Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Marin County California
Doing a little vacation dreaming? We submit: a California Road Trip is always a good idea. We have it all: the ocean, mountains, wine country, national parks, bucolic back roads, charming small towns, and world famous cities. Marin County is a natural —and totally essential— destination on the quintessential California Road Trip Itinerary. Two days in this area of abundant natural beauty will set you right! Read on for Marin Hotels staff suggestions for the ultimate 2-day itinerary.
Where To Stay in Marin County
Whether you want to appreciate those famous San Francisco Bay views, immerse in the Redwoods, or enjoy a central location, Marin Hotels has you covered!
Waters Edge Hotel is a contemporary bayside oasis in Tiburon on the shores of the San Francisco Bay. Our location is truly special: only a handful of hotels in all of California enjoy the distinction of a waterside position and Waters Edge Hotel is the only hotel in Tiburon on the water.
Mill Valley Inn is a charming historic property nestled in a cluster of Redwoods, and the only hotel in downtown Mill Valley. Our guests enjoy walking to everything there is to do in town from restaurants to hikes in the Redwoods.
Acqua Hotel is a centrally-located boutique hotel situated on the shores of Richardson Bay in full view of Mt. Tamalpais. Located in the heart of Marin County, only a 6 minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge and an 18 minute drive from Muir Woods. A great home base for explorers!
48 Hours in Marin County California
Whether you’re planning a Bay Area Staycation in Marin County or are cruising to Marin as part of a longer California Road Trip, we have created the essential two-day itinerary for your consideration.
You’ll notice the focus on nature and outdoor activities—that’s where Marin really shines! When you visit Marin, you’re in for stunning views, miles of hiking trails and coastline, and the peaceful feeling that only nature can bring. The vast majority of Marin County is comprised of protected open space and that is the defining feature of Marin County: the unspoiled beauty in all of that uncrowded open space.
Onward!
Marin Itinerary Day One: Redwoods & The Ocean
For your first day in Marin, you’ll be exploring coastal trails, Redwood forests, and the best beach in Northern California.
Muir Beach Overlook. Marin County has lots of places where you truly feel your spot on the edge of the continent. This is one of our favorites. You’re pairing this spot with your visit to Muir Woods to experience both the fragrant Redwood forest and the expansive, wild Pacific.
Muir Woods. About a 10-minute drive from the overlook sits one of the crown jewels of the National Park system. Be sure to make reservations.
Stinson Beach. A classic Northern California beach lies 20 minutes from Muir Woods. It’s wide and surrounded by cliffs, hills, and dunes. Perfect for a picnic and a long flat walk.
Pro Tip: Get your picnic supplies at Mill Valley Market if you’re staying at Mill Valley Inn, Rustic Bakery if you’re staying at Waters Edge Hotel, and Safeway if you’re staying at Acqua Hotel.
Pro Tip: Use restrooms near the parking lot before you hit the beach, they are the only facilities on the beach.
Marin Headlands. Breathe in. Deeply. Now let it go. That's how it feels to be in the Marin Headlands, about 40 minutes from Stinson Beach. The Headlands is a vast area, so we’re going to narrow it down for you: walk the Coastal Trail Loop.
Park at the Rodeo Beach lot and head towards the Coastal Trail to Tennessee Point for an easy 1.5 mile loop with stunning views of the ocean and dramatic rocky coastline.
Marin Itinerary Day Two: An Island in The Bay
Almost everyone who visits the Bay Area knows about Alcatraz Island. But there’s another island out there in the San Francisco Bay that is a must-do for visitors to Marin: Angel Island State Park. For an off-the-grid feeling, hop on the Angel-Island Tiburon Ferry in Tiburon and head out to this little slice of paradise in the San Francisco Bay for a day of outdoor fun. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Angel Island Day Trip.
Where to Eat in Marin County California
All of that activity is going to make you hungry! Here’s a good resource for open restaurants in Marin, including those offering outdoor dining. Another good source is @destroyeats on Instagram, with tons of ideas and inspiration for eating in Marin. Dare you not to head straight out to one of his recommendations after spending some time on his Insta page!
