Things to do in Marin County, Marin County: The Best Historic Sites

October 19, 2021 Leonarda Pillsbury

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. Battery Spencer

Conzelman Road, Sausalito, CA 94965 +1 415-561-4700 http://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/management/fortbaker.htm
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 204 reviews

Battery Spencer

Reviewed By beagleshnout - Branson, United States

Which I am one. I tour Coastal Artillery forts/batteries whenever I travel. This is a must. The view of the ocean is wonderful. The entire Marin Headlands area with Fort Baker, Fort Cronkite, Fort Barry etc is fantastic for the outdoors hiker and military history buff.

2. Old Mill Park

Mill Valley, CA +1 415-383-1370 http://www.millvalleyrecreation.org/facilities/community_center/boyle_n_old_mill_park.htm
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 82 reviews

Old Mill Park

Restored, historic sawmill turned park, site of annual Mill Valley Arts Fest.

Reviewed By Gavatron07 - Napier, New Zealand

This park featuring a stand of redwoods is definitely worth adding to a cycle ride over the Golden Gate Bridge around to Tiburon. The town is quaint and comparatively peaceful after the bustle of the city. The signage to it could be a bit clearer but it's not hard to find your way from the cycle path and back again. If you're in the area don't miss it.

3. Olompali State Historic Park

8901 Redwood Hwy, Novato, CA 94945-1436 +1 415-892-3383 [email protected] http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=465
Excellent
52%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Olompali State Historic Park

Reviewed By yankeelass57

This park is a little hidden as it can be seen from US 101 but not very well signed to reach. We loved the history and the great hike on the loop trail. It deserves more visitors.

4. Marconi RCA Wireless Stations

1 Bear Valley Rd Bldg 70, Point Reyes National Seashore, CA 94956-9703 +1 415-663-1200 [email protected] http://www.ptreyes.org/activities/marconi-rca-wireless-stations
Excellent
71%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
14%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Marconi RCA Wireless Stations

Reviewed By SwissPinkPanther - New York City, United States

Heading toward the Pt Reyes Lighthouse , you will read signs that state the road to the lighthouse is currently closed...I assume the lighthouse is under repair. Ignore the signs since there are two great areas still worth visiting at the end of this road, especially if your are a photographer, nature lover or historian. First there is the Marconi RCA Station which is on the right side just before reaching the section of road that is closed. You really can't miss the Wireless Station since you will see the radio towers scattered around in the fields on the right and of course the phenomenal row of mature cypress trees. The RCA building itself is not really visible from the road given its small size. I think it was to our advantage that there were signs posted stating that the lighthouse was closed since when we visited the Marconi Station there was only one car there..... fewer tourist drive out this way these days because the lighthouse itself is closed. The lack of tourists made for a GREAT opportunity to shoot the "tunnel" of trees without people or cars ruining the shot. I would park the car at the entry to the station ,off to the side, and take photos looking down toward the RCA building and then continue to drive to the building and park the car again and shoot pics in the opposite direction. When we were there the fog was rolling in which just enhanced the image of the trees....without any sunlight the photos look more like they were taken in black and white, so don't worry if you drive out and there is no blue sky.... even with overcast skies you will get some great shots. When you leave the RCA Station and return to Pt. Reyes Station you will make a left turn from the entrance. A short distance away...maybe a 1/2 mile to a mile, on the right hand side you will get a glimpse of the ocean and you will see a very small area along the road to park ...as a guide to where this is there will be small, informational, park sign and a low wooden fence along the road. There is not much room to park more than a few cars....definitely stop if there is parking space for some fantastic views and shots of the rugged coast. You really can't see much from sitting in your car so get out.... there are steps leading down to a wonderful seating area with a bench ....the view is breath taking...it would be a great place to have a picnic lunch sitting on the bench overlooking the sea. Again, when we went we had the entire area to ourselves.... another advantage of the lighthouse being closed.... fewer tourist drive down this stretch of roadway.

5. Lange Launch Company

588 Bridgeway Boulevard, Sausalito, CA 94965-2206 http://www.sausalito.gov/home/showdocument?id=21806
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Lange Launch Company

6. Battery Alexander

Fort Barry, located in the Marin Headlands near San Francisco, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Excellent
33%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3 reviews

Battery Alexander

7. San Francisco Yacht Club

558 Bridgeway Boulevard, Sausalito, CA 94965-2206 http://www.sausalito.gov/home/showdocument?id=21806
Excellent
50%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2 reviews

San Francisco Yacht Club

8. Mason's Garage/Village Fair

777-789 Bridgeway Blvd., Sausalito, CA 94965-2103 http://www.sausalito.gov/home/showdocument?id=21806
Excellent
0%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
67%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 3 reviews

Mason's Garage/Village Fair

9. Sausalito Ice House Museum and Visitors Centre

780 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965-2159 +1 415-289-4117 http://www.sausalitohistoricalsociety.com/ice-house-museum-and-visitor-c/
Excellent
0%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
25%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 4 reviews

Sausalito Ice House Museum and Visitors Centre

10. Becker building

664 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965-2251 http://www.sausalito.gov/home/showdocument
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 1 reviews

Becker building

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