena Vista Ave
8 recommandé par les habitants
A great local course with good views too
Sunny windsurfing on San Francisco Bay with its strong steady breeze.
Windsurf Launch Dock
Sunny windsurfing on San Francisco Bay with its strong steady breeze.
A bike rental company in central location, flat level riding to Marin County designations. A great way to sight see.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Sausalito Bike Rentals
305 Princess St
14 recommandé par les habitants
A bike rental company in central location, flat level riding to Marin County designations. A great way to sight see.
The home of the San Francisco Warriors Basketball team. A great venue for concerts too. Public transport is a must because of limited parking. Ferry from Larkspur is the best bet.
60 recommandé par les habitants
Chase Center
1 Warriors Way
60 recommandé par les habitants
The home of the San Francisco Warriors Basketball team. A great venue for concerts too. Public transport is a must because of limited parking. Ferry from Larkspur is the best bet.
Besides being a great hike in a urban wilderness with incredible views its a ten minute walk from the house! Access to the open space is on Paradise drive east of the house, there is a trail map at the entrance. Head up and enjoy the sights along the way, the reward is when you reach the top. 360 views of Marin county and the east bay hills. San Francisco and Sausalito to the south. There is a whole network of trails on the other side and you can even walk along the water to downtown Tiburon.
Ring Mountain Preserve
Loop Trail
Besides being a great hike in a urban wilderness with incredible views its a ten minute walk from the house! Access to the open space is on Paradise drive east of the house, there is a trail map at the entrance. Head up and enjoy the sights along the way, the reward is when you reach the top. 360 views of Marin county and the east bay hills. San Francisco and Sausalito to the south. There is a whole network of trails on the other side and you can even walk along the water to downtown Tiburon.
This large state park is right here in Marin County with loads of activities including camping, hiking, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, fishing, etc. Nature at its best with incredible views in every direction.
91 recommandé par les habitants
Mount Tamalpais State Park
3801 Panoramic Highway
91 recommandé par les habitants
This large state park is right here in Marin County with loads of activities including camping, hiking, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, fishing, etc. Nature at its best with incredible views in every direction.
A favorite place for hiking with amazing views. Mostly level so its OK for beginners with great picnic locations along trail.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Bolinas Ridge Trailhead
Bolinas Ridge Trail
7 recommandé par les habitants
A favorite place for hiking with amazing views. Mostly level so its OK for beginners with great picnic locations along trail.
When exploring West Marin this location has a great hike. A easy three mile loop through some of the oldest redwood trees on earth also the location where George Lucas shot a Star Wars themed movie.
19 recommandé par les habitants
Roys Redwoods Preserve
19 recommandé par les habitants
When exploring West Marin this location has a great hike. A easy three mile loop through some of the oldest redwood trees on earth also the location where George Lucas shot a Star Wars themed movie.

Transportation

Popular local travel options to get around the County and to San Francisco.
A great way to get from SFO airport to Marin County or back, with stops along 101 to San Rafael. Price is $22
13 recommandé par les habitants
Marin Airporter
1081 Andersen Dr
13 recommandé par les habitants
A great way to get from SFO airport to Marin County or back, with stops along 101 to San Rafael. Price is $22
The Marin Hub of Bus, rail and taxi. Walking distance to San Rafael restaurants and shops.
San Rafael Transit Center
The Marin Hub of Bus, rail and taxi. Walking distance to San Rafael restaurants and shops.
The new Smart train service that runs from Larkspur (Larkspur landing) to Healdsburg. A very good way to take a day trip North to wine country.
San Rafael station
The new Smart train service that runs from Larkspur (Larkspur landing) to Healdsburg. A very good way to take a day trip North to wine country.

Live Music

This state-of-the-art facility owned by Grateful Dead member Bob Weir hosts top-billing headliners. A big plus is that it’s still small enough to be right there in front with the band! A full service bar and restaurant too.
166 recommandé par les habitants
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera Ave
166 recommandé par les habitants
This state-of-the-art facility owned by Grateful Dead member Bob Weir hosts top-billing headliners. A big plus is that it’s still small enough to be right there in front with the band! A full service bar and restaurant too.
A historic old western saloon with a full schedule of live music. The setting is in a small country town of Nicasio surrounded by beautiful rolling hills. During the summer they host outdoor BBQ and music events. Plenty of free parking available.
39 recommandé par les habitants
Rancho Nicasio, Bar, Restaurant, Live Music and Wedding Event Venue
1 Old Rancheria Rd
39 recommandé par les habitants
A historic old western saloon with a full schedule of live music. The setting is in a small country town of Nicasio surrounded by beautiful rolling hills. During the summer they host outdoor BBQ and music events. Plenty of free parking available.
A downtown San Rafael restaurant and live music club. Open every night with full bar, restaurant and a calendar of local and national acts.
Fenix Entertainment Group
919 4th St
A downtown San Rafael restaurant and live music club. Open every night with full bar, restaurant and a calendar of local and national acts.
The famous historic San Francisco music venue where everyone that is anybody has preformed. Full calendar of events.
119 recommandé par les habitants
The Fillmore
1805 Geary Blvd
119 recommandé par les habitants
The famous historic San Francisco music venue where everyone that is anybody has preformed. Full calendar of events.
This downtown San Francisco venue host top billing acts on a regular basis. Public transportation is the best way to get here because of limited parking in the area.
34 recommandé par les habitants
The Warfield
982 Market St
34 recommandé par les habitants
This downtown San Francisco venue host top billing acts on a regular basis. Public transportation is the best way to get here because of limited parking in the area.
The venue for Broadway acts and concerts.
68 recommandé par les habitants
SHN Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market St
68 recommandé par les habitants
The venue for Broadway acts and concerts.

Conseils aux voyageurs

Se déplacer dans les environs

Take the Larkspur ferry to San Francisco, easy and fast.

The ferry parking lot can fill up fast with weekday commuters so get there early or take a Uber. Get a clipper card to pay fare, its cheaper then buying one way or round trip tickets. The ferry also goes to the new Chase Arena for basketball games and concerts.
Manières d'économiser

Parking in San Francisco can be expensive.

All parking meters in San Francisco are free on Sundays, which makes it a great time to explore the city. Use normal caution when leaving items in car because break-ins can happen.
Que faut-il apporter ?

Dress in layers for the Bay Area.

The common recommendation because of the wide range of weather conditions, it can be cold and windy a few miles from hot and calm. Walking shoes are a must or hiking boots for the trails.