West Marin is a wonder, even in a county known for ties to nature. From coastal communities to dairy farms, rolling hills or grass plains to redwood forests; West Marin is home to some of the best meats, cheeses, produce and pristine areas in all of Marin. These communities are fierce advocates of conservation, maintaining both historic and natural areas.
With 350,000 acres of protected parks and agriculture, the chance to explore is at every turn. The lack of development also aides in limiting frontal roads, allowing you to truly escape to your sanctuary. A few of the bountiful preserved natural areas in West Marin:
- The Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Muir Beach State Park
- Stinson Beach State Park
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Coastal West Marin
Comprised of Muir and Stinson beaches, Bolinas, Point Reyes Station, Inverness, Olema, Marshall and Tomales.
Take in the refreshing ocean breeze, and relax away from the hustle of regular life. The laid back and tight knit communities that line the coast are your entrance to surfing, hiking, hang gliding or relaxing at your leisure. Businesses are locally owned and operated, and often include a slew of history and stories amongst locals. Some of these communities rely on nearby communities for their goods, while others have a basic selection of options.
Point Reyes Station, once a port and stop for the railroad, is the largest downtown within West Marin – at only three blocks long and a couple of blocks deep. Here you’ll find specialty shops, galleries, and restaurant and café options.
Stinson is the most visited community along the coast. Home to best weather of the coastal communities, as well as a 3-mile beach, this area draws visitors from all over the Bay.
Muir Beach utilizes the fantastic schools of Tamalpais School District (including multiple winners of the California Distinguished School Award.). Bolinas and Stinson share K-8, then join Tamalpais High School for the remainder. Residents further north utilize the Shoreline School Unified School District, which has several schools ranging from Pre-K through high school.
Fog impacts the coast, generally burning off through the day. Highs can average around 77F, lows around 43F.
Inland West Marin
Comprised of Nicasio, Woodacre, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Lagunitas.
The valleys of West Marin impress visitors and residents alike. Open ridgelines along wide rolling valleys; oak, bay, and redwood trees lining the creeks and hillsides. Here you’ll find Samuel P. Taylor State Park, which contains 2,800 acres of redwood and grassland, including about 600 acres of old-growth forest. Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre is one of the best-known Buddhist meditation centers in the Bay Area. With a mission towards mindfulness and compassion, this 412-acre property holds classes and lectures for about 40,000 people a year. Horseback riding and hiking are both popular activities. Residents live in small tight knit communities, with close proximity to Fairfax and San Rafael.
Schools here utilize the Lagunitas School District, which serves K-8. Generally students transfer to Sir Francis Drake High School at this time. Lagunitas Elementary is the only public Montessori program in Marin.
Weather here is a bit more sheltered than the coast, with summer highs averaging around 80F and winter lows hanging around 42F.
Fun Facts
- Bolinas is known to want to stay off the beaten path. Home to the oldest continuously operated saloon in California (Smiley’s Schooner Saloon has operated since 1851, including during prohibition), locals are known to change the Bolinas road signs to misdirect tourists.
- Though started in Lagunitas, the Lagunitas Brewing Company moved to Petaluma just a year later. The company went on to be the 5th top selling craft brewery in the United States, before the sale to Heineken (50% of the shares in 2015, remainder in 2017) took away the craft brew title.
West Marin Resources
- West Marin Chamber of Commerce – https://pointreyes.org/
- Bolinas-Stinson School, K-8 – https://www.bolinas-stinson.org/
- Tamalpais High School – https://www.tamdistrict.org/tamalpais
- Mill Valley School District, Muir Beach residents – https://www.mvschools.org/
- Shoreline Unified School District – http://shorelineunified.org/
- Lagunitas School District – https://www.lagunitas.org/
- Sir Francis Drake High School – https://www.tamdistrict.org/drake
- Point Reyes National Seashore – https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm
- Muir Woods National Monument – https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area Trails – https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/maps.htm
- Rancho Nicasio – https://www.ranchonicasio.com/history.htm
- Sand Dollar Restaurant, Stinson – https://www.stinsonbeachrestaurant.com/
- Smiley’s Schooner Saloon – http://smileyssaloon.com/
- Cowgirl Creamery – https://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/
- Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company – https://www.pointreyescheese.com/
- Pelican Inn – https://www.pelicaninn.com/
- Slide Ranch – https://www.slideranch.org/
- Spirit Rock – https://www.spiritrock.org/
- Papermill Creek Saloon – https://www.papermillcreeksaloon.com/
