Tiburon: Railroad History, Trails and Bay Views

Tiburon brings together railroad and maritime history, historic buildings, trails and views of the Bay. The Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum, Old St. Hilary's and the Old Rail Trail reveal different sides of the town; there are more things to do along the waterfront. This makes it easy to shape your stay around your interests: focus on cultural history, enjoy a flat route on foot or by bike, or spend a day taking in waterfront views and activities. These differences can also help guide your search for a vacation rental in Tiburon.

Railroads, Architecture and Gardens

The Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum explores Tiburon's railroad and maritime history. Its exhibits include a working HO-scale model of the railroad town of Tiburon as it appeared around 1900 to 1910. It brings a specific period in the town's history to life and complements the museum's maritime focus.

Old St. Hilary's is one of the few surviving Carpenter Gothic churches that remains at its original site. The John Thomas Howell Wildflower Preserve is right next door and is home to several rare plants. Guided walks on the preserve's trails can be arranged by appointment. Flowering is seasonal.

Another perspective on Tiburon's architectural history can be found at the cottage in the Art & Garden Center: dating to around 1870, the building is considered the oldest on the Tiburon Peninsula. At the center, garden paths connect the lawn with the terraces; the site also offers panoramic views of Richardson Bay. The architecture, garden and views each offer something different, without limiting a visit to just one of these themes.

On Foot, by Bike and with a View

The Old Rail Trail starts at Blackie's Pasture and runs 2.5 miles to Main Street in Tiburon as a multi-use trail. It is a flat route for walking or cycling. Historic photographs line the trail, and along the way you can enjoy views of Richardson Bay, Mount Tamalpais, Tiburon Ridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. A life-size bronze sculpture of the horse Blackie also stands at Blackie's Pasture. This single route brings together exercise, historic images and named viewpoints.

Bay Views and Waterfront Activities

Shoreline Park offers a different perspective: from there, you can see the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. The park is a good spot for picnicking and watching sailboats. Elephant Rock is easily accessible from Shoreline Park, making it another named destination to pair with a visit to the park.

At Paradise Beach State Park, visitors can launch kayaks and fish from the pier. Water conditions and access may vary; when fishing, you should also take the applicable conditions and regulations into account. A ferry runs between Tiburon and Angel Island. Bicycles are allowed on the Angel Island–Tiburon Ferry. If you plan to take the ferry or bring a bike, check the schedule and current bicycle policy before your trip.

Planning Your Stay and Vacation Rental

When looking for a vacation rental, start by asking which aspect you want to shape your stay: cultural history at the museum and historic buildings, a flat route for walking or cycling, or activities on the water. You can also switch between the museum, historic buildings, trail and waterfront during your stay, rather than limiting yourself to just one kind of outing.

Discover more destinations: Larkspur, Tomales, Novato, Fairfax, San Geronimo, San Rafael, Dillon Beach, Sausalito.

For the broader travel overview: Marin.