Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Marin County unfolds as one of Northern California’s most captivating destinations — a place where ancient redwood forests, rugged Pacific coastline, and charming small towns all sit within a short drive of one another. From the waterfront of Sausalito, where Inn Above Tide offers an unmatched view across the bay, guests are perfectly positioned to explore everything Marin has to offer.
Whether you have a single afternoon or several days to wander, the county rewards visitors with a rare combination of natural beauty, cultural character, and culinary richness. Hikers, cyclists, photographers, foodies, and those simply looking to slow down will all find something to love here. Below is a curated overview of the communities and landmarks that make Marin such a memorable place to visit.
Marin County 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 growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek.
Muir Beach – Home to historic Pelican Inn – Restaurant and Pub. Stroll to crescent shaped beach at base of Marin Headlands
Stinson Beach – A classic northern California beach hamlet with long beach walks, trails leading up into the Redwoods of Mt. Tam, cafes and shops along Scenic Coastal Hwy 1
Pt. Reyes and Inverness – Thoughts of Ireland and Wales come to mind when visiting these villages near the Pt. Reyes National Seashore amid rolling hills, rugged shoreline and marshes full of bird and sea life – Station House Café is a natural choice for lunch after visiting the historic Pt. Reyes Lighthouse
MARIN COUNTY RESTAURANTS
Please visit our Foods & Drink page for a list of suggestions
Exploring Marin is best done at an unhurried pace, with time to linger over a long lunch, pause at a scenic overlook, or follow a trail a little farther than you planned. Coastal fog often drapes the shoreline in the morning before burning off to reveal brilliant afternoon sun, so layers are always a good idea no matter the season.
Reservations for popular spots like Muir Woods can fill up well in advance during peak season, and weekends bring heavier traffic on the twisting coastal roads — midweek visits reward travelers with quieter trails and easier parking. For those who prefer cycling, the path from Sausalito to Tiburon is among the most scenic rides in the Bay Area, largely level and entirely unforgettable, with bay views unfolding at every bend.
The ideal way to experience all of this is to make Sausalito your home base. Inn Above Tide sits directly on the water, with every room opening onto a private deck and sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, and the bay itself. It’s a short drive to Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and Point Reyes, and a pleasant walk or bike ride to Tiburon. Few hotels anywhere in the Bay Area offer such a direct connection to the water. Come discover Marin County for yourself — and let Inn Above Tide be your tranquil waterfront retreat. Book your stay today and wake up to the view you’ll remember long after you leave.
For special deals and discounts, please consider signing for our email list.
