There are so many attractions in Marin County that visitors may think they don’t have enough time to take a tour. Outside of the typical, biking and hiking tours, there are more structured tours that range from 1 – 5 hours, depending on the activity. Chartered tours provide visitors with specific activities on a bus, boat, segway, or other coach-type vehicles. Walking tours are more community-driven to check out local sights, landmarks, nature, and other curious things by foot. Alternative tours are beyond the ordinary, and an area that we will be growing in the future; some alternative tours may be agri-tourism related, such as touring dairy and oyster farms.
Taking a tour will definitely enrich your visit to Marin County!
Walking Tours | Water Sport Tours
Extranomical Adventures
690 5th Street, Ste. 205
San Francisco, CA 94107
866-231-3752
www.extranomical.com
Extranomical Adventures is a San Francisco sightseeing tour company that specializes in tours for people that generally do not like to take tours. Our clientele is very independent and likes to venture to places where most tour companies do not. Due to the small size of our groups, our tours offer a distinct "traveling with friends" feel where most people interact with each other and we are able to visit locations larger vehicles do not; for example the Muir Woods Expedition is a fully narrated semi private tour. This is the Muir Woods tour that spends the most time in the forest!
Marin Charter & Tours
415-256-8830
www.marinairporter.com/charterinfo.html
Marin Airporter offers charter bus service for groups large and small. We carry corporate groups, private parties, school groups, and tour and travel companies. Whether you need transportation for an evening in San Francisco, or a tour of the Western States, we have been providing safe, professional travel for over 30 years. Please call out office for quotes and information.
Pure Luxury Transportation
4246 Petaluma Blvd. North
Petaluma, CA 94952
800-626-5466
www.PureLuxury.com
Green Ride Global Certified
Rooted in hard work, customer service and innovation, Pure Luxury Transportation is the first executive full service transportation company to be “Green Certified” in the North Bay. Since 1991, we have been providing everything from airport meet and greet transportation, group shuttles, board retreats to winery tours, dinner celebrations and golf transfers. Our web site is full of detailed information on all of the transportation services we offer our clients. Please go online and see our impressive fleet to understand more about our services. Our operation is fully staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and we service 500 cities, worldwide.
Red and White Fleet
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-673-2900
www.RedandWhite.com
Welcome aboard the historic Red and White Fleet – San Francisco’s cruise tradition since 1892! Founded as a launch and tugboat company by 17-year old Thomas Crowley - over 115 years ago, the Red and White Fleet is San Francisco’s original bay cruise company. Over the years, a cruise aboard the Red and White Fleet – offering up-close views of the famous San Francisco bridges and Alcatraz Island – has become a highlight for millions of visitors to the City by the Bay.
The Red and White Fleet offers three unique cruises to visitors from around the world. The company’s four historic vessels can also be chartered for corporate and private events, and are a popular way for locals to celebrate and enjoy holidays. From the fireworks on July 4th, to Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Fleet Week, Halloween and the Christmas winter season, come out to play on San Francisco Bay. All of Red and White Fleet’s cruises depart from iconic Pier 43 ½, located in the heart of popular Fisherman’s Wharf, the touristic center of San Francisco.
Tideline Marine Group
39 Liberty Ship Way
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-339-0196
www.tidelinesf.com
Tideline Water Taxi is San Francisco's first on-demand, small passenger, all weather taxi service. Use Tideline to get to and from San Francisco, Angel Island, and Marin County or charter our boat for a personalized tour of the Bay!
Founded with safety, service and sustainability in mind, we offer a wide array of passenger and marine support services, including a highly experienced crew and private vessel and event support.
Check out our Live Map section for a list of our drop off/pick up destinations.
Drakes Bay Oyster
Company
17171
Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness,
CA 94937
415-669-1149
www.drakesbayoyster.com
Drakes Bay Oyster is the only certified organic oyster farm in Marin and the only commercial oyster producer in California that performs its own remote seed setting, which enables the production of its own oyster seed (baby oysters) on site. Currently, the shellfish species produced in the Drake’s Estero include Pacific Oysters and Manila Clams.
Free Oyster Farm Tours are available and are provided on a first come, first serve basis. Tastings within the tour are also available for a minimal charge. Although guests are welcome anytime for a tour, please do try to call in advance to schedule a tour time.
Hours of Operation: 8:00am-4:30pm Everyday
Marin French Cheese Company
7500 Red Hill Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
800-292-6001
www.marinfrenchcheese.com
A Favorite Destination for Visitors and Cheese Lovers from Around the World
Each year visitors from all over the world come to Rouge et Noir to learn how artisan cheese is made and sample the award-winning cheeses handmade in “the Cheese Factory” since 1865. Take a free tour of the creamery, sample our many styles of cheese and browse in our retail shop for cheese to take home. Visitors love our lush grounds for weddings, team meetings, barbecues, parties and relaxing picnics by the pond. Located at the gateway to West Marin as well as the Sonoma & Napa Valley wine regions, the Cheese Factory is a perfect gathering spot for cyclists and plein-air painters. Rain or shine, we have covered picnic tables, cold beverages (wine & beer), hot chocolate, coffee, soup and assorted sandwiches available in the deli.
We offer tours seven days each week at 10:00am, 11:00am, Noon and 3:00pm. Our cheese making schedule changes weekly. Please call for current days and times to view the cheese making process. For groups of 6 or more please call in advance.
Store hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm seven days per week. Closed on these Holidays: New Years day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas day
Marin Organic
80 4th Street, Suite 203
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
415-663-9667
www.marinorganic.org
Marin Organic is an association of organic farmers, ranchers, and food artisans in Marin County, California, whose livelihoods are based on a respect for nature and a sense of place. By engaging the community, Marin Organic is cultivating a thriving, sustainable food system that promotes environmental stewardship and improves human health. To ensure locally produced organic food is available to all residents, Marin Organic works alongside government agencies, public institutions, schools and environmental and community groups. Together we are building a community that feeds itself.
The Fork at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company
14700 Highway 1
Point Reyes, CA 94956
415-663-8880
800-591-6878
www.pointreyescheese.com/thefork
Just one visit and you’ll find The Fork is a long way from every-day!
The Giacomini family has been making farmstead products for more than 50 years. Producing the highest quality milk for their award-winning cheese is more than just a business strategy; it’s a way of life. They love what they do and believe their products reflect their family’s passion and commitment to excellence.
You’ll find the same passion has gone in to creating the farm’s new Culinary & Educational Center, The Fork at Point Reyes. Situated on the pastoral Giacomini family dairy, you’ll find The Fork is a long way from the every-day. It is a unique setting for your next private party or corporate event and it’s a great place to learn something new about agriculture, sustainability, farmstead cheese making and the culinary arts.
Reservations required for all classes and tours. Please call 800-591-6878 to secure your spot.
True Grass Farms
Valley Ford, CA 94972
707-876-3567
Email: truegrassfarms@live.com
www.truegrassfarms.com
We are a family-owned and operated since 1867 farm located three miles east of the Pacific coast, tucked in the coastal valleys of northwestern Marin County. We belong to the Estero Americano watershed where each day we dedicate ourselves to the land, to our community and to the future of this ecosystem. We provide wholesome food grown and raised on healthy soil. We are part of your bioregional food source.
For us, it all begins with the soil, the grasses and the sun. We commit ourselves to maintaining healthy pastureland by embracing a process of rotational grazing, helping us further the stewardship of the natural ecosystem as a whole.
Find us at Bay-Area farmers markets or visit us on our monthly farm tours.
West Marin Food & Farm Tours
Contact: Elizabeth Hill
415-599-9222
www.foodandfarmtours.com
Experience Point Reyes in a whole new way ~ come along on a gourmet guided tour of West Marin's culinary hotspots and sample the best wine, cheese, breads, pastries, produce, oysters in the area. Get a behind-the-scenes look into local food purveyors, take in the stunning scenery, and learn about the fascinating natural and cultural history ~ book a tour and prepare for an incredible edible adventure!
Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center
Avenue of the Flags
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-499-7009
www.co.marin.ca.us
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center is a national- and state-designated historic landmark. One-hour docent-led tours of the Civic Center are offered every Wednesday at 10:30 am, leaving from the second floor Gift Shop, Room 233. The cost is $5 per person and no reservations are required. Groups of ten or more can arrange a private docent tour by calling the Visitor Services Office at 415.473.7009.
Golden Gate Bridge
Dial 511 (within the Bay area)
415-455-2000 (outside the Bay area)
www.goldengatebridge.org/visitors
A trip to Marin County wouldn’t be complete without a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. This historic bridge, which is 1.7 miles long, was opened to vehicular traffic on May 28, 1937. Pedestrians and bicyclists may access the bridge sidewalks during daylight hours. Five acres of manicured gardens on the southeast side of the bridge allow visitors to wander along paths to view the bridge from different perspectives.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area / Marin Headlands
Marin Headlands Visitor Center
Fort Barry, Building 948
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-1540
www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm
Whether you are a visitor to the Bay Area or a lifelong resident, Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) offers you experiences you can find nowhere else. The national park area has some work renowned destinations – Alcatraz and Muir Woods, for example – as well as some places where you might not encounter another human being. Since 1972 GGNRA has grown to more than 75,000 acres, including beaches (Muir and Stinson), Marin Headlands, Muir Woods, and many hiking and biking venues that are scattered to the north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge. To download a map of trails and beaches, please visit: http://home.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Historic Downtown San Rafael Walking Tours
1125 B Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-454-8538
www.marinhistory.org
Join a walking tour with the Marin History Museum and discover the history of San Rafael's colorful downtown area. Walking tours are guided on the 3rd Saturday of the month from May through September. Beginning at 10 a.m., tours start from the historic Boyd Gate House, 1125 B Street, San Rafael. Connect with the past as you learn about San Rafael’s pioneer families while viewing the estates of Robert Dollar and Louise Boyd. Learn about San Rafael's Mission, Carnegie Library, The Belrose Theater, and other 19th century buildings. Tours last about an hour and are free to museum members, $5 to non-members. Wear sensible walking shoes and bring your hat and sunscreen!
Marine Mammal Center
2000 Bunker Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-289-7341
www.marinemammalcenter.org
Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Everyone is invited to visit The Marine Mammal Center to learn from knowledgeable docents and engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore the facility, peer into large viewing windows to see meals for the patients being prepared, lab work activities and they can enjoy watching the seals in their pools from a beautiful outdoor observation deck.
The Marine Mammal Center is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Docent-led tours and group tours are available by reservation online at www.marinemammalcenter.org/visit for $5 - $7 or on site the day of your visit. Audio tours are also available and visitors can enjoy shopping at our gift store. All proceeds from tours and the gift store benefit the Center.
San Rafael City Walking Tours
415-454-4163
www.sanrafaelchamber.com
The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce publishes a brochure describing five self-guided walking tours of historic homes and buildings throughout the city. The five tours include: Downtown San Rafael, the Mission and Early Mansions, the West End, the Gerstle Park area, and the Dominican area. Walking tour brochures are available at the Marin County Visitors Bureau or at the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, 817 Mission Avenue, San Rafael, California.
San Rafael Tree Tours
415-721-4374
www.sanrafaelchamber.com
Marin ReLeaf, a non-profit organization dedicated to urban forestry, has produced an unusual walking tour of downtown San Rafael focused on specimens of trees that are not regularly seen in Marin County. Tree Tour brochures are available at the Marin County Visitors Bureau or at the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, 817 Mission Avenue, San Rafael, California.
Marin Open Space - Event Calendar
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 260
San Rafael, CA 94903
MarinOpenSpace.org
(415) 499-6387
It’s summer and the Parks and Open Space rangers and naturalists are ready to show your family a good time in the great outdoors.
You will find a variety of events designed for families that want to enjoy our parks and preserves together. Find Marin County parks and open space preserves where you can hike, ride, fish, kayak, walk the dog, and more. All of the Ranger Events and Family Walks are suitable for children and adults of all ages. Visit their “Seasonal Events Calendar” to discover the many Family Outings and Ranger Events they are hosting. A hard copy is available upon request for people without computer/internet access. Call (415) 499-6387.
101 Surf Sports
115 Third Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-524-8492
www.101surfsports.com
The water is right behind our shop so come on down!
101 Surf Sports is a full service Water Sports Shop specializing in Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, Surfing, and Kayaking on Marin County waters as well as the San Francisco Bay. We also offer a full range of lessons, gear rentals, board repair, kayak storage, guided tours, a retail shop, and much more!
Our location has all the SUP, windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing and kayaking gear. We offer both Stand Up Paddle and Kayak tours year round and beginning in Spring we start up our Windsurfing and Kiteboarding downwind runs.
Summer/Spring Hours: Saturday - Sunday: 9:00am - 6:00pm; Monday - Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
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