What to do and see in Marin County, Marin County: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

February 19, 2022 Natalie Tallman

Some say it’s different, but residents of Marin County like their home that way. We’re betting you will too! Nestled between San Francisco and the Napa Valley, Marin County includes the cities of Tiburon, San Anselmo, San Rafael and Corte Madera.

Activities in Marin County include the highly anticipated Concours d’Elegance, a festival of pre-1978 vehicles and British Sports Cars. Held at the Marin County Fairgrounds in May, the event features a wine-tasting, fine food and “The Drive,” a parade of classic cars winding their way through the scenic back roads of Marin and neighboring Sonoma Counties ending with a lunch reception in San Rafael. In July, be sure to head to the Marin County Fair and in August hit the San Rafael Food and Wine Festival. Treat yourself to some of the world-renowned local wine and watch the sun go down over the hills.

Of course, there’s no shortage of natural beauty in Marin County. Beach lovers will enjoy Stinson Beach or Point Reyes National Seashore where wildlife abounds. Here you just might spot some Elephant Seals or Tule Elk among the rugged terrain or, from Point Reyes Lighthouse, catch a glimpse of a pod of whales. Go butterfly or bird watching and enjoy the many natural wonders of California’s Northern Coast.

For some, no vacation would be complete without a round of golf. If you’re a golf aficionado, Marin County will not disappoint you. The area boasts several public and private courses in a variety of settings, including San Geronimo Golf Course. Situated on 150 acres of stunning landscape, this is a challenging course designed to test your game! Or, try the StoneTree Golf Club, a daily fee, 18-hole championship course. If hiking is more your style, check out Angel Island State Park. Accessible only by ferry, Angel Island offers spectacular views of most of the Bay Area, including San Francisco. Fishing more your style? Try McNear’s Beach Pier in San Rafael.


Restaurants in Marin County

1. Marin Headlands

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA 94965 +1 415-331-1540 http://www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,889 reviews

Marin Headlands

Located at the Point Bonita Lighthouse, these headlands offer a suspension bridge and hiking trail.

Reviewed By karen5326 - Grants Pass, United States

It is surprising to get such a sense of wildness so close to the city, but the Marin Headlands give you that experience. The Visitor Center was worth a stop and had interesting exhibits, helpful staff, and a good array of books and gifts. It is worth a drive to the end of the road if you have the time.

2. Adubon Canyon Ranch

4900 Shoreline Highway 1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970-9701 +1 415-868-1699 [email protected] http://www.egret.org
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Adubon Canyon Ranch

3. Tule Elk Preserve

12320 Shoreline Highway Tomales Bay Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore, CA 94956 +1 415-464-5100 http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_tuleelk.htm
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 160 reviews

Tule Elk Preserve

Reviewed By merb00 - Maui, United States

We traveled with 3 small kids - only made it about 2 miles into the hike. But it was glorious! A *very* foggy morning. Saw two small groupings of elk on the drive in, and saw another at the 2 mile mark before we turned around. Even with thick fog, it was a really beautiful experience. We were lucky enough to run into a ranger we could bombard with questions. We arrived on a Friday about 8:15 am and were the only group there. By the time we left (11:30ish) there were maybe 2-3 parking spots left.

4. Martin Griffin Preserve

4900 Shoreline Highway 1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970-9701 +1 415-868-9244 http://www.egret.org/visit_bolinas
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Martin Griffin Preserve

5. Green Gulch Farm

1601 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA 94965-9759 +1 415-383-3134 http://www.sfzc.org/ggf/
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Green Gulch Farm

6. Steep Ravine Environmental Campground

Mount Tamalpais sp 801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA http://www.hipcamp.com/ca/sf-bay-area/mount-tamalpais/steep-ravine-cabins-and-campground
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Steep Ravine Environmental Campground

7. Slide Ranch

2025 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA 94965-9728 +1 415-381-6155 http://slideranch.org
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Slide Ranch

8. The Great Beach

Point Reyes National Seashore Point Reyes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

The Great Beach

9. Tomales Bay State Park

1208 Pierce Point Rd, Inverness, Point Reyes National Seashore, CA 94937-9726 +1 415-669-1140 http://parks.ca.gov/tomalesbay
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Tomales Bay State Park

Encompasses beaches, a majestic forest, leisure hikes and wild animals.

Reviewed By erichansb

Great nature trail about indigenous people also at this very attractive beach. The nature trail leads to another beach even quieter. Pictures of quieter Indian Beach.

10. Drakes Estero

Inverness, Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Drakes Estero

This small waterway is a popular destination for paddlers.

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