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
What to do and see in Marin County, Marin County: The Best Things to do Adventurous
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. Tule Elk Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By merb00 - Maui, United States
We traveled with 3 small kids - only made it about 2 miles into the hike. But it was glorious! A *very* foggy morning. Saw two small groupings of elk on the drive in, and saw another at the 2 mile mark before we turned around. Even with thick fog, it was a really beautiful experience. We were lucky enough to run into a ranger we could bombard with questions. We arrived on a Friday about 8:15 am and were the only group there. By the time we left (11:30ish) there were maybe 2-3 parking spots left.
2. Point Reyes Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 386 reviews
Point Reyes Safaris is a company dedicated to wildlife viewing and photography in Point Reyes National Seashore. 85 species of mammals and over 50% of North America's birds make this seashore home. Itineraries are custom to the desires of the group. We can accommodate groups of up to 8 people. Serious photography safaris are limited to 3 people.
3. Point Reyes Outdoors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Our love of the wilderness and sincere desire to share our knowledge and understanding of nature inspired us to create Point Reyes Outdoors. PRO is dedicated to environmental stewardship, building community relationships and providing our clients with the finest tours and classes possible. We offer kayak tours, stand-up paddleboard rentals, guided hikes, and multiday adventures in the beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore.
4. Seaplane Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 610 reviews
Thanks for visiting us at Seaplane Adventures! Come fly with us and explore from the air the breathtaking beauty and splendor that is the San Francisco Bay Area - one of the most fascinating and scenic cities anywhere in the world! You’ll enjoy first-class service and have a true adventure in the only seaplane tour anywhere in California. Let us take you back to the Golden Age of aviation when flying seaplanes was the height of luxury and adventure. Book your flight with us today!
5. Captain Kirk's San Francisco Sailing - Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 224 reviews
Sailing charters on San Francisco Bay. Private, customized trips leaving from San Francisco, Sausalito or Oakland for 3-4 hour tours of the bay. Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, past Alcatraz Island, and view wildlife up close and personal. Hands-on participation encouraged. Sailing lessons included at no extra cost. All this on a 50-foot sailing yacht with your own private captain & crew. From 2 - 24 passengers. We shoot for "Best Day Ever" with all of our trips. In business for 17 years. We would love to share the beauty of San Francisco Bay with you. Please call or email to discuss options.
6. Steep Ravine Environmental Campground
7. Point Reyes Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Point Reyes National Seashore boasts some of the most diverse wildlife viewing opportunities in the country. It is home to healthy populations of predators such as bobcat, coyote, grey fox and badger. Over 50% of North America's birds have been documented here giving you the chance to see owls, hawks, falcons and many other bird species. Dramatic cliffs, gorgeous beaches and a world famous lighthouse where you can look for elephant seals, migrating whales, sea lions, harbor seals and other wildlife make up the National Seashore's dramatic coastline. Customize your 6 hour experience with us, be it for wildlife viewing, visiting the lighthouse, the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel and other scenic and historical sites or for long guided hikes. The day is yours.
8. Point Bonita Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Point Bonita today is part of the largest urban national park in the United States, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. A secret jewel of the Bay Area, Point Bonita is still an active lighthouse. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the lighthouse and the National Park Service provides access to visitors. Point Bonita Lighthouse is reached by a half mile trail that is very steep in parts. Discover Point Bonita's wild landscape, geology and fascinating history. The tunnel halfway to the lighthouse is open only during visiting hours: Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reviewed By 7268 - Oakland, United States
A must-see for tourists and locals alike. This is a very unique spot with some of the most amazing views of the Golden gate area and the Pacific Ocean. On a foggy day it's like you're living in a movie. On a crystal clear day you can see the farallon Islands.
9. Point Reyes Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 759 reviews
Drenched in fog most of the year, this lighthouse is one of the foggiest in the country, and is a great whale-watching spot in the fall and spring.
Reviewed By raefb2017
I didn’t know what we were heading for. It was thanksgiving and the weather was cold and windy. We drove for 20 miles in roads where no one was there and no signal either. Then we came to the cliff and there it was; the strong winds that could pull you off the ground, the tilting trees, a fox and two dears, and the red lighthouse far down the cliff.. mystical and majestic... Protruding 13 miles into the Pacific Ocean, point Reyes (puntas di los Reyes) is truly the edge of the world!
10. Alamere Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Spectacular 40-foot waterfall, considered to be one of the rare examples of ocean bluff falls in the world.
Reviewed By Explorer767135 - Mountain View, United States
As many people have written here there are 2 paths to this spectacular view. We did both ways and to be honest I was scared on the way back using the short cut. It did cut down significant miles from our hike but tread carefully!
