Main County is only a bike or car ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, or for the less adventurous, a relaxing ferry ride from San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Marin’s legendary natural beauty has earned it the nickname “backyard of the Bay Area.” Begin by planning your journey to Marin at The Lodge at Tiburon!

WHERE TO STAY

Just a few minutes from Tiburon’s Main Street is The Lodge at Tiburon, which has a fantastic selection of rooms with private balconies and magnificent mountain and courtyard views. What makes this hotel really special is that your pet is invited to join you and will have his own dedicated grass dog run. The amenities are top-notch with a complimentary nightly wine hour in the lobby every Monday through Friday. Next, relax any time of year in a perfectly heated pool and whirlpool. Make sure to check out their latest offers to grab the best deal for any special occasion. By the way, the hotel offers a wonderful day package to Angel Island—so don't miss it!

The Lodge at Tiburon is also an excellent place to host weddings – the magnificent views with a backdrop of San Francisco Bay will make a perfect romantic setting for a dream destination wedding. The hotel offers over 100 rooms, as well as apartment suites for families, making for a seamless transition from the hotel to the wedding and back again.

PLACES TO EAT

You can enjoy a sumptuous meal at Tiburon Tavern. The dishes here are prepared using the freshest ingredients from Marin County’s Certified Organic Farming community and regionally-sourced ingredients from farms and purveyors. Its rustic interiors and ecologically conscious practices will make your time here worthwhile. The Tavern also hosts a Monday through Friday Happy Hour from 4:00 to 6:00 with live music on selected evenings.

If you want to try traditional French cuisine and experience the taste of Europe, reserve your table at the Petite Left Bank. Located just a few yards from The Tavern closer to the water, the Petite Left Bank is the perfect place to grab an espresso and pastry in the morning or a glass of wine on the patio or at the bar in the evening. It is a lively and exciting space that showcases French recipes and classics such as a ready-to-go roasted chicken dinner or a picnic pack to go.

THINGS TO DO

The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Company
Family-owned and operated since 1959, the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry has a rich local history. Captain Maggie McDonogh is the fifth generation of a family tradition offering ferry service to Angel Island. Visit them online for the roundtrip ferry schedule and fare.  They have also now added a new luxury vessel to their fleet: The Tamalpais.

Are you planning a private trip with your friends and family? Try chartering The Tamalpais and plan an all-day wildlife excursion to the Farallon Islands. The Tamalpais can also be used as a full-service water taxi to San Francisco or Jack London Square or to host engagement parties, evening soirees, and sunset cruises.

Angel Island State Park
Take the Tiburon-Angel Island Ferry to Angel Island, where the loading dock is located just a few footsteps from your hotel. You can plan a fun-filled day of hiking or biking around the island, setting up a picnic, lying on the beach, taking in the views, and just tuning in to nature. While staying at The Lodge at Tiburon, ask the hotel to prepare a special picnic lunch box to take with you. Don't miss the 6-mile Perimeter Trail, a paved path with a spectacular view of San Francisco Bay and everything surrounding it, suitable even for beginners. Electric mountain scooters and Segways are available to rent on the island to get you around fast and easily for those who are more adventurous. Additionally, you can visit historical sites, such as Fort McDowell to learn about its rich military history dating back to WWI.

Camp Reynolds is also situated on Angel Island, which, like Fort McDowell, has a rich military history and remained significant even after the Civil War. As one of the oldest buildings on the island, visitors will learn about the life of a soldier during the late 1800’s. Explore this treasured island and take in the interesting history it has to offer. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy the view of the bay!

Mt. Livermore
Mt. Livermore is the highest point on Angel Island and offers a 360-degree view of the city of San Francisco and the Bay Area. The peak is named after Caroline Livermore, who was an American conservationist. Angel Island became a state park as a result of her efforts to protect the island, which is now visited by tens of thousands of people each year. Adventurers can reach the summit via two trails: the Sunset Trail, which is easy and offers a spectacular view of San Francisco, and the North Ridge Trail, which is much more rugged and natural. The latter is a shorter, steeper route that will dodge the tourist crowds during peak season. Guided hikes are also offered for those with specific areas of interest.

Paradise Beach Park
This is one of Marin’s many hidden gems. If you are looking for a calm and peaceful beach area with great vibes, this is it. You can enjoy a picnic, play horseshoes, launch a kayak, or go fishing amidst the beauty of wildflowers, poplars, and a grove of redwood trees in this beautiful 19-acre park. There is no entry fee if you hike, bike, or kayak in; otherwise, it is just $5 per vehicle, but well worth it. No fishing license is required if fishing from the long pier, plus there is a station to clean your catch. The beach offers a narrow sendoff into bay waters with beautiful views of the East Bay and San Francisco. Looking for a spot to view a SUNRISE? You can watch it here!

 

For bookings and more details on the best places to stay when in Marin, visit the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau at https://www.visitmarin.org/hotels.