Sep 24

Sep 24 Travel Guide: 72 Hours in Marin County California

Hello California Roadtrippers! You know that we at Marin Hotels have been sharing ideas and inspiration for your time in Marin County. And with the beautiful clear autumn on the the near horizon (HELLO Thanksgivig week!), it’s time for our full immersion: 72 Hours in Marin County!

Also check out: Marin Travel Guide: 24 Hours in Marin County and Marin Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Marin County.

During the full 3-Day Marin experience, we’re adding a day to the 48 Hours in Marin County itinerary. On day one you’ll experience the WOW highlights of Marin — ocean views from the very edge of the continent, fragrant and lush redwood forests, a fun beach picnic, and a stunning coastal stroll. Day two, you’ll board a ferry in Tiburon and 10 minutes later you’ll be on Angel Island for a day of Marin-style island fun.

Sounds amazing, right? Now let’s talk about Day Three! We’re going to head out to the wild and wide-open space of West Marin for a classic hike and lunch combo. Before you head out check trail closures and updates.

Read on to decide which hike & lunch combo is right for you.

There’s an atmosphere of wildness on Tomales Point Trail, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and Tomales Bay on the other, and the possibility of a herd of Tule Elk heard in the foreground. You’ll smell and feel the ocean all around you; there’s an aura of freedom on this finger of land. Optimism and romance are in the air! After your hike, enjoy lunch at the intimate Saltwater Oyster Depot where you’ll keep the ocean sensation going over a plate of oysters.

A hike at Abbott’s Lagoon and lunch Hog Island Oyster Company (Marshall Locations) requires some advance planning because Hog Island Oyster Co. is super popular. For a good reason! At Abbott’s Lagoon, you can follow the flat path to the ocean, where you’ll stand on dramatic Great Beach and feel like you’re the only two people in the world. For oysters at Hog Island, we suggest making a reservation in the Boat Oyster Bar in Marshall where you’ll spend 90 minutes sampling your way through the menu together. Time your hike: from Abbott’s Lagoon parking lot to Hog Island Oyster Co. it’s about a (beautiful) 40 minute drive around Tomales Bay.

Bear Valley is a classic Marin County hike: fragrant woods, lush fern canyons, and ocean views. Follow that with another Marin classic — oysters at Tony’s. Like Hog Island Oyster Co., Tony’s is on the other side of Tomales Bay, about a 20 minute drive. Tony’s has undergone a renovation, and is set to re-open this month. We’re expecting bayside seating, and a cozy, casual environment.

Depending on which hike you choose, you can include a walk around the historic and thoroughly contemporary town of Point Reyes Station. And did you say you’d like to sample some only-in-Marin Sparkling Meade? If so, Heidrun Meadery into your GPS. Trust!

After your day out West, return to your hotel for some relaxing vibes. While you’re relaxing consider dinner:

Sausalito Dining Guide

Pizza in Marin

Michelin Bib Gourmands in Marin

And always, @destroyeats will give you some up to the minute dining inspo!

Please note: Marin restaurants are open for service as of this writing, but double check before you head out, and reserve if possible.

See you out there!

Visit Our Marin Hotels

Marin Hotels is a boutique hotel collection with three properties in Marin County California. When you stay at one of our hotels, you'll experience a true sense of place since each is immersed in Marin's natural abundance.

Our hotels are small, intimate, quiet, and offer thoughtful service. Add in easy access to San Francisco, wine country, and the jewels of the National Park system right here in Marin and you'll see for yourself why at stay at one of our hotels is not just a hotel room, but an unforgettable Northern California experience.