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
Things to do in Marin County, Marin County: The Best State Parks
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. Marin Headlands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,889 reviews
Located at the Point Bonita Lighthouse, these headlands offer a suspension bridge and hiking trail.
Reviewed By karen5326 - Grants Pass, United States
It is surprising to get such a sense of wildness so close to the city, but the Marin Headlands give you that experience. The Visitor Center was worth a stop and had interesting exhibits, helpful staff, and a good array of books and gifts. It is worth a drive to the end of the road if you have the time.
2. Mount Tamalpais State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 441 reviews
Beautiful state park north of San Francisco.
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
This area is north of the Marin Headlands and the Muir Woods. We drove all around on the Panoramic Highway down to Stinson Beach. Many of the roads are very narrow and have sharp curves. The main thing to do in this park are countless numbers of hikes you can do, many from the woods / mountains all the way down to either Muir Beach or to Stinson Beach.
3. Mt. Livermore
4. Slide Ranch
5. Tomales Bay State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Encompasses beaches, a majestic forest, leisure hikes and wild animals.
Reviewed By erichansb
Great nature trail about indigenous people also at this very attractive beach. The nature trail leads to another beach even quieter. Pictures of quieter Indian Beach.
6. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 675 reviews
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the nation's largest national park in an urban area, encompasses nearly 81,000 acres. Spanning Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties, Golden Gate National Recreation Area also includes areas such as Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, Presidio of San Francisco, and the Marin Headlands.
Reviewed By LightFighter - Lafayette, United States
I have spend the last 30 years exploring various pieces of the amazing Golden Gate National Recreation Area - everything from Alcatraz to Fort Point to the expansive Marin headlands area. I hiker's paradise, the photo ops are some of the best in the world and there are wonderful opportunities to learn more about California history. Pick and small piece and go explore! You will be rewarded with wonderful memories!
7. China Camp State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Located on the grounds of an old Chinese fishing settlement, this park includes over 1,500 acres of beaches, hiking trails and picnic grounds.
Reviewed By skier4life - San Francisco, United States
Wonderful state park with a good selection of trails and coastal areas to explore. So much outdoor recreation to enjoy including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, picnics and discovering historical facts of the actual China Camp. East facing so typically it's dry and less windy with great views of the bay. Small day fees apply but well worth it and only about 20 miles from San Francisco.
8. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By kt632 - Carlisle, United Kingdom
Read a recommendation on internet statong this is a good alternative to Muir Woods which has limited parking. It was a nice drive and we stopped off for a bite at a local shop just a couple of miles from Camp Taylor. Only met 3 people on walk around Pioneer Trail. Peaceful and less than a 3 mile trek. Take a bottle of water. Easy for young children.
9. Olompali State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
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.
10. Marconi State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Marconi Historic State Park is located on majestic Tomales Bay. Our 40 hotel rooms have been recently refreshed with local linens and art. We formerly were only a conference center, but now we welcome weddings, receptions, reunions and overnight guests. F Redwood Dining Room serves breakfast to our overnight guests using local cheese, meats and veggies. Our handmade 10' communal tables encourage conversation with other guests. Or, sit on the deck overlooking the 62 acre Historic Park. Hiking trails loop around the property with views of the pristine Bay. Kayaking, wine and oyster tasting, beaches, bike trails all are nearby.
Reviewed By Qiomonsterfamily2 - Dublin, United States
Our colleagues from Europe visit each spring for a collaboration session with those in the US. This time we decided to have more team building and less work content. We wanted a place where we had to focus on each other more and have our nose buried in computers less. The place is a bit rustic, but well maintained. No tv or other distractions. They have a large activity field with a volleyball court, basketball court and horseshoes, all overlooking Tomales Bay. The food was farmed local and tasted fantastic. The entire staff was amazing, helpful and friendly. We had wind storm one day which caused a power outage. The staff didn't miss a beat getting us needed lanterns. The rest of the meeting went on as planned. I highly recommend this place for team building, or simply visiting on your own. I will definitely return.
