Day Trips to Marin County

Across the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County is its own region. Redwoods, beaches, and coastal trails, all within 30 to 60 minutes of downtown. Where San Franciscans go to escape the city for a day.

3 destinations · 30 to 60 min · bike + ferry possible

🚴 Bike across the bridge

Sausalito

Waterfront town on the north side of the Golden Gate. The classic move: walk or bike across the bridge, explore the town, eat seafood at the waterfront, browse the houseboats in Richardson Bay, then catch the ferry back to San Francisco. A reliable half-day trip from the city.

🚴 Bike the Bridge ⛴ Ferry Return 🏠 Houseboats 🍽 Waterfront Dining

Local tip: Rent bikes at Blazing Saddles near Fisherman’s Wharf. The ride across the bridge is mostly flat until the Sausalito descent. Take the Golden Gate Ferry back from the Sausalito terminal. The views of the city from the water are the reason to do it this direction.

🚗 45 minutes

Muir Woods

A grove of coast redwoods in a steep canyon over the headlands from San Francisco. Trees here are over 1,000 years old and tower 250 feet overhead. The main boardwalk loop is accessible. Longer trails climb into the hills for solitude. Reservations are required.

🌲 Coast Redwoods 🥾 Trail Network ♿ Accessible Boardwalk 📷 Photography

Local tip: Parking reservations are required. Book at GoMuirWoods.com. Arrive before 9am for the quietest visit. Combine with Stinson Beach for a full Marin day. The drive over Mt. Tam on Panoramic Highway is the scenic route.

🚗 60 minutes

Stinson Beach

A wide beach town on the Pacific side of Mount Tamalpais. The drive over Mt. Tam on Panoramic Highway is half the trip. Switchbacks through redwoods and eucalyptus, with sudden ocean views that make you pull over. The town itself is one main street, a surf shop, a couple of restaurants, and a long crescent of sand.

🏖 Wide Sandy Beach 🏔 Mt. Tam Drive 🏄 Surfing 🌅 Sunsets

Local tip: The Parkside Cafe does brunch and fish tacos. Swimming is possible but the water is 55°F. Best paired with a morning at Muir Woods. On sunny weekends, leave early. The road gets congested and parking fills up.