With the holidays just around the corner, we urge you not to leave your shopping until the last minute! But, should you be a last-minute shopper, we can help you too! Your friends and family are in for a treat this year if you follow our recommendations! Marin has so much to offer, from mouthwatering pastries to customized perfumes and unique antiques. Here are a handful of our favorite locations and gift suggestions.

Mill Valley

Downtown Mill Valley has a delightful array of fashionable boutiques. Want access to all the best that Mill Valley has to offer? Be sure to shop between Nov. 23 and Dec. 21, when you will get free parking as you wander around the clothing, jewelry, and design shops!

Strawberry Village is Marin's local shopping haven with Tuscan inspired ambiance. It is a charming shopping destination with an abundance of fitness centers and spas if you want to get your loved ones a gift card and make them feel pampered.

 

San Anselmo

San Anselmo is a must-see as they have boutique shops in three separate shopping districts—Greenfield Avenue, the historic downtown, and Redhill Shopping Center. Give yourself the day here, as there is so much to see! Antique enthusiasts, in particular, will be blown away by the selection. There are more than 130 antique dealers in San Anselmo. If you’re looking for something for that hard-to-buy-for person there are boutiques that only sell hand-made one-of-a-kind pieces, like Curate Studio.

Best friends shop together at the Town Center in Corte Madera

Corte Madera

Head on over to Corte Madera if you’re looking to maximize your shopping impact, as it is home to many of your favorite bigger department stores.

The Village at Corte Madera, for example, has more than 60 boutiques, restaurants, and department stores. They are home to Macy's, Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama, Free People, and more! Or continue on into the Town Center Corte Madera to find popular retailers such as Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Crate & Barrel, and The Container Store—perfect for that loved one who is a homebody!

 

Larkspur

Located in Larkspur, California, the Marin Country Mart is an unanchored, open-air, modern village that is home to independent stores, artisanal organic restaurants, and family-friendly activities if you’re thinking of spending the day here.

The Mart is positioned between the new SMART Train Station and the Larkspur FerryTerminal on Sir Francis Drake at the 101 Freeway. If you’re making this shopping trip a family affair consider traveling by ferry—the kids will love it!

The artisans and traders at Marin Country Mart are devoted, talented businesspeople; many are family-owned businesses that hand-select their products. Furthermore, parking is free, and Larkspur is dog-friendly!

 

Fairfax

Another hidden treasure for shopping can be found along Broadway in downtown Fairfax, where chic storefronts mix with preserved architecture to make for a picturesque and enjoyable day of shopping. If you're unsure of what you're looking for, this is a wonderful place to start!

An added bonus? Shopping in Fairfax is just fun! It’s a bustling community of independent stores, eateries, and music venues, as well as a neighborhood that takes pleasure in keeping its quirky, small-town vibe. Don’t be surprised if you see people on horseback!

 

Finally, we couldn’t possibly cover every possible place to shop or name every store, but we hope you will explore Marin County and all it has to offer as you complete your Christmas shopping this year. For more information, you can always contact us here. Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau looks forward to seeing you this holiday season!

Whether you’re traveling from near or far, Marin County is that quick getaway you are looking for.  For a place to stay, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau at https://www.visitmarin.org/hotels/.