By Joe Kukura

 

Rack up the likes while you “Marin-stagram” your scenic stay in this eye-catching Northern California vacation spot nestled between San Francisco and Napa Valley. The “sunny side of the Golden Gate Bridge” always shines for the camera, and its beautiful backdrops make Marin County the summertime staycation of choice for locals, and the leader for delighting your followers on Instagram. 

Marin County pictures jump off the screen with breathtaking scenes of coastal shores, mountains, wildflowers, waterfalls and more. You’ll be in hashtag heaven when you see the sights of Marin County, and here are some of its top spots for the hottest shots.

 

Tomales Bay

Unspoiled seashore and wildlife are the hallmarks of Tomales Bay, a Pacific Ocean inlet with a nonstop array of outdoor surprises. Deer roam freely in the wild, the hilltop views of the bay are beyond compare, and an old-time shipwrecked boat preserved on its coast makes for a stunning image every time. And for beach picnics, the Tomales Bay Oyster Company serves fresh oysters to go that are an iconic must-eat for any visit.

 

Point Reyes Lighthouse

The Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the great wilderness preserves in the western U.S. Its most photographed attraction might be the Point Reyes Lighthouse, a charming vintage lighthouse at the westernmost point of the park that sits at the base of a scenically steep walkway. Few locations in California can capture the vastness and majesty of the Pacific Ocean in a single shot.

 

Chimney Rock

Another can’t-miss at the Point Reyes National Seashore is Chimney Rock, a favorite destination for both professional and amateur wildflower photographers. It’s even more dazzling when the elephant seals, harbor seals and sea lions visit Marin County, and during whale-watching season too. The short hike to Chimney Rock is extremely easy for anyone, and a number of the best wildlife-watching spots are clearly labeled so you won’t throw away your shot.

 

Mount Tamalpais

The towering crown of Marin County is Mount Tamalpais, a timeless symbol of Northern California that can be seen many counties away. You can see for miles and miles too at the panoramic Mount Tamalpais East Peak, where dramatic 360-degree views are always on display at one of Marin County’s best-known lookout points. Gaze down at the San Francisco skyline from high above, snap sprawling shots of many surrounding mountain ranges, or watch the fog play unforgettable blanketing tricks on the landscape from the highest peak in the Marin Hills.

Marin Headlands

There is nowhere better for a “selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge behind me” than the coastal paths of the Marin Headlands. You’ll be high above the bridge and a few miles away on the Marin Headlands trails’ many photogenic vantage points for postcard-perfect shots that get the entire Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Plenty of redwoods and unique species of birds also call the Marin Headlands home, making it uniquely diverse for shots of wildlife and other natural wonders. 

 

Farms, Gardens, and Orchards
 

The renowned farm-to-table orchards and gardens of Marin County can be a feast for your Instagram timeline too. Tomales’ AppleGarden Farm has delicious sights blooming year-round, McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma is a paradise for pictures of flowers (or baby goats!), and Heidrun Meadery has beautiful beehives.

There’s a charming array of community dairy farms in Marin County, including the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company and the picturesque Nicasio Valley Cheese Company. And you’ll certainly want to Instagram your food at the meadows of Petaluma’s Marin French Cheese Company.

When your Instagram feed is hungry for outdoor shots that explore the heights of natural beauty, Marin County has awe-inspiring scenes of flower fields, meadows and the mighty Pacific Coast. Make a weekend of it by finding a place to stay and taking in the galleries and boutiques. Because a trip to Marin County gives you an unforgettable time and gives your Instagram an unforgettable timeline.

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.