By Joe Kukura

 

Sunshine and warm weather are the antidote to the post-holiday hangover, and the famed wine country destination of Marin County has plenty of both all winter long. The mild, Mediterranean-style weather of the “sunny side of the Golden Gate Bridge” makes it an ideal destination for a winter getaway. You have a brand-new calendar ready to pack with plans and activities, and Marin County is waiting with outdoor fun and farm-to-table food experiences, all with the iconic backdrop of the area’s unbelievable scenery.

 

Golf at Peacock Gap

Much like your new year, San Rafael’s Peacock Gap Golf Club is refreshed, renovated and restored. While the 18-hole golf course is a Marin County legacy dating back nearly 60 years, the club has recently upgraded with multimillion-dollar improvements to add stunning modern architecture, ballrooms, a magnificent outdoor deck and a five-star restaurant featuring San Rafael’s renowned chef Mario Pampin Gonzalez.

 

But it’s Peacock Gap’s golf course—designed by Torrey Pines designer William F. Bell—that is indeed the main course, and a great place to improve your game. Recently renovated with a real grass driving range, this course offers beautifully laid-out chipping areas and practice greens to build your skills. Or better yet, schedule a personal lesson with one of the Peacock Gap Golf Club instructors, many of whom are current and former PGA Tour competitors. Junior classes are also available, so bring the kids!

 

Cheesemaking

Cheese tasting in Marin County is always a scrumptious endeavor, but the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company has an all-day, intensive artisan cheesemaking retreat in the new year that will really get your goat. The Giacomini family’s pastoral 720-acre ranch has a centerpiece culinary and educational center called The Fork, and cheeseheads will love it there. 

 

Wildlife Tracking

While much of the country slogs through a dreary winter, Marin’s lush, warm winters make for great winter wildlife watching. Whales, egrets, elephant seals and other wonderful migratory animals make Marin County their warm winter home.

 

The Point Reyes National Seashore hosts many classes and events including monthly Full Moon Hikes and an Annual Christmas Bird Count! The Annual Christmas Bird Count happens every January and is for families with children ages 3-18. The event brings together all the basic elements of birding to introduce the next generation of stewards to the importance of birds in the ecosystem and the annual tradition of bird counts. Point Reyes National Seashore is an ideal location for birding with 54% of all North American birds having been recorded here. Local experts will lead groups on different trails for a fun day of counting and identifying.

 

Winter Paddle Racing

The placid and pretty waters of San Rafael Creek make for great paddleboarding and kayaking, whether you’re brand new or a pro.

 

San Rafael’s 101 Surf Sports hosts paddlers of all skill levels for great morning paddle parties with fun family races for all skill levels. At 101 Surf Sports’ winter paddle racing events, raceboards and race paddle rentals are available on site, and kids get to race for free.

 

Exploring the Arts

Marin County and wine country are well-known havens for artisans and their art, and San Rafael’s Art Works Downtown draws the finest in artists and instructors. There are always terrific art events scheduled at Art Works Downtown, so plan your Marin County getaway around its gallery exhibits, events and art classes for adults and kids.

Or for a fun Friday night, the 2nd Friday Art Walk comes to downtown San Rafael’s Fourth Street with warm treats, hot cider and, of course, plenty of great art to enjoy.

There are no winter blues in Marin County, just lush green landscapes and good times in the great outdoors. With a fresh new calendar and a fresh new year, make a resolution for a Marin County escape that will really lift your spirits.

 

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