Top Things to do in Marin County
Top Hotels in Marin County
- 1. Best Western Corte Madera Inn
- 2. Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa
- 3. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn
- 4. Best Western Corte Madera Inn
- 5. The Lodge at Tiburon
- 6. Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael Marin County
- 7. Marin Suites Hotel
- 8. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County
- 9. Inn Marin & Suites
- 10. Waters Edge Hotel
The 10 Best Beaches in Marin County, Marin County
Some say it’s different, but residents of Marin County like their home that way. We’re betting you will too! Nestled between San Francisco and the Napa Valley, Marin County includes the cities of Tiburon, San Anselmo, San Rafael and Corte Madera.
Activities in Marin County include the highly anticipated Concours d’Elegance, a festival of pre-1978 vehicles and British Sports Cars. Held at the Marin County Fairgrounds in May, the event features a wine-tasting, fine food and “The Drive,” a parade of classic cars winding their way through the scenic back roads of Marin and neighboring Sonoma Counties ending with a lunch reception in San Rafael. In July, be sure to head to the Marin County Fair and in August hit the San Rafael Food and Wine Festival. Treat yourself to some of the world-renowned local wine and watch the sun go down over the hills.
Of course, there’s no shortage of natural beauty in Marin County. Beach lovers will enjoy Stinson Beach or Point Reyes National Seashore where wildlife abounds. Here you just might spot some Elephant Seals or Tule Elk among the rugged terrain or, from Point Reyes Lighthouse, catch a glimpse of a pod of whales. Go butterfly or bird watching and enjoy the many natural wonders of California’s Northern Coast.
For some, no vacation would be complete without a round of golf. If you’re a golf aficionado, Marin County will not disappoint you. The area boasts several public and private courses in a variety of settings, including San Geronimo Golf Course. Situated on 150 acres of stunning landscape, this is a challenging course designed to test your game! Or, try the StoneTree Golf Club, a daily fee, 18-hole championship course. If hiking is more your style, check out Angel Island State Park. Accessible only by ferry, Angel Island offers spectacular views of most of the Bay Area, including San Francisco. Fishing more your style? Try McNear’s Beach Pier in San Rafael.
Restaurants in Marin County
1. Sculptured Beach
2. Paradise Beach Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By JoanJh - Saratoga, United States
This is definitely a hidden gem. It is about 10 min drive out of downtown Tiburon. It is small, meticulously kept. It has clean lawn chairs dotted over the lawn, with a view of the Richmond bridge. It also has a great picnic area tucked away in one corner. There are two small parking lots ($5/car), plenty of space for a Monday afternoon. A great low key place to visit if you are in Tiburon.
3. McClure's Beach
4. Black Sands Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By onecoolraisin - Huntersville, United States
This beach is a hike down so don’t plan to bring a lot with you. The sand is beautiful and the hike cuts down on the number of people. I believe there were only 6 other people on the beach while we were there. Easily recommend swinging by here to cool off and avoid the crowds. And yes, there were 2 nudists on the beach but so far off on the end that it wasn’t a bother.
5. The Great Beach
6. Point Reyes Beach North
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By sonofdragon - San Jose, United States
After Limantour Beach, we decided to explore Point Reyes Beach and got to the northern access point which is the North Beach. The South Beach access was closed due to road construction. Point Reyes Beach or the Great Beach is an incredible stretch of over 11-miles undeveloped ocean. Although it’s open to the public, exploring this rugged part of the country warrants some safety common sense. Here, the tides are exceptionally powerful and unpredictable. Definitely stay clear of the shore as sneaker waves, as the name implies, can appear suddenly and drag anyone out to sea. Cold water, dampened weather and strong waves make swimming not ideal. No lifeguard. Perhaps, a surfer haven for serious surfers looking for some challenge and high drama surfing fun. However, be cautioned, as we were told, that like sneaker waves, rogue waves can also appear like a wave train without warning and may drag or knock down unwitting surfers unconscious. Ok to walk barefoot, but again, stay clear of the shore. Dogs on leash are allowed for the most part, except north of the North Beach entrance where habitats for the threatened western snowy plover birds are protected. Free parking space and restroom. Check weather outlook, road condition, and beach closure before visit. Be aware of elephant breeding season. as beach may be closed.
7. Muir Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Located in Marin County, this is the perfect beach for a picnic with spectacular ocean views.
Reviewed By JessicaB135 - Iowa City, United States
Wow. This was exactly what I pictured for a Northern California beach. I wish I had called ahead to arrange a beach wheelchair for my disabled son. I'm surprised it was not crowded considering how close it is to San Francisco. The drive is an adventure!
8. Heart's Desire Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Great swimming away from the city crowds and fog.
Reviewed By Windsent - Point Reyes Station, United States
Its a great beach, on a great bay. I was 18, first time. I'am much older and I love "Heart's Desire' . Good for all age's, park and its a short walk. Clean beach and bathrooms, tables . Walk the beach or just drop and have a look ! I all ways bring food !
9. Limantour Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By sonofdragon - San Jose, United States
On the day of our visit, Bear Valley was closed due to the pandemic and road construction. Detour took us to a surprising discovery of Limantour Beach. Right next to the free parking site is the trailhead to the beach. Walk pass sandy wetlands and follow the sound of the waves to the beach. Otherwise, you could, which we didn’t do, hike the trail along the rugged sand spit, in and around the estuary/waterways, and be prepared to get lost and find your way in the grasslands/wetlands and beyond. At the end of the beach, lie down in the sand dunes, relax and listen to the sound of the waves. The sand dunes are the centerpiece in this scenic spot of vast wilderness and unique beauty. Here, the waves can be very unpredictable, so stay clear of the waves and be wary. Weather can be cool and damp, so dress warmly. Water is cool. Swim at your own risk. No lifeguard stationed. Bring sandals or walk barefoot, but be careful of broken seashells. Check weather outlook and beach closure prior to visit esp during breeding season (Feb??) for Point Reyes elephant seals, which periodically colonize Point Reyes sandy pocket beaches and headlands. .
