Marin County is the Bay Area’s natural playground—from the Golden Gate Bridge to alpine lakes and charming main streets to the wild coastline.
Guests enjoy Food & Farm Tours, where they connect with agricultural destinations in Marin.
Madcap
The Michelin-starred fine-dining venue in San Anselmo shines with impeccable fare and service. Look for a well-paced and inventive tasting menu with Japanese and French influences. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, 415.453.9898, madcapmarin.com
Insalata’s
In San Anselmo, Insalatas has been a much-loved Mediterranean dining destination for over 20 years and has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com
Sushi Ran
The Sausalito resto is considered one of California’s best sushi restaurants, with intricately prepared dishes by an impressive team that received a Bib Gourmand designation. 107 Caledonia St., Sausalito, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com
Pig in a Pickle
Corte Madera’s Town Center is home to this must-visit spot where locally sourced meat is the star of the show. Insider’s tip: Don’t overlook the heavenly mac-and-cheese. 341 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera, 415.891.3265, piginapickle.com
Playa
Playa resides in downtown Mill Valley in a buzzy indoor-outdoor space that provides a perfect setting for modern Mexican cuisine. 41 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 415.384.8871, playamv.com
Village Sake
Downtown Fairfax showcases this brilliant izakaya and casual community hub. The only izakaya in Marin includes a sake sommelier, so arrive as thirsty and hungry. 19 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, 415.521.5790, villagesake.com
Food and Farm Tours
The farm-to-table movement has its roots in Marin, and with Food and Farm Tours, you’ll connect directly with renowned agricultural destinations. Tours focus on regional bounty from Point Reyes, Tomales Bay and the farms and dairies of West Marin. foodandfarmtours.com
Heidrun Meadery
Honeybees work their magic in hives in Marin County and throughout Northern California for the sparkling mead you’ll enjoy at this only-in-Marin meadery. The pastoral setting at Heidrun Meadery is relaxed, and the many varietals of sparkling sips surprise the palette. 11925 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.9122, heidrunmeadery.com
Marshall Store
The Marshall Store offers a full menu, but go for the tasty bivalves. These frigid water phenoms come straight from the bay to your bayside perch. 19225 CA-1, Marshall, 415.246.9306, themarshallstore.com
Ponsford’s Place Bakery & Innovation Center
The San Rafael hot spot is a bread and pastry Brigadoon open only on Saturdays. Baker Craig Ponsford updates the menu weekly based on what inspires him at the farmers market. Order ahead, pick up and leave with the baked bounty tucked into your backpack. 117 Shaver St., San Rafael, ponsfordsplace. shopsettings.com
Marin French Cheese Co.
Since 1865, the rural West Marin cheesemakers have handcrafted, soft-ripened French-style cheese in small batches. Insider’s tip: Enjoy the cheese on-site at the purveyor’s pond and picnic area. 7510 Pt. Reyes, Petaluma Road, 707.762.6001, marinfrenchcheese.com
McEvoy Ranch
The ranch is located in the rolling hills on the Marin-Sonoma border and is a delightful spot to stock up on olive oil and wine. 5935 Red Hill Road, 707.778.2307, mcevoyranch.com
The entrance to Heidrun Meadery
SF Bay Adventures
A San Francisco Bay sail is always a good idea. SF Bay Adventures in Sausalito takes it to the next level aboard its meticulously maintained 80-foot schooner, Freda B. Get on the Bay with sunset, ecology, full-moon and holiday sails. sfbayadventures.com
101 Surf Sports
Learn to wing foil— combining windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing—with lessons from 101 Surf Sports in San Rafael, perched on San Rafael Creek leading out to San Rafael where your foil foray begins. 115 Third St., San Rafael, 101surfsports.com
Point Reyes National Seashore
The antidote to stress awaits on the Point Reyes National Seashore at Abbots Lagoon Beach. The journey sets the stage for decompressing with a drive through the quiet country to the rugged edge of the continent and then a 1.5-mile hike to the unpopulated beach. nps.gov/places/point-reyes
Muir Woods
There’s an undeniable biophilic benefit to tree-hugging, and doing so in Marin is de rigeur. The famous national park is the gold standard among the redwoods when discussing forest bathing spots. nps.gov/muirwoods
Point Reyes National Seashore
Junction Beer Garden and Bottle Shop
In Mill Valley’s Tam Junction area, adjacent to a tire shop and a dog kennel, sits The Junc. The main feature of The Junc is a large outdoor area meant for hanging out while listening to live music, eating pizza from Pizza Hacker and drinking beer from 30 taps. 226 CA-1, Mill Valley, 415.888.3544, thejunc.com
Mac’s at 19 Broadway
At the center of Fairfax’s lively music scene is Mac’s at 19 Broadway. Something happens nearly every night of the week in the speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, in the street or on the deck. 19 Broadway, Fairfax, 415.785.7254, macsat19broadway.com
Way Station
Also in Fairfax is a former gas station-turned-barbecue smokehouse and music patio to listen to tunes on Fridays, Saturdays, Sunday afternoons and early evenings. Check out Way Station Afternoon and Way Station Evening playlists on Spotify to get in the mood. 2001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax, 415.300.3099, waystationmarin.com
Papermill Creek Saloon
The Forest Knolls historic bar dates to 1907 and happily embraces an unpretentious vibe (after all, Janis Joplin used to hang out here). Pop in after a hike in West Marin and post by the cozy fire, or plan a visit around the music calendar. 1 Castro St., Forest Knolls, 415.488.9235, papermillcreeksaloon.com
Industrial Center Building
The ICB is a vibrant art collective of painters, sculptors, weavers and other creators housed in a historic landmark in Sausalito. Over 100 artists work under the curved roof; 11 were selected for the 2023 de Young Open. Plan your visit around artist-at-work days, open studios, classes or private appointments. 480 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito, 415.332.0730, icbbuilding.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF FOOD & FARM TOURS; COURTESY OF HEIDRUN MEADERY; SLAV ROMANOV
