Day Trips to Marin County

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County is another world — ancient redwoods, hidden beaches, and coastal trails, all within 30 to 60 minutes of downtown. This is where San Franciscans escape when the city feels like too much.

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

🚴 Bike across the bridge

Sausalito

The charming waterfront town on the other side of the Golden Gate. The classic move: walk or bike across the bridge, explore the town, eat seafood at the waterfront, browse the famous houseboats floating in Richardson Bay, then catch the ferry back to San Francisco as the sun drops behind the headlands. It’s one of the best half-day trips in the country.

🚴 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 unforgettable.

🚗 45 minutes

Muir Woods

A grove of ancient coast redwoods in a steep canyon just 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 surrounding hills for solitude. Reservations are required.

🌲 Ancient Redwoods 🥾 Trail Network ♿ Accessible Boardwalk 📷 Photography

Local tip: Parking reservations are required — book at GoMuirWoods.com. Arrive early (before 9am) for the most peaceful experience. Combine with Stinson Beach afterward for the perfect Marin day. The drive over Mt. Tam on Panoramic Highway is gorgeous.

🚗 60 minutes

Stinson Beach

A wide, gorgeous beach town on the Pacific side of Mount Tamalpais. The drive over Mt. Tam on Panoramic Highway is half the adventure — switchbacks through redwoods and eucalyptus with sudden ocean views that make you pull over. The town itself is tiny: one main street, a surf shop, a couple restaurants, and a long crescent of sand. California as it used to be.

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

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