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
Top 10 Shopping 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. Ramini Mozzarella
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By mattmorris317 - Sacramento, United States
A must-see stop if you are a fan of big animals, artisan cheese, or both. (2020 COVID status: yes, tours are open again with plenty of space and mask wearing.) We heard about Ramini Mozzarella from a friend and signed up for a Saturday tour. It was wonderful. The day started with the owner Audrey talking about the history of their dairy, the character of the water buffalo and her herd, their philosophy of herd management and cheese making, and taking questions about their operations. We lucked out: a calf had been born earlier that day, and we were able to watch his mother caring for him just hours into his young life. After the introduction, there was a chance to explore the dairy, followed by a sample of fresh buffalo milk mozzarella made just the day before. Delicious! (They had additional cheese for purchase, but you need to bring cash for that.) The tour ended with the best part (if you’re an animal lover): the amazingly well-socialized calves were brought in from the pasture and we all got to brush, scratch, and give them belly rubs. The tour is a wonderful insight into a micro dairy dedicated to making great cheese and being compassionate stewards of their wonderful herd of gentle giants.
2. Art Works Downtown
3. Poet and the Bench
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Husband and wife makers and curators, Jeffrey Levin and Bonnie Powers are the proprietors of Poet and/the Bench, an atelier and lifestyle shop curated by design. Shop handcrafted fine and custom jewelry from Jeffrey, a goldsmith and designer originally from Cape Town, South Africa, along with other curated jewelry designers each with a unique point of view. You'll also discover fine art, wall art and art prints, made and found objects (with a particular emphasis on vintage bar ware / glass ware and pottery), home decor, ceramics, culinary items and an ethical pantry, textiles, clean beauty and more from nearly 50 independent and emerging designers and artists sourced from Bonnie and Jeffrey's journeys. Poet and the Bench supports local designers with 65% of the curated artists being from the greater Bay Area, 80% are female artists and 20% (and growing) are BIPOC artists and makers.
4. The Holiday Shoppe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Trip403488
Loved browsing this shop of beautiful Christmas treasures. Found some Christmas ornaments to put away for family at Christmas. Hope to come back soon.
5. Lovemarin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Mdelane - San Francisco, United States
My neighbor had told me about LOVEMARIN after meeting its owner and her cute pup while picking up garbage at the beach in Sausalito. I almost wish she hadn’t as I ended up buying half the store! My daughter and I fell in love with the stylish sweatshirts and sailboats Jessica (the owner) had made from unique, fun fabrics and driftwood she had found on the beach! I also scooped up a beautiful picture she had taken while on the beachfront sunset! I soothed my credit card concerns by reminding myself (and my husband!) that LOVEMARIN gives back by donating to local nonprofits, schools and more. Thanks, LOVEMARIN! Can’t wait to see you beside me while cleaning up Kirby Cove this spring!
6. Gallery Sausalito
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Gallery Sausalito offers a contemporary collection of imaginative fine art works with an emphasis on texture and color. Located in beautiful downtown Sausalito, California, a 5-minute walk from the Sausalito ferry and public parking. Internationally recognized artist, Sue Averell is the resident artist at the gallery. The space is also a working art studio. Visit just about any afternoon to see Sue creating her art. The gallery represents a selection of art by several exceptional artists. We ship worldwide and many of our artists will create custom pieces for your home or office. There's always something new to see at Gallery Sausalito!
Reviewed By UlrE2015 - Vaxjo, Sweden
I ran into this pitoresque alley where Gallery Sausalito is located as a coincident when I saw a piece of artwork outside that I just had to see more of. Inside I met Sue who explained more about her art and was very friendly and open to share her work experiences as an artist. The paintings and art pieces are amazing and I would love to be able to buy something in the future. They are colorful, full of life, and would be the centerpiece in any home. Even though I'm not that familiar with San Francisco it was easy to recognise the better pictures of its main buildings in some of Sue's paintings. I had a bus to catch otherwise I would have stayed longer. Everyone that will ever go to Sausalito - don't hesitate to drop by the gallery, you won't regret it!
7. Downtown Novato Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Looking for fresh produce, flowers or crafts? Shop at this farmer's market located in Marin county.
8. Marin County Farmers' Market--San Rafael
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By pfefmeister - San Francisco, United States
This is, by far, the best Farmer’s Market in the North Bay. Just a pleasant Sunday, with marginal parking nearby, though plenty, if you can walk 2-3 blocks. Wonderful vendors, with moderate pricing on vegetables. Quite a few bakers, a nice spattering of artisans, kombucha, hot foods, olives - it only gets better as the warm season progresses.
9. Marin Country Mart
10. Galerie Elektra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
