Bay Area Travel Blog - Inn Above Tide
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Travel Blog

Bay Area Travel Blog

Welcome to our Bay Area travel blog, maintained by The Inn Above Tide, the Sausalito hotel with the best views and accommodations. Here you’ll find articles about day trips to San Francisco, Sausalito, Tiburon, and much of Marin County.

Best Angel Island Activities

Angel Island Activities — Exploring the Bay’s Largest Island from The Inn Above Tide Only a 15-minute drive from The Inn Above Tide to the Tiburon ferry terminal, Angel Island offers one of the Bay Area’s most rewarding day trips. Known as the “Ellis Island of the West” and home to stunning natural scenery, the island is part state park, part historical treasure, and part outdoor playground. With trails, beaches, military sites, and museums, these Angel Island activities offer something for every visitor. Ferry Landing Area Your day of Angel Island activities begins... read more


Marin Headlands Activities — The 5 Best Spots To Explore

Marin Headlands activities: Marin Headlands activities are easy to reach from The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito. This rugged, scenic stretch of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is packed with panoramic viewpoints, historic military sites, abundant wildlife, and unique cultural landmarks. Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day, the stops below make an unforgettable itinerary — and they’re all within a short, scenic drive of the hotel. Bring layers (the fog is real), a camera, and your curiosity. 1. Battery Spencer One of the most famous viewpoints in the... read more


Tennessee Valley Trail — A Scenic Marin Headlands Adventure Near The Inn Above Tide

For guests at The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito, the Tennessee Valley trail offers one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes in the Marin Headlands. Just a short drive from the hotel, this route leads you through rolling hills, lush meadows, and diverse wildlife habitats — all ending at a secluded beach framed by dramatic cliffs. Whether you’re here for a casual stroll, a bike ride, or a more challenging loop, Tennessee Valley delivers stunning scenery and fascinating history in one unforgettable outing. Tennessee Valley Trailhead The level 1.8-mile walk or... read more


Tennessee Lagoon: A Place For Beauty and Wildlife

Guests of The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito are just a short drive from the Marin Headlands’ hidden natural treasures, including Tennessee Lagoon. Nestled just steps from the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to the scenic trail leading to Tennessee Beach, this tranquil, man-made freshwater lake supports a surprisingly rich array of wildlife. It’s the perfect spot for visitors who want to enjoy birdwatching, photography, or simply a quiet moment surrounded by nature before heading to the beach. A Unique Ecosystem by the Ocean Tennessee Lagoon is a rare sight along the California... read more


Discover Tennessee Beach — A Hidden Coastal Escape Near The Inn Above Tide

Guests of The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito are perfectly placed to explore one of the Marin Headlands’ lesser-known gems: Tennessee Beach. This quiet stretch of sand sits at the end of a scenic trail through rolling hills and coastal scrub, opening onto a secluded horseshoe-shaped cove. It’s a perfect day trip for travelers who enjoy combining a rewarding hike with a bit of local history — and a dose of dramatic Pacific Ocean scenery. A Beach with a Story Once known as Indian Cove, Tennessee Beach was renamed after a dramatic... read more


5 Amazing Facts About Point Bonita Lighthouse

One of the Bay Area’s most unforgettable scenic coastal walks is on the path to Point Bonita Lighthouse. Perched dramatically on the windswept cliffs at the southwestern tip of Marin County, this historic beacon has been guiding ships into San Francisco Bay since 1855. Getting there is part of the fun — a short, scenic drive through the Marin Headlands followed by a cliffside walk with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the rugged coastline. For guests who love a mix of history, nature, and... read more


Rodeo Beach — A Coastal Gem Near The Inn Above Tide

Guests of The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito are perfectly positioned to explore Rodeo Beach, one of the Bay Area’s most unique and picturesque stretches of coastline. Just a short and scenic drive from the hotel through the Marin Headlands, Rodeo Beach offers a wild and untamed beauty that makes it a favorite with locals, surfers, photographers, and hikers alike. Whether you’re drawn to its colorful pebbles, dramatic surf, or surrounding trails, a visit here provides a refreshing taste of Northern California’s rugged Pacific shore. A Secluded and Striking Beach A spot... read more


Fort Cronkhite: Discover Its Beauty Today!

Explore Fort Cronkhite — A Historic Coastal Gem Near The Inn Above Tide Guests staying at The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito are perfectly positioned to explore one of the Bay Area’s most striking and historic destinations: Fort Cronkhite. Just a short drive from the hotel, this former World War II military post sits along the rugged coastline of the Marin Headlands, offering a blend of rich history, scenic trails, and incredible wildlife viewing. It’s an easy day trip that combines breathtaking Pacific views with a fascinating glimpse into the region’s... read more


Marine Mammal Center: 7 Wondrous Reasons to Visit

Visit the Marine Mammal Center — Just Minutes from The Inn Above Tide For guests of The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito, one of the most rewarding and memorable local experiences is a visit to the Marine Mammal Center. Located just a short, scenic drive from the hotel in the Marin Headlands, this world-class rescue and rehabilitation facility offers a rare glimpse into the lives of California’s most charismatic ocean residents—harbor seals, sea lions, and elephant seals. If you’re looking for a meaningful and educational excursion during your stay, the Marine Mammal... read more


Exciting Marin Headlands Adventures: 3 Ways To Travel

Only a 10-minute drive from The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito, the National Park Service’s Marin Headlands adventures unfold across 2,100 acres of stunning open space within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Guests can leave their waterfront suites and, in minutes, be immersed in sweeping views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, explore historic military installations, visit a working lighthouse, take in ocean vistas, stroll an isolated carnelian-pebbled beach, admire a freshwater lagoon, and tour the renowned Marine Mammal Center. While the Marin Headlands are exciting in... read more


Marin County Tourism Destinations

Renowned for its scenic splendor and bounty of outdoor activities, this predominately upscale area is home to several interesting and stylish communities nestled in the hills or along the shoreline. Tiburon – Affluent ocean front community with walking /biking path along ocean from end to end – path may be picked up just north of Inn Above Tide for the hour scenic and mostly level ride into Tiburon – lovely shops and restaurants Mill Valley – Stylish hillside town at the base of Mt. Tamalpais Muir Woods National Monument – Walk among old... read more


Marin Headlands

Only a 10 minute drive from the hotel, the National Park Service’s Marin Headlands offers 2100 acres of stunning open space. No matter what your fitness level, this adventure treats you to outstanding views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, historic military installations, a lighthouse, ocean vistas, an isolated carnelian pebbled beach, a fresh water lagoon, and the renowned Marine Mammal Center. While exciting in all weather, the Marin Headlands adventure is best on a clear day when the views aren’t shrouded in fog. Scroll down below the... read more


Tennessee Valley

Tennessee Valley cuts through the hills of the Marin Headlands to the Pacific Ocean just north of Sausalito. The valley, beach and cove are named for the 1853 wreck of the steam ship S.S. Tennessee, which mistook Tennessee Cove for the Golden Gate. The gentle trail through the valley to the ocean is magical and a local favorite which can be crowded on weekends. Steep hiking and biking trails can bring ambitious visitors up to the valley’s ridgetops for spectacular views. Tennessee Valley provides an easy escape from the hustle and... read more


Angel Island

Drive it: You can experience the wonders of Angel Island without hiking and entirely by car, ferry and tram. Follow the driving route north from the hotel to charming town of Tiburon and the Tiburon-Angel Island Ferry terminal. The ferry lands in Ayala Cove where you can purchase your tram tickets, lunch at the café or have a picnic. Visit the visitor’s center which was part of a Quarantine Station in the late 1880s and has natural and cultural history displays. The hour long roundtrip tram ride leaves from Ayala... read more


Best San Francisco Day Trip

The city of San Francisco defies brevity in description. Take a San Francisco day trip to experience it firsthand. No matter how many times one visits the magical city, there is always more to discover. The concierge will be pleased to arrange excursions, theatre tickets, recommend restaurants whatever is desired. Special effort is made to stay current on events and compelling attractions. SF DAY TRIP WITHOUT CAR Take the ferry adjacent to the hotel to SF-tour the Ferry Building with its artisan shops, cafes, restaurants and extensive Saturday Farmer's Market along... read more