A Comprehensive Visitor’s Guide to Marin County, California
Northern California’s Marin County remains a North American hidden gem, often overlooked because of neighboring San Francisco and, of course, Wine Country. Marin County is known to most as the home of Muir Woods and the Point Reyes National Seashore. However, there’s so much more to cherish in countless small communities, such as Olema, Novato, and Sausalito. Nature enthusiasts revisit Marin County during all four seasons because of its 16,000 sprawling acres of preserved land, including the aforementioned National Seashore. And there’s no better place to start and finish each day of exploration than Mosaic Hotel Group’s Olema House, the top-rated hotel in the United States, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
20 Reasons to Visit Northern California’s Marin County
In hopes of enhancing the already stellar guest experience at Olema House, Mosaic Hotel Group’s concierge team has compiled 20 unique reasons to visit Marin County. Please keep in mind that some of these mid-day pursuits may be affected by COVID-19 or seasonality. That being said, travelers will be happy to find that this incredibly gorgeous slice of Northern California is as enticing as ever, even amid winter’s hearth. Because Marin County boasts such a biodiverse landscape, it allures many types of travelers, mainly outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, romance-starved couples, and foodies. Without further ado, let’s begin this comprehensive Marin County bucket list with a trip along the picturesque Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Explore the Point Reyes National Seashore, with treks to Abbotts Lagoon, Wildcat Camp, and Tomales Point (backpacking may be required).
- Stroll underneath behemoth redwoods inside the Muir Woods National Monument.
- Enjoy a picnic at breathtaking Alamere Falls (as pictured).
- Visit the always enchanting Point Reyes Lighthouse.
- Motor through the spellbinding Cypress Tree Tunnel (as pictured).
- Join “Club Mead” at the awe-inspiring, flower-to-flute Heidrun Meadery.
- Climb aboard an Oceanic Society voyage, based in Sausalito, en route to the jaw-dropping Farallon Islands, where the sea is teeming with migratory whales.
- Observe herds of wild animals at the Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve.
- Relish the sophisticated culinary experience at the award-winning Due West Tavern.
- Tour an authentic, farm-fresh creamery: Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
- Find that perfect beach destination—perhaps Limantour Beach, Drakes Beach, Rodeo Beach, or Stinson Beach?
- Embark on a self-guided craft brewery tour in Novato, with stops at Indian Valley Brewing and Adobe Creek.
- Admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture at the Marin County Civic Center.
- Hike to Ring Mountain’s peak, featuring foggy, faraway vistas of San Francisco.
- Flag down a Marin County farmers’ market—a Northern California specialty.
- Ride a majestic steed en route to Marin County’s most secretive natural marvels via Five Brooks Camp.
- Wave goodbye to San Francisco from Vista Point.
- Shop in downtown Sausalito, known to many as the “Streets of Sausalito.”
- Capture the rolling hillocks at Bolinas Ridge (backpacking required).
- Watch amateur surfers at Stinson Beach or Kehoe Beach.
Olema House, the Top-Rated Hotel near Point Reyes
It’s hard to imagine a more paradisical hotel in Marin County than Olema House, a wildly successful meld of urbane sophistication and Bohemian charm. Olema House acts as the gateway to the Point Reyes National Seashore, as well as a key to long-overdue relaxation and well-deserved opulence. The estate’s expansive great lawn hugs peaceful Olema Creek, which doubles as an ultra-popular wedding destination. Due West’s culinary vision is only outmatched by its visually-striking plate presentation and interior design. Meanwhile, each uniquely-designed guest room offers an idiosyncratic glimpse into what makes Marin County so undeniably spellbinding.
To book a long-awaited wintertime escape to Olema House, please give us a call today at 415-663-9000 (or check availability online).
