Marin

Understand

Marin is known for affluence and left-wing politics, even compared to the rest of the famously liberal and economically booming Bay Area. To give you an idea of the politics, Marin County's Fairfax is the only town in the nation with a Green Party majority in its town council. Meanwhile, the money in the area means that there's no shortage of fine restaurants and shopping, as well as a fair share of performances, festivals, and so on.

But the big draw for most visitors is Marin's nature: steep hills, rugged beaches, ancient forests, and state parks for hiking, biking, and camping.

See

thumb|Point Reyes Lighthouse Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed government building in the world, and a filming location for 1997's Gattaca. Point Reyes Lighthouse at the end of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Point Reyes National Seashore Old-growth redwoods, the tallest living things on the planet, in Muir Woods Views of San Francisco across the bay from Sausalito

Do

Marin has lots of beaches and mountains and is a great destination for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and sailing.

Hike from Mill Valley to the peak of Mount Tamalpais, which has beautiful views of Marin and (on a clear day) San Francisco and the East Bay. The annual Dipsea Race is one of the oldest footraces in the U.S., a 7.5-mile (12-km) cross-country race on a scenic route from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. Held on the second Sunday in June.

Sleep

As a rule, lodging is expensive in Marin.

Hotels range from familiar chains to more distinctive local inns. Airbnbs are available too. If you want to sleep out in nature instead, there are a couple of hostels (one in the Marin Headlands and one at Point Reyes) and plenty of campsites.

Stay safe

Lower-income areas (the Canal in San Rafael and Marin City) can carry a slight risk for violent crime. In central San Rafael, exercise caution at night. In other parts of Marin, crime is generally not a significant concern.

Be careful to check for ticks after hiking in fields in the bay area. There is a high rate of lyme disease transmission in the Bay Area. If a bulls' eye rash develops at the tick bite site, immediately seek medical help and treatment with antibiotics.