Your bucket list of places to see in California may include the streets of San Francisco, San Francisco Bay, or Alcatraz Island, but a 45-minute drive away is a stunning county that is worth spending at least a weekend at. Marin County is known for its stunning natural landmarks, mild Mediterranean climate, and thriving communities. It has everything you need to please gourmets, culture vultures, and lovers of the great outdoors. If you’re keen to experience a different type of weekend in Marin County, make sure the following places make it to your “To Do” list.
Cultural Immersion
If you love music, art, and all things cultural, you will find your match in Marin County. The Marin Center hosts numerous events year-round, including live music by the Marin Symphony, international acrobatic shows, tango events, and talks. Marin is also home to numerous museums, such as the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, which features several galleries, over 50 art studios, a classroom wing for studio art classes, and more. Or what about the Marin Museum of Bicycling, which displays bicycles and related items from the 19th-century until today? If music is your thing, enjoy outdoor music at one of Marin’s many outdoor events. In Southern Marin, key festivals include the Homestead Valley Music Festival, Sound Summit, and the Mill Valley Music Fest. The Sound Summit takes place in Mill Valley at Mount Tamalpais’ historic Mountain Theatre, which offers stunning views over the bay. Central Marin, meanwhile, is the place to visit for the Fairfax Festival, which combines food, art, and music.
Activities for Nature Lovers
One of the best ways to really know Marin is to head to its many impressive outdoor areas. Whether land or water activities appeal, you will find your match. One must-see spot is Point Reyes National Seashore, where children and adults can explore beaches, hike along a myriad of trails, and enjoy encounters with wildlife such as elephant seals and elks. Equally captivating is Audubon Canyon Ranch, with its tidal flats, marshlands, coastal prairie, oak woodlands, and redwood groves. If you enjoy being active, hike along scenic spots like the Dipsea Trail, cycle around the Golden Gate Bridge, or go kayaking in Tomales Bay.
Food Galore
Foodies often say that you don’t really know a place until you try its gastronomic delights, so if a visit to Marin is in the cards, enjoy the many culinary experiences it has to offer. One recommended spot is McEvoy Ranch, spread across 550 acres near Petaluma. It grows organic olive trees, vegetables, fruits, and grapevines. The Ranch offers pre-booked table tastings and wine bar tastings, samples of extra-virgin olive oil, food pairings, and more. If you’re into cheese, a must-visit spot is the Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, where you can tuck into cheese made from organic cow’s milk. This company is owned by the Lafranchi family, who opened their dairy in 1919. It produces eight types of cheese, including its famous Foggy Morning with Basil and Garlic. Cider lovers, meanwhile, should head to the AppleGarden Farm, which grows organic apples for cider. You can book a weekend at a cozy cottage and explore the areas by Tomales Bay and Dillion Beach.
A Fun Day Out
Most tourists enjoy a little shopping when they’re visiting a new area and Marin County won’t disappoint you in this regard. The Sausalito Waterfront, with its pretty views and plethora of shops and restaurants, is a great place to find a special memento to take to your friends back home. You can also head to Strawberry Village, which sits at the crossroads between the well-to-do communities of Tiburon, Belvedere, Mill Valley and Sausalito. Here, you will find a host of boutiques, restaurants, services, and beauty and wellness businesses. Two more shopping and dining spots are The Village at Corte Madera and Town Center Corte Madera.
Marin County has something to offer visitors of all ages. From stunning natural spots to outdoor music festivals, there are many opportunities to feel at one with its landscapes and people. The County is also a rich source of organic farms, where you can try fresh, healthy produce and excellent cider and wine. Finally, shoppers will find everything from fashion to beauty items at Marin County’s many shopping centers, some of which offer stunning views as well as top-level goods and specialty services.
