How to See Marin County in Two Days

Located across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Marin County feels like a big, beautiful park hugging the bigger, even more beautiful Pacific Ocean. About 85 percent of the county is undeveloped -- home to ranches and farmland, state and national parks and undeveloped watershed lands. In two days, you can sample the highlights of this natural wonderland.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If you're driving from San Francisco, stop in at Sausalito or Tiburon, waterfront towns filled with restaurants, souvenir shops and gorgeous bay views. Walk along the paths; buy a take-out lunch; eat on the lawn facing the bay. It's fun to watch the sailboats and the ferry coming from San Francisco.

2. Take a hike. Wander among the impressive redwood trees in Muir Woods or climb Mt. Tamalpais for views of the ocean and San Francisco Bay.

3. Drive to West Marin and check into a bed and breakfast. You can choose among several B and Bs in the charming towns of Point Reyes Station, Inverness, Stinson Beach and more. Eat dinner at a restaurant that features locally grown ingredients.

4. The next day, head for the ocean, but first, buy a savory picnic lunch at a local deli or market. Drive to Limantour Beach in the Point Reyes National Seashore, or go to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, located on the westernmost point in the continental United States. Get ready to climb the 308 steps to the lighthouse.

5. If you have time the last morning, rent a kayak on Tomales Bay. It's a great way to say goodbye to Marin County.

Tips & Warnings

• Reserve your lodging several weeks in advance. Ask the B and B owner to recommend a restaurant and call for your dinner reservation, too.

Resources

• Marin County Visitors Bureau