West Marin, California

Just an hour drive from the city, you feel like you are in a whole new world when you enter West Marin.

— Jen Lane

More about your oliver guide: Jen Lane
Trip type: Family, Group getaway, Beach
Activity level: moderate
Ideal length of trip: 2 DAYS (OR EVERY WEEKEND)

to & from

An hour drive north of San Francisco. The most direct route is thru Nicasio to the town of Point Reyes station. If time isn’t an issue, then I would suggest taking the Stinson Beach route…a little curvy, but the views of the ocean are amazing.

Where to Stay

Nick’s Cove or Olema House, which btw was voted #1 USA hotel by Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Award!!!

Where to Eat and Drink

Bovine Bakery (Point Reyes): amazing scones. Get there early- on the weekends the line is out the door.
Salt Water (Inverness): Great oysters in the charming town of Inverness
Marshall Store (Marshall): Our favorite place for oysters. Get a beer and sit on the side of the road staring out onto Tomales Bay. Quintessential West Marin.
Cafe Reyes: Favorite pizza spot in town.
Inverness Park Market: The best spot to get a gourmet sandwich and goodies for a picnic!

What to Do

Stand Up Paddleboard: There’s no better way to experience Tomales Bay.
Kayak: Rent from Blue Waters, same spot as Stand Up Paddle board rental.
Chicken Ranch Beach: the best beach for kiddos: Remember that it can get chilly, so pack a jacket.
Hearts Desire Beach: Pack a picnic lunch and head to Hearts Desire. A little farther of a drive than Chicken Ranch, but perfect for the kids.
Cowgirl Creamery: Watch the cheese being made. This is a perfect spot in Point Reyes to pick up fixings for a picnic.
Farm Tour or Cooking Classes at The Fork: Gorgeous farm setting. Fun place to take cooking classes!
Kehoe Beach: One of the only dog friendly beaches in West Marin. Beautiful beach to take a long walk. Often windy- perfect to fly a kite.
Limantour Beach: Wide and amazing beach. A little bit of a drive, but worth it. Your family could spend all day here.
Picnic at Hog Island Oyster: Get there early, fills up fast.
Chimney Rock: Gorgeous hike, especially in the spring when the hills are filled with water flowers.

inside scoop

The Palace Market in Point Reyes has some of the world’s best soft serve ice cream. Go in the back to the deli to get the ice cream.
Kehoe & Limantour Beaches are some of the only dog friendly beaches
Chicken Ranch beach is the best for families
Marshall Store is the BEST stop for oysters & roadside beers - breathtaking views of the Tomales Bay