Best Food Experiences in Marin: Bay to Table in Tomales

If oysters are your thing, Marin County is your place. There is nothing better than sitting bayside on a sunny winter day enjoying a plate of salty, cold oysters straight out of Tomales Bay. From any of our Marin Hotels, you can be at one of our favorite places to do so — The Marshall Store — in about an hour.

What we like about The Marshall Store is it’s easy, authentic, excellent, and outdoors. After you order at the counter and find a spot at one of the communal tables lining the bay, you’ll enjoy a remarkable view of Tomales Bay while the staff shucks your oysters. Peak well-being sets in at about the 2-minute mark.

Getting There. Here are directions from Acqua Hotel, Mill Valley Inn, Waters Edge Hotel. You’ll enjoy a beautiful drive through redwoods, rolling hills, and eventually skirting Tomales Bay on Hwy 1. When you see the signs for oysters on the right of the road, look for parking on your left along the bay.

Pro Tip. Go early. Our favorite time is at opening at 10am. It’s peaceful and calm, and by the way oysters and garlic bread = excellent brunch. At around noon, the crowd gets pretty thick and parking a bit more challenging. But if you like the buzz and camaraderie of dozens of people happily eating oysters together, plan your visit for the afternoon.

Pro Tip 2. It’s Dungeness Crab season, so you want to do that. And we mentioned the garlic bread, right? p.s. for the non-oyster eaters, there’s a deli menu with sandwiches, salads, and fish tacos.

On the way. You go through Point Reyes Station, a classic Northern California town worth a wander. And just outside of Pt. Reyes Station, you’ll pass Heidrun Meadery.

See you out there!