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 Cultural Tours 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. Cow Heaven: A VoiceMap Driving Audio Tour from Point Reyes Seashore to Tomales
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
A 21-mile self-guided audio driving tour from Point Reyes National Seashore to the town of Tomales. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, fifth-generation sheep rancher Bill Jensen guides recalcitrant lambs through a foot bath. A few miles down the road, Bob Giacomini checks out his high-tech milking barn. Bill and Bob are part of a rich agricultural community of dairy farmers, cattle and sheep ranchers and oyster growers in West Marin County. How was this rural paradise, so close to a major metropolitan area, saved from development? A lot of the credit goes to two women who came up with a unique idea...
Inclusions: Lifetime access to 'Cow Heaven: Saving the Family Farm' Tour, VoiceMap Application, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Exclusions: Smartphone, Transportation, Food/Drink, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Reviewed By Camper19590
This was a wonderful experience. I found the stories compelling and learned a lot about California history and culture. The scenery was spectacular and I found that I observed much more because of the audio tour.
2. Private Tour Muir Woods and Sausalito
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
his Tour will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge, walk among old growth coast redwoods of the famous Muir Woods National Monument Park. You will discover some of the most beautiful house boats in the world, where a hippie community took residence in the 70's and admire the beautiful seaside Mediterranean style City of Sausalito. The transportation will be in a luxury brand new Porsche Macan with only 4 passenger total and your guide. You will have a particular attention from your tour guide during all your trip.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch, Muir Woods entrance fee $15/ea, Gratuities 20% industry standard
Reviewed By 426ilenem
It was so nice to not have to drive or look for parking or directions. The tour guide was very entertaining.
3. A Drive Through Time: A Ranching History of Point Reyes National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy this self-guided audio tour on your drive to the Point Reyes Lighthouse! This is the story of the magnificent Point Reyes National Seashore and its odd relationship with the dairy and beef ranches. “Cows in a park?” you might ask? Well, yes. They were here long before the park was formed and are a vital part of present-day Point Reyes. The tour takes you from Point Reyes National Seashore headquarters to the lighthouse through beautiful natural and pastoral landscapes. Please Note: If you want to visit the lighthouse itself at the end of the drive, please note that it is closed on certain days of the week. Also, due to its popularity in the winter months, traffic to the lighthouse is sometimes diverted to Drake’s Beach on the weekends where you can hop a shuttle over to the lighthouse. In either case, this tour will take you to the end of your drive. You can check with the rangers or online about the lighthouse schedule.
Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata , VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Exclusions: Food and drink, Smartphone and headphones, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route, Transportation
Reviewed By saburo1934
Enjoyed it very much. It enriched our journey thru Point Rayes Station, California . Peter Coyote did a great job.
4. Best Day in San Francisco with Muir Woods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
Enjoy an introduction to San Francisco on this 6-hour tour that includes a trip across San Francisco Bay to Muir Woods National Monument. You'll be driven around the city to see its diverse neighborhoods and geography, stopping several times for photo ops. At Muir Woods, admire the towering redwood trees, and visit the waterfront town of Sausalito for lunch (own expense).
Inclusions: Bottled water, Local guide
Exclusions: Lunch in Sausalito, Muir Woods entrance fee ($15), Gratuities
Reviewed By J3907FKemilyg
The best part was the ease of the tour- also it was very informational. The kids enjoyed it as well as the adults!
5. Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 62 reviews
This Tour will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge, walk among old growth coast redwoods of the famous Muir Woods National Monument Park. You will discover some of the most beautiful house boats in the world, where a hippie community took residence in the 70's and admire the beautiful seaside Mediterranean style City of Sausalito. Optional ferry back from Sausalito for a beautiful 30min ride. Tickets available in the Van for the same price $13. The transportation will be in a luxury brand new Mercedes Sprinter Van with only 11 passenger total. You will have a particular attention from your tour guide during all your trip.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Tour across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods and Sausalito, Entry fee to Muir Woods National Monument $15, Free time in Muir Woods and Sausalito 1 hour and 15 min
Exclusions: Gratuity 20% is the standard recommended for guides/chauffeurs, Food and Beverage, Ferry Ticket available for $13 ask your guide
Reviewed By 426ilenem
It was so nice to not have to drive or look for parking or directions. The tour guide was very entertaining.
6. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 35 reviews
Inside Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour This Tour will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge, walk among old growth coast redwoods of the famous Muir Woods National Monument Park. You will discover some of the most beautiful house boats in the world, where a hippie community took residence in the 70's and admire the beautiful seaside Mediterranean style City of Sausalito. After that you will have an extraordinary experience with an audio tour INSIDE the most famous prison, Alcatraz. The transportation will be in a luxury brand new Mercedes Sprinter Van with only 11 passenger total. You will have a particular attention from your tour guide during all your trip.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Alcatraz admission ticket with Cellhouse Audio Tour and ferry ride, Free time on Alcatraz Island, Alcatraz Tickets ($41.00 USD value)
Exclusions: Gratuity 20% is the standard recommended for guides/chauffeurs, Food and Beverage, Entry fee to Muir Woods National Monument $15
Reviewed By nikolasallee
Must see and experience. The audio tour and walk about on the island was awesome. So much history on this island! Would highly recommend!
7. Amazing Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
This Tour will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge and stop at the north Vista Point for pictures, walk during 1h30min among old growth coast redwoods of the famous Muir Woods National Monument Park (entree fee $15 not included for and free for 15 and under. As well free up to 4 people if you have the National Park pass). Then we will stop for an hour and admire the beautiful seaside Mediterranean style City of Sausalito you you. The transportation will be in a luxury brand New Mercedes Sprinter Van with only 11 passenger total. The toll and parking fees is included. You will have a particular attention from your tour guide during all your trip.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Tour across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods and Sausalito, Free time in Muir Woods and Sausalito
Exclusions: Gratuity 20% is the standard recommended for guides/chauffeurs, Entry fee to Muir Woods National Monument ($15 and free under 15 years old), Ferry Ticket if not selected, Food and Beverage
Reviewed By 426ilenem
It was so nice to not have to drive or look for parking or directions. The tour guide was very entertaining.
8. Private Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Tiburon Tour from San Francisco
Receive VIP treatment and get chauffeured from your hotel door to San Francisco North Bay's historic Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais, Point Bonita Lighthouse, Tiburon Island, Sausalito and many more iconic destinations. When you have your own executive car and driver in San Francisco, there's absolutely no better way to jam-pack your day full of fun with family and friends while visiting the Bay Area. On this tour, you can expect: Concierge service to help you pick your scenic destinations Exceptional service from our chauffeurs Luxury sedan & SUV transport
Inclusions: Pre-travel consultation to plan and customize your group's itinerary and tour experience, 1 bottle of red or white wine , Optional group photograph service on the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pickup and drop-off from hotels/residences within a 15-mile radius of San Francisco, Fuel surcharge, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch, Guide, Gratuities (standard 20% gratuity charged on total gross amount after trip completion), Airport pickup
Reviewed By BosDVII
Dean was an exceptional guide and facilitator of tastings. He was also a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of the area, as well as current events. His recommendations for food were sublime.
9. Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour
This is the classic version of the Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour* which is based on the Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour guide book. Local author and artist, Victoria Colella brings you into this sequestered world. Beginning with the Historic Houseboats then a stroll down the Gantry Crane Trail in the World War II Shipyards, exploring local art studios, Wooden Boat Center and into working waterfront. Here is where the floating homes are created and big boats are hauled out for repair. Victoria offers refreshments in the old boat lettering shack in the heart of Sausalito's working waterfront at the end of the tour. Tour takes about 3 to 3-1/2 hours. There is free parking, places to rest along the way and 3 restroom stops. *Turn off those cell phones for a minute. This is strictly analog and reading, dancing and reciting poetry may be required!
Inclusions: Snacks and limited refreshments, Local guide, Free Parking, Transportation back to your car after the tour, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By Brian R
I'd been meaning to take the Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour for several years and finally got around to it. So glad I did! I took my wife and her son and we all enjoyed it immensely. Victoria is a lively and informative guide to the fascinating history of a town I thought I knew pretty well, but found out there was so much more to know. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Highly recommended!
10. Historical San Anselmo: An audio tour through the city's quaint suburbs
This is a self guided audio tour of San Anselmo, a unique town nestled in the heart of Marin County. Originally called Junction due to the meeting of several railroad lines, the town slowly grew from a few ranch houses and farms to the vibrant community we see today. You'll learn about some of our early residents, and about the influences the railroad and the San Francisco earthquake had on the growth and development of our town. By the end, we hope you will have a better appreciation of why our residents truly treasure living in this community.
Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, VoiceMap App for Android and iOS, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Exclusions: Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route, Smartphone and headphones, Transportation, Food/Drink
TAGS
