What is Marin?
Directly across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Marin County is a coastal county made up of a series of smaller towns interspersed with beautiful nature. With everything from beautiful sunset views and beaches to wine country access, Marin is the perfect destination for a day trip from San Francisco or even a few nights exploring all the region has to offer.
Most visitors to San Francisco stop by Marin to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and visit bayside Sausalito. Though this is where the tourist experience typically ends, there is much more to the county. The real draw is the nature, but visitors will be pleasantly surprised by Marin’s vibrant culinary scene, quaint towns, and relaxed local lifestyle.
Though less notable than San Francisco, Marin County is somewhat famous in its own right. Muir Woods attracts millions of visitors each year to marvel at its redwoods, the famous Dipsea race takes place each year in Mill Valley, and celebrities from Robin Williams and Julia Child to Janis Joplin and Carlos Santana have called Marin home. Marin has a rich history steeped in the hippie culture of the ’60s and ’70s, though it is better known today as a hidden enclave for the ultra-wealthy. Though prices are high, there are still many affordable and welcoming places throughout the county to explore.
I grew up in Novato in North Marin, so this list is full of my personal recommendations. Many of these places are not ones you will find in guidebooks, and they are similarly not the high-priced experiences Marin is famous for. Still, these are all places well known and loved among local populations for a good reason.
Marin’s main cities are Sausalito, Tiburon, Mill Valley, Larkspur, Fairfax, San Anselmo, San Rafael, and Novato. It is also worth checking out the coastline and specifically West Marin.
Getting Around
Marin is not an easy place to get around without a car. While you could in theory rely on Marin Transit (local public bus system) and the Smart train (only Northern Marin), I would recommend renting a car. For a short trip through one specific region, it could also be done with just a bike.
Payment
Credit cards are accepted almost universally throughout Marin. Still, as with anywhere, it is a good idea to carry cash. There are still some smaller establishments that only accept cash. Expensive is the norm in Marin, though there are of course exceptions.
Wide Open Road 