Marin County, California is just one famous bridge away from San Francisco and right next door to the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. It is an outdoor recreation wonderland filled with wonderful spaces that you can just stumble upon. Nearly half of Marin is permanently preserved with world-renowned destinations like Muir Woods and Point Reyes, and the lodging in Marin is as diverse as the land. You can sleep next to nature or in the lap of luxury. From the dense woods to the wild ocean, here are five reasons to visit County of Marin.
5 Reasons to Visit Marin County
Bike Mount Tamalpais
Locally referred to as Mt. Tam, it is recognized as the birthplace of mountain biking. The Old Railroad Grade fire road that begins in Mill Valley, once the right-of-way of the Mount Tamalpai Scenic Railroad, is the easiest route for traversing up the mountain to its peak of 2,571 feet at East Peak. When you bike famous Mt. Tam, you have your breath taken away- both by the stunning ocean views and steep climbs through tall trees and mountain air.
“Just makin up poems in my head as I climb toward Mount Tamalpais. See up there, as beautiful a mountain as you’ll see anywhere in the world, a beautiful shape to it, I really love Tamalpais.”
– The Dharma Bums, by Jack Kerouac
Muir Woods National Monument
Visitors come from around the globe to pay homage to nature in this cathedral of redwoods, just a short drive from the Golden Gate Bridge off Hwy 101. The park is very popular and so parking is limited. Consider using the Muir Woods Shuttle with pickup locations in Mill Valley and the Sausalito Ferry.
“This is the best tree-lover’s monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world. You have done me great honor, and I am proud of it.”
– John Muir to William Kent
Nick’s Cove
Wake up to the gentle sound of waves lapping on the shore, then step outside to a pristine view of Tomales Bay. Nick’s Cove is a paradise for adventures like kayaking, fishing, hiking and biking or for relaxing in the quite beauty of the area.
“Nick’s is a very special place that honors and respects the area, giving visitors a glimmer of an agrarian life that’s so near but really so far from the city consciousness. It seems impossible to believe it’s still in the 415 area code.”
–Michael Bauer, SF Chronicle
Stinson Beach
Stinson’s white sand and oceanfront make it one of the best swimming beaches in northern California. With opportunities for hiking, picnicking, exploring the town, surfing, or sunbathing, people continue to visit Stinson Beach to escape from the frantic pace of everyday life.
View the Wildlife
Explore the beauty of the area and experience local wildlife events such as Grey Whale migrations and Elephant Seal colonies from Chimney Rock. Visit the many tide pools, hike among local elk and explore premier birding locations. Even during the off-season, you never know what you’ll see in Marin County. We came across a large community of seals basking in the California sun.
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Marin County was my first California experience north of San Francisco. I never expected to fall in love with it the way I did. It’s coastline rivals Southern California and the natural, rustic beauty is unmatched. When you’re standing among natural giants, it’s hard not to be inspired.
The redwoods! That is something that I definitely want to see someday. I have never been to California. One of these days I want to travel the country in an RV with my family, and that would definitely be a destination for us!
The redwoods! That is something that I definitely want to see someday. I have never been to California. One of these days I want to travel the country in an RV with my family, and that would definitely be a destination for us!
Oh wow this all looks so breath taking. I know my kids would LOVE the chance to see the redwoods up close and personal. Definitely a bucket list visit!
Oh wow this all looks so breath taking. I know my kids would LOVE the chance to see the redwoods up close and personal. Definitely a bucket list visit!
As soon as I saw your first photo, I had a huge smile on my face. What great memories. My husband and I took his kids from San Diego all the way up to the Redwoods (they flew out for a 2-week visit) stopping here along the way. It was absolutely beautiful in every way. Thanks for the great trip down memory lane.
As soon as I saw your first photo, I had a huge smile on my face. What great memories. My husband and I took his kids from San Diego all the way up to the Redwoods (they flew out for a 2-week visit) stopping here along the way. It was absolutely beautiful in every way. Thanks for the great trip down memory lane.
This place looks amazing! I am always on the lookout for not so popular places to travel too. This one looks great. Specially the biking an the beach!
This place looks amazing! I am always on the lookout for not so popular places to travel too. This one looks great. Specially the biking an the beach!
Love your photos. I’ve been to Marin County and I agree with all your places to go!
Love your photos. I’ve been to Marin County and I agree with all your places to go!
One of my favorite parts of the world and I am lucky to live so close…
One of my favorite parts of the world and I am lucky to live so close…
I can see why this is such a popular destination for mountain biking. The views and nature sights there are absolutely breathtaking and so peaceful too.
I can see why this is such a popular destination for mountain biking. The views and nature sights there are absolutely breathtaking and so peaceful too.
wow, just wow. This place looks amazing and the big red-woods are so huge. I love the beach and the seals.
wow, just wow. This place looks amazing and the big red-woods are so huge. I love the beach and the seals.
We lived in northern CA for 4 years and I have been to most of the places you shared. The redwoods and Muir Woods was a place we always took visitors, so beautiful! And who doesnt love the infamous sea lions! They each have so much character!
We lived in northern CA for 4 years and I have been to most of the places you shared. The redwoods and Muir Woods was a place we always took visitors, so beautiful! And who doesnt love the infamous sea lions! They each have so much character!
OMG, I just went to Muir Woods 3 weeks ago when we went to Napa for 5 days. I live in Charleston, SC so it was nice to see another part of the country and man was it beautiful. Those redwoods were huge!
OMG, I just went to Muir Woods 3 weeks ago when we went to Napa for 5 days. I live in Charleston, SC so it was nice to see another part of the country and man was it beautiful. Those redwoods were huge!
I love Northern California. I haven’t been in many years, but this post makes me long for a trip to Cali. I loved seeing all the sea life and big redwoods when I was there before.
I love Northern California. I haven’t been in many years, but this post makes me long for a trip to Cali. I loved seeing all the sea life and big redwoods when I was there before.
This looks like an absolutely beautiful place. My family is always looking for a gorgeous place like this to take our next vacation.
This looks like an absolutely beautiful place. My family is always looking for a gorgeous place like this to take our next vacation.
A very beautiful and peaceful place. Seeing the photos makes me miss living in Southern California.
A very beautiful and peaceful place. Seeing the photos makes me miss living in Southern California.
It’s really beautiful out there and it would be relaxing to just go hiking with the family in the woods. The view is just breathtaking. Everything makes you feel at ease and relaxed, the perfect getaway if you want to escape from the stress!
It’s really beautiful out there and it would be relaxing to just go hiking with the family in the woods. The view is just breathtaking. Everything makes you feel at ease and relaxed, the perfect getaway if you want to escape from the stress!
It is on my bucket list to visit Northern Cali! What a beautiful place!
It is on my bucket list to visit Northern Cali! What a beautiful place!
I love all of the wildlife that you can see including the whales and seals. I have always had a fascination with both!
I love all of the wildlife that you can see including the whales and seals. I have always had a fascination with both!
I have always been a lover of the redwood trees and would love to see them in person one day. So tall and majestic.
I have always been a lover of the redwood trees and would love to see them in person one day. So tall and majestic.
Wow I had no idea!! So beautiful!!
Wow I had no idea!! So beautiful!!
Are those sea lions that I see basking in the sun? Oh, they are so cute! Just another great reason for me to head out there!
Are those sea lions that I see basking in the sun? Oh, they are so cute! Just another great reason for me to head out there!
How absolutely gorgeous! I would visit there in a heartbeat. Adding this to my must visit list!!
I haven’t travelled through California much so when I do it is great to find the most gorgeous places.I would love to see Bike Mount Tamalpais, how gorgeous !!
I haven’t travelled through California much so when I do it is great to find the most gorgeous places.I would love to see Bike Mount Tamalpais, how gorgeous !!