• A famous red suspension bridge spans across a blue body of water, with a distant city skyline visible under a hazy sky in the background.

MARIN COUNTY EXPERIENCES

Things to Do Near San Francisco

So close to so much! With endless activities to experience in the Bay Area and beyond, Marin Suites Hotel in Corte Madera is perfectly situated close to all the action. A 15 minute drive across the Golden Gate Bridge will put you at the north end of San Francisco, or access the East Bay via the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The beautiful wine countries of Napa and Sonoma Valley border Marin County on the northeast, while the Pacific Ocean borders it on the west. We invite you to explore our exciting travel guide, to unlock all the best attractions Northern California has to offer.

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  • People are waiting outside a restaurant on a sidewalk with parked cars, a tree in a planter, and bright lights overhead at dusk near an intersection.
      • Shopping

      The Village at Corte Madera

      1618 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera, CA 94925

      High-end department stores, brand-name shops, and dining set amid landscaped pedestrian walkways.

    • Three women are smiling and holding shopping bags while walking outside. They look happy and appear to be enjoying their time together.
        • Shopping

        Town Center Corte Madera

        100 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera, CA 94925

        Town Center Corte Madera is an upscale shopping center located in Corte Madera, California. It is located off U.S. Route 101 on Tamalpais Drive.

      • Two women smiling and holding shopping bags, looking at a store window display, appearing thrilled and engaged in conversation.
          • Shopping

          Marin Country Mart

          2257 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, CA 94939

          Kid-friendly complex with shopping, eating, and a Saturday morning farmer's market with crafts and music.

        • The image shows a ferry boat on the water near a dock, with a red suspension bridge and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
            • Area Attractions

            Golden Gate Ferry

            No wheels? No worries. The Golden Gate Ferry leaves from nearby Larkspur and cruises to the Ferry Building Marketplace, home to San Francisco’s local culinary artisan stalls and shops. During the 40-minute cruise, you’ll be treated to scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the sweeping San Francisco skyline.

          • A person with a blue backpack sits on a rocky ledge, overlooking a scenic view of mountains, hills, and a coastline under a clear blue sky.
              • Area Attractions

              Mount Tamalpais State Park

              Escape to the top of Mount Tamalpais, the Bay Area’s highest peak, for astounding views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, and the bay. Hike or bike through 50 miles of trails, then camp out for an evening surrounded by oak tree and redwood forests and the fresh ocean breeze. Or, watch an outdoor theatre performance under the stars at the peak’s mountain theatre.

            • A person with a backpack walks along a path surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery in a forest.
                • Area Attractions

                Muir Woods National Monument

                Wander amongst some of Mother Nature’s massive marvels: ancient coastal redwood trees towering 248 feet overhead. Just a few miles north of Golden Gate Bridge, this lush park spans 560 acres and allows you to experience the grandeur of a redwood forest up close and personal. Lace-up your hiking boots and explore six miles of trails, from strenuous treks to leisurely strolls.

              • This image portrays a serene coastal scene with rugged cliffs meeting a calm ocean under a bright, clear sky, bathed in warm sunlight.
                  • RECREATION

                  Marin Headlands

                  The Marin Headlands cover a lot of history from the Miwok Indians to the Military, including the historic Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite, the NIKE Missile site and the Point Bonita lighthouse. Other attractions include vast hiking trails, dog-friendly Rodeo Beach, and breathtaking views overlooking the coast and the city.

                • The image shows a row of colorful Victorian houses with a city skyline in the background, under a clear blue sky.
                    • Area Attractions

                    San Francisco

                    Just a scenic drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or a relaxing ferry ride away, San Francisco ranks as one of the top destinations in the world. Scores of restaurants, attractions, museums and unique finds are packed within 47 square miles of exciting city space. Explore distinct neighborhoods such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Mission District, North Beach and the Castro, to discover the makings of a world-class city.

                  • Five people enjoying wine and snacks at a vineyard, standing around a picnic table at sunset.
                      • Area Attractions

                      Vineyards of Sonoma Valley & Napa Valley

                      Sip, savor, then sip some more through California’s legendary wine country. From striking architectural landmarks to rustic farmhouses, the wineries in Sonoma and Napa Valley serve up unforgettable adventures for your palate. Pair your bucolic vineyard experiences with farm-to-fork cuisine, outdoor films and concerts, natural mineral spring spas, and boutique shopping that only these charming California towns can deliver.

                    • An IndyCar race car with "Arrow" branding is on the track, surrounded by team members in racing uniforms under a clear blue sky.
                        • Area Attractions

                        Sonoma Raceway

                        Sonoma Raceway is arguably the world's busiest racing facility and motorsports complex, with track activity scheduled an average of 340 days a year. Whether it's amateur or professional SCCA road races, AFM motorcycle racing, sports car events, vintage cars or the raw power of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA drag races, Sonoma Raceway has played host to some of racing's top events and its greatest moments.

                      • Silhouetted figures of three dancers, posed dramatically against a red curtain backdrop, create a striking theatrical scene.
                          • Entertainment

                          The Marin Theatre Company

                          397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941 | (415) 388-5200

                          The Marin Theatre Company is a professional, regional theatre that produces classic and contemporary plays. The productions are complemented by a Performing Arts Conservatory offering classes for children and adults.

                        • A narrow dirt path winds through green vegetation and disappears into the fog, with trees and bushes on either side under an overcast sky.
                            • RECREATION

                            Tennessee Valley Trail

                            Located inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Tennessee Valley is an amazing offshoot of the Marin Headlands. The Tennessee Valley Trail is mostly level, traveling 1.7 miles to Tennessee Beach. More adventurous hikers can opt for trails leading into the upper hills, but all are sure to enjoy the blooming vegetation and local wildlife such as raptors, deer, coyote and the occasional bobcat sighting.

                          • A lighthouse located on a rugged cliff by the ocean with a pathway leading to it. The scene captures a clear, sunny day with calm waves.
                              • RECREATION

                              Point Bonita Lighthouse

                              The Point Bonita Lighthouse offers sunset and full moon tours through tunnels and footbridges. The last manned lighthouse on the California coast, it’s located at the San Francisco Bay entrance in the Marin Headlands near Sausalito, California.

                            • The image shows a coastal cliff overlooking a serene blue ocean. The landscape is rugged with rocky formations, sandy areas, and sparse vegetation.
                                • RECREATION

                                Point Reyes National Seashore

                                The Point Reyes National Seashore has many trails passing through Miwok communities and the San Andreas Fault line. Astounding views can be seen from Drakes Bay where the Point Reyes Lighthouse sits along the coastline.

                              • A family with two young children is standing by a lakeside, enjoying nature and the calm water, likely spending quality time together at the shore.
                                  • RECREATION

                                  Phoenix Lake Trail

                                  The Phoenix Lake Trail is a 2.8-mile loop located inside the Phoenix Lake Park near San Anselmo, California. Pet-friendly and perfect for all skill levels, the best time to hike or walk around the lake is from March through September.

                                • A group of deer with large antlers stands in a field of tall grass under a cloudy sky.
                                    • RECREATION

                                    Tomales Bay State Park

                                    This area, celebrated for its natural beauty, is one of constant movement: the land, the animal migrations and the seasonal wildflowers that come up through the earth. For spectacular views, March flowers, beaches and bird-watching, it is a must see.

                                  • An old wooden shed by a beach, with a tree on the right, a bench, and two boats in the distance under a clear blue sky.
                                      • RECREATION

                                      China Camp State Park

                                      China Camp State Park offers fifteen miles of hiking trails and a house museum that describes the early Chinese settlement of the village. The park is typically busiest on weekends during the spring and summer months.

                                    • This image shows the Golden Gate Bridge spanning a bay, with clear blue water and lush greenery in the foreground, and hills in the background.
                                        • RECREATION

                                        Angel Island State Park

                                        In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island, offering spectacular views of the Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais, and the San Francisco skyline. Over 13 miles of foot trails in San Francisco and fire roads circle the island. The Northridge/Sunset loop trail leads to the 788-foot high summit of Mt. Livermore providing spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay. The paved Perimeter Road provides access the island’s several beaches and historical sites such as Immigration Station and Fort McDowell.

                                      • A woman and two children are walking on a lush, green forest trail during daylight, surrounded by trees and foliage, enjoying nature.
                                          • RECREATION

                                          Samuel P. Taylor Park

                                          This popular park has over 2,700 acres of wooded countryside in the steep rolling hills of West Marin. The park features a unique contrast of coast redwoods groves and open grassland. Miles of Marin County hiking trails and fire roads make it easy to hike to the top of Mount Barnabe. Or, for a less strenuous visit, many visitors consider Devil’s Gulch the best place in the park for a picnic or a place to relax.

                                        • A person stands on a grassy cliff, looking at the Golden Gate Bridge stretching across the water with the city faintly visible in the background.
                                            • RECREATION

                                            Golden Gate National Recreation Area

                                            Golden Gate National Parks narrate two hundred years of history, from the Native American culture and the Spanish Empire frontier, to maritime history, the California Gold Rush and the expansion of urban San Francisco.

                                          • A sign points to Marshall's Beach, warning visitors to stay on the trail to protect the sensitive habitat, with a coastal scenic background ending the sentence.
                                              • RECREATION

                                              Marshall's Beach

                                              The trail to Marshall's Beach begins on a paved road just west of the entrance to Tomales Bay State Park. The trail goes uphill initially, then levels out into a wide fire road. It drops down to Marshall's Beach on Tomales Bay, complete with bay views and picnic sites.