4 Best things about living in Marin

Marin County lies just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. Living in Marin means having the best of both worlds: a small-town lifestyle at your fingertips with a large metropolitan area in close proximity. With an average population of 16,000, Marin consists of communities where neighbors feel like family. Here are four of the best things about living in Marin County. 

The Outdoors

Marin County has a diverse array of outdoor attractions, ranging from national parks to recreation areas to water activities. Surrounded by water on three sides, residents and visitors alike take part in sailing and windsurfing in the San Francisco Bay or soaking up the sunshine on the California beaches. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, covering over 80,000-acres of recreation area, offers a bit of everything: views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the possibility of seeing whales from the Muir Beach Overlook, lighthouses, shipwrecks, and so much more.

Location

Marin County is situated in the perfect location between San Francisco and Napa and Sonoma Counties. Marin is conveniently located only 27 miles away from San Francisco, but a quick 45-minute drive away will take you to Wine Country, which abounds with a plethora of world-class wineries and quaint towns. But that doesn’t mean Marin lacks in wineries itself. Point Reyes Inn and Winery and Stubbs Vineyard are among some of the best vineyards in Marin.

Mount Tamalpais

Mount Tamalpais is a staple of Marin County—and for good reason. This 2,500-foot peak gives hikers the best views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and—on those rare, clear days—the snow-topped Sierra Nevada 150-miles away. Mount Tamalpais or, as the locals call it, “Tam,” is nature at its finest. Here you can discover some of the best hiking trails, jaw-dropping redwood groves, an assortment of wildflowers and wildlife, and creeks and waterfalls. The history of Mount Tamalpais is equally as fascinating. During the 1849 Gold Rush, the mountain was used for recreation as San Francisco rapidly grew in population.

Arts & Culture

Marin is a county overflowing with beauty—both natural beauty and a deep appreciation for the arts. The towns in Marin might be considered small, but that doesn’t mean they lack in culture. Music and art lovers can get their fill at the Marin Symphony or the open-air Mountain Play. The Martin Arts & Cultural Guide contains the entire list of current and upcoming events—from music to literature to activities the whole family is sure to enjoy.