Marin: Nature, Coast and Special Excursions

Marin combines impressive coastal landscapes, coastal redwoods and protected tidal salt marshes with a wide range of nature experiences. At Point Reyes National Seashore, you can discover more than 1,500 plant and animal species. Whales can be observed off the coast of Point Reyes almost year-round; gray whales are especially common during their winter and spring migration. Those looking for a vacation rental in Marin can therefore choose between days by the water, forest trails, historic sites and excursions into the diverse landscapes of Marin County.

Landscapes for Active and Relaxing Days

The landscapes of Marin County range from oak bay woodlands and savannas to grasslands and salt marshes. Marin County Parks offers 39 parks, 34 open-space preserves and a total of 18,500 acres to explore. China Camp State Park on the shore of San Pablo Bay offers a particularly vivid nature experience. It includes oak woodlands and more than 100 acres of protected tidal salt marshes. Wildlife viewing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, boating with small watercraft and windsurfing offer a variety of ways to spend a day on vacation there.

Muir Woods National Monument also has a character of its own: it protects an old-growth stand of coastal redwoods connected to Redwood Creek. Miles of trails lead through the ancient forest; boardwalks and benches make access easier for visitors with different mobility needs. National Park Service rangers offer several programs every day. Reservations are required for private vehicles and shuttle rides, so this visit is one of the excursions you should include in your plans early.

Trails with Different Features

The Millerton Point Trail in Tomales Bay State Park adds another option to the selection of trails. The accessible loop trail is 1.18 miles long and runs along coastal cliffs. It offers views of Tomales Bay, Point Reyes and the surrounding coastal hills. Tomales Bay State Park also includes four beaches protected from the surf, as well as opportunities for hiking, picnicking, swimming, shellfish gathering and boating.

The Tennessee Valley Trail is mostly flat and runs 1.7 miles to Tennessee Beach. Deer, coyotes and occasional bobcats live in Tennessee Valley. For a different landscape experience, the 1.76-mile Phyllis Ellman Loop Trail in Ring Mountain Preserve passes through oak woodland, grassland covered in wildflowers and seasonal streams. Those who want to combine different trail experiences can supplement this shorter selection with longer days of exploration in Marin’s parks and open-space preserves.

Coast, Water and Views

At Fort Baker, you can enjoy easy walking trails by the water and along the cliffs, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Kayaks and sailboats can be launched from the boat ramp at Horseshoe Cove near Fort Baker. Rodeo Beach stands out for its distinctive geology and colorful sand. From the upper slopes of Mount Tamalpais, views extend to the Farallon Islands, across San Francisco Bay and the East Bay, and as far as Mount Diablo.

The history of the coast is also part of Marin’s character. The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870 and served navigation for mariners for 105 years. The Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center features exhibits about the lighthouse and whales, as well as the Fresnel lens from the San Francisco Lightship. From the parking lot, a mostly uphill footpath measuring 0.45 miles leads to the lighthouse; afterward, 313 steps must be descended. This information will help you assess the excursion appropriately for your day’s itinerary.

History, Islands and Regional Discoveries

China Camp Village preserves the history of a Chinese shrimp-fishing settlement from the 1860s through a museum, historic buildings and the village ensemble. On Angel Island, the Immigration Station is a National Historic Landmark with restored detention barracks, guided tours and a museum. Angel Island State Park can be reached by public ferry from San Francisco and Tiburon and offers hiking and biking trails, camping, as well as visits to Fort McDowell and the Immigration Station. The Mountain Theater in Mount Tamalpais State Park hosts outdoor theater and astronomy programs.

The focus of your vacation may be decisive when choosing your accommodation: nature lovers may plan several days for forests, the coast and wildlife viewing, while travelers interested in culture may wish to combine the lighthouse, museums and historic sites. Agrotourism in Marin County, with producers of cheese, oysters, olives, mead and cider, is also part of the region’s character. A map of the California Cheese Trail is available from the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau. This allows you to complement your trip with culinary discoveries without making every day look the same.

More Places to Choose From

If you would like to compare different places for planning your trip, you can find the other destination pages here: Sausalito, Corte Madera, Mill Valley, Tiburon, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Novato, Fairfax, Bolinas, Tomales, Point Reyes Station, San Geronimo, Dillon Beach, Stinson Beach and Muir Beach.

For the higher-level travel overview: California.