Escape the hustle and slow down to “West Marin time.” This five-day guide balances the quiet majesty of the ancient forests with the rugged beauty of the California coast.
For those lucky enough to be staying at Marin Castle, you may find it difficult to leave. Perched at the highest point of the park, the property offers a vantage point where the sunrise, sunset, and stargazing are often more spectacular than at the major tourist overlooks. Be sure to bake plenty of “castle time” into your itinerary to enjoy the amenities—whether that’s a morning round of mini-golf, an afternoon of board games, or a soak in the hot tub under the stars.
Day 1: The Giant Sentinels
Begin your journey immersed in the cathedral-like silence of the redwoods.
- Morning: If you’re starting out at Marin Castle, you don’t even need to leave the property to feel the magic. Spend your morning enjoying a walk along the ridge; the elevation offers a unique perspective, looking out over the canopy of the surrounding hills.
- Afternoon: For a change of scenery, take the short drive to the Leo Cronin Fish Viewing Area. Enjoy the short, flat walk along the creek here among the redwoods. It’s a peaceful, shaded stroll that feels worlds away, and if you visit during the winter months, it’s the premier spot to see spawning Coho salmon. Afterward, head over to Roy’s Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Kids will love the Wilderness Way—a prime spot for “fort building” using fallen branches in the groves. It’s a magical, prehistoric-feeling forest that feels like a giant natural playground.
- Dinner: Head to Giaco’s Roadhouse in nearby San Geronimo for a hearty, family-friendly meal in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Day 2: The Heart of Point Reyes
Head west toward the charming town of Point Reyes Station, the gateway to the National Seashore.
- Morning: Grab a morning treat at Bovine Bakery—their “morning buns” are legendary. Spend your morning wandering through the local bookstores and artisan shops.
- Lunch: Visit the Palace Market for local picnic supplies. While Cowgirl Creamery’s original shop has closed, you can still find their famous cheeses and other local favorites like Point Reyes Farmstead blue cheese here.
- Afternoon: Drive out to Chimney Rock. In the spring, the headlands are covered in a carpet of wildflowers. In the winter, it’s one of the best spots in the world to observe Elephant Seals from the overlook. If you have time, visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Even if you don’t climb the 300+ steps down to the lens, the view from the top is breathtaking and a prime spot for whale watching during migration seasons. Bring your binoculars!
Day 3: Tide Pools and Marine Magic
Today is all about the Pacific Ocean and the hidden worlds left behind by the receding tide.
- Morning: Check the tide charts and time your visit to Agate Beach in Bolinas. The extensive tide pools here are teeming with anemones, crabs, and sea stars.
- Lunch: Head to Due West in Olema. Housed in a beautifully restored cozy building, it’s a perfect spot for a sophisticated yet family-friendly lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- Afternoon: Stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center. The Earthquake Trail is a short, paved loop that is perfect for a sunset walk with kids. You can see the fence line that was dramatically offset by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Day 4: Oysters and Estuaries
Shift your focus north along the scenic shores of Tomales Bay.
- Morning: Head to Abbotts Lagoon. This easy, flat trail leads you through coastal scrub and past a lagoon (great for birdwatching) before opening up onto a massive, sandy beach.
- Lunch: No trip to West Marin is complete without oysters. Stop at The Marshall Store or Hog Island Oyster Co. for fresh-shucked treats right on the water. For those who prefer land-based fare, the grilled cheese sandwiches are top-tier.
- Afternoon: Kayak the calm waters of Tomales Bay. Several local outfitters offer family rentals to explore the shoreline from a different perspective.
Day 5: Farm-to-Table Traditions
Wrap up your adventure by celebrating the agricultural heritage of the region.
- Morning: Visit Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. for a farm tour or a tasting of their famous Original Blue. It’s a great way to see the “grass-to-cheese” process in action.
- Lunch: Enjoy a farewell lunch at Nick’s Cove, where the historic pier and boat-shack dining provide a quintessential West Marin photo op.
- Afternoon: Before heading home, stop by The Farm Stand or the Lagunitas General Store for some seasonal produce or heirloom treasures to take a piece of the coast back with you.
Pro-Tip: West Marin weather is famously “layered.” Even in the summer, the fog can roll in quickly, so pack plenty of fleeces and windbreakers for the family!
