Welcome to Marin County
A national treasure bursting with recreational opportunities
Marin County is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the coastal areas. Located in Northern California north of San Francisco, Marin County enjoys fabulous weather with plenty of sun-filled days and less fog than other parts of the region.
Many of the residential properties in Marin County include sweeping vistas of the bay, mountains, or even San Francisco. The area attracts families, as Marin County is famous for having some of the best public and private schools in Northern California, some of which are nationally recognized.
What to Love
- Strong arts and culture programs
- Stunning architecture
- An abundance of outdoor activities (parks, trails, beaches)
- National Parks and recreation areas
- Upscale shopping and dining experiences
Local Lifestyle
A rainbow tunnel welcomes travelers to Marin County, beckoning visitors with its unique charm and appeal. While Marin County is an urban area, there are countless state, national, county, and local parks, with an astounding 80% preserved open space within the county. The western portion of Marin County is the epicenter of the country's organic farming movement, servicing the needs of local restaurants with farm-fresh ingredients.
The diverse area offers seaside towns, picturesque wooded communities, and peaceful neighborhoods with a lingering Bohemian vibe. Locals live an active lifestyle full of biking, hiking, kayaking, and whale-watching excursions. There is something for everyone in Marin County, and commuters can enjoy a ferry system for easy access to the city to enjoy first-rate shopping and world-class dining.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The widely-acclaimed Marin County Farmer's Market is held every Sunday and Thursday from 8 am to 1 pm at the Civic Center. As one of the best organic farmer's markets in the Bay Area, vendors offer a wide array of locally-sourced products, baked goods, and fresh seafood.
For a more upscale shopping experience, visit The Village at Corte Madera. With high-end department stores, fine dining, and brand-name shopping, a stroll along the landscaped pedestrian walkways is a great way to spend an afternoon in Marin County.
Don't miss Le Garage in Sausalito for a unique dining experience. Enjoy classic French cuisine inside an old automotive repair shop that has been transformed into an industrial-chic bistro with waterfront views. For sustainably sourced seafood, visit Fish, a laid-back bayside restaurant with impeccable dishes and outdoor seating.
The Caprice in Tiburon is an iconic restaurant that offers the best views of any restaurant in Marin County. Enjoy a European-inspired, upscale surf and turf menu accompanied by an extensive wine list while taking in fabulous panoramic vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Things to Do
Marin County is home to over 80,000 acres of historically significant and ecologically sound natural space. There is an abundance of parks, trails, beaches, and natural sites for enjoying outdoor activities. Locals and visitors alike enjoy endless opportunities for biking, hiking, sailing, kayaking, whale-watching, outdoor concerts, and more.
In 1908, the old-growth coastal redwood trees of Muir Woods became a federally protected national monument. Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge, a visitors center featuring exhibits and information on the area awaits travelers before entering the mesmerizing park.
The Marin Headlands is a five-mile coastal basalt headland known for its unique geological formations and fog-filled coastal prairie ecosystem. It is a natural habitat for coyotes, bobcats, deer, and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy climbing the Point Bonita Lighthouse and hiking several area trails. Stinson Beach offers white sand and aqua-blue water, making it one of the best swimming beaches in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Its water quality rates are among the best in the nation.
The Point Reyes National Seashore preserves a stunning section of the Northern California coastline, protecting the ecosystem and cultural resources for future generations. The area features relaxing walking trails, expansive beaches, a visitor's center, windswept bluffs offering panoramic water views, and a hundred-year-old lighthouse.
For those looking for artisan goods, don't miss the annual Marin Arts and Crafts Show, which features jewelry, woodwork, artwork, clothing, and ceramics designed and offered for sale by independent artists.
The Angel Island Ferry Service transports visitors from downtown Tiburon to some of San Francisco's most famous Bay cities. Angel Island, known as the Ellis Island of the West, is a popular stop due to its role in California's history. Charters and private event bookings are a great way to enjoy the waterways.
Schools
The Marin County Office of Education services 18 school districts in Marin County, supporting educational services in public and private K-12 institutions.
- Old Mill Elementary, K-5, ranked top public school in Marin County and among the top one percent in California for math and reading proficiency
- The Branson School, grades 9-12, ranked #1 best private high school in Marin County; low student-teacher ratio of 8:1; 100% of students graduate to a four-year college
- College of Marin, a world-renowned theatre department with the highest transfer acceptance rate of a two-year college to Juilliard
- The Dominican University of California, a Division II private university founded in 1890, among the top regional universities in the west
