CALIFORNIA
Explore the Bay Area and Beyond
FOR THOSE WHO LIVE FOR THE SPORT THE LIFESTYLE
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma’s wine country, our world-class sporting clays course is just the beginning. From thoughtful wine pairings and gourmet dining to exclusive member events, Wing & Barrel blends outd oor adventure with refined luxury.
Whether you’re casting a fly, playing bocce with friends, joining a women’s clinic, or making memories at a family event—every moment is crafted with care.
This is the sporting life, perfected.
SCAN TO BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TOUR
ESCAPE IN A MOMENT
Take time to revel in the joy of travel, share magical moments with loved ones, and discover new adventures at Ojai’s beloved 220-acre retreat. Come rejuvenate at our Forbes Five-Star Spa Ojai, delight your palate at The Farmhouse, and find sanctuary in our private villas and fully refreshed guestrooms. Our serene mountain valley welcomes you to escape in a moment with Ojai’s rare spirit.
(833) 580-0868 OjaiValleyInn.com
Summer Is Here
Welcome to Marin Magazine ’s Summer Guide!
Whether you’re already planning your next big adventure or just ready for a few staycations, we’ve got something for everyone. Our Day Trip Itineraries are tailored for all tastes — from family outings to foodie excursions, and even music lover escapes. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s an adventure waiting for you.
As someone who’s lived in the Bay Area since the ’80s, I’ve watched this region transform in the most incredible ways. I remember when the Presidio was still an active military base, and now it’s an exciting destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether it’s dining at fine restaurants, discovering the Walt Disney Family Museum or learning about the Presidio’s rich history at the interactive visitor center, there’s no shortage of things to do. And don’t forget the Tunnel Tops — those sweeping views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge are simply breathtaking.
One of my favorite parts of summer in the Bay Area is the chance to grab a seat at one of the region’s amazing restaurants. From classic flavors to innovative cuisine, the chefs here are eager to show off the tastes they’ve carefully crafted for you. It’s the perfect time to indulge in local dishes and support the culinary talent that makes this area so special.
Our calendar of events is a great resource for last-minute plans, especially when the weather has a mind of its own. Whether you’re looking for a spontaneous day trip or an event to check out, we’ve got you covered. There’s always something happening, so be sure to stay tuned for the best happenings all summer long.
Marin Magazine ’s Summer Guide is here to help you make the most of the season, whether you’re a longtime local like me or just visiting. I’m so excited to share this guide with you, and I hope it inspires some unforgettable summer adventures. Here’s to making memories, exploring new places and embracing everything that makes our beautiful region so unique.
Nikki C. Nikki@localgetaways.com
Mere miles from Marin, experience private seated tastings of re ned méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines and pinot noir in a setting of European elegance. Elevate any experience with an exquisite selection of local charcuterie, artisan cheeses, caviar and delectable vegan options, or enjoy an international gustatory journey with our Bubbles & Bites journey to Peru.
Photo Credit: David H. Collier Photography
THE ULTIMATE TOUR FOR STAR WARS FANS
By Donna Berry Glass
Grab your cameras, notebooks and light sabers: Here's a four-stop tour in the Bay Area that no true aficionado should miss.
Lucasfilm Headquarters in the Presidio, San Francisco
Located on a 23-acre campus in San Francisco’s historic Presidio, Lucasfilm Ltd. is home to Industrial Light & Magic, ILM Immersive and Lucasfilm. While the building itself is closed to the public, the lobby is accessible on weekdays and features a collection of Star Wars memorabilia, including life-size statues of Darth Vader and Boba Fett, along with film props and artwork. Regardless of when you visit, you can always see the life-size Yoda statue outside. lucasfilm.com
Stop Three: Roy’s Redwoods, San Geronimo Valley If you love the cute and courageous Ewoks from Return of the Jedi, you can see what their home was like by traipsing through this small, oldgrowth redwood forest grove just a few miles west of Fairfax. Although the actual Return of the Jedi scenes featuring Ewoks were shot several hours north of San Francisco in Humboldt County, George Lucas chose Roy’s Redwoods as the spot to film his 1984 Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure parks.marincounty.gov
Stop Two: Imagination Park, San Anselmo San Anselmo has been George Lucas’ hometown since the early ’70s, but don’t expect to spot him grabbing coffee, as he keeps a pretty low profile. Instead, head to Imagination Park in the heart of San Anselmo’s endearing down town. Lucas donated the land and built the park, complete with a fountain and life-size statues of Yoda and Indiana Jones. Pro tip: stroll a few blocks to 321 San Anselmo Ave., the site of Lucas’s original offi ce and studio — and the very spot where Star Wars and Indiana Jones were first imagined. Then head to the town’s only gelato shop for a scoop of Wookie Cookie. townofsananselmo.org
Stop Four: Rancho Obi-Wan, Petaluma Our final stop is a dream come true for Star Wars fans: Steve Sansweet’s jaw-dropping collection of memorabilia, which earned his nonprofit museum a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. A former head of fan relations at Lucasfilm, Sansweet has gathered everything from early Star Wars books, scripts and logos to fan-made creations from around the globe. Docent-led tours are offered on Saturdays and can last up to four hours — just be sure to book early, as spots fill up six to eight weeks in advance and walk-ins aren’t allowed. ranchoobiwan.org
Westford
Mill EarthAware Boat Bag
This simple canvas tote bag is the perfect eco-friendly road trip companion. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, this bag is both durable and versatile.
Cotton
Sleep Mask
This handmade, breathable cotton eye mask with a “nose wing” design can block light from all angles. It’s flexible, foldable and washable — perfect for travel.
GREEN ON THE GO
The next time you’re thinking about hitting the road, consider taking these sustainable road trip essentials.
BY EMMA ROBERTSON
Reusable Beeswax Food Wrap
This packaging solution can preserve all kinds of food, eliminate the need for single use plastics, save money and be used again and again.
LARQ Self Cleaning and Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
The blue light self-cleaning feature neutralizes bacteria and viruses to ensure safe drinking water 100% of the time. And, a single charge lasts up to one month.
bioGo Reusable Coffee Cup bioGo’s products are non-toxic, BPA free and are made from rice husks. Bonus for being able to sip on your coffee spill-free as you drive.
ReCool Igloo Cooler
This cooler is reusable, lightweight, big enough to hold plenty of drinks and snacks and, best yet, is made from biodegradable materials.
Fleetwood Windows & Doors
Glass Railings
Skylights and Solariums
Marvin Wood Windows
The 41st annual Union Street Festival, between Fillmore and Octavia, May 31–June 1 (San Francisco), unionstreetsf. com ■ ♥
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 8 9 2
The 114th annual Dipsea Race (Mill Valley), dipsea.org
Don your best rainbow for the San Francisco Pride Parade, sfpride.org 23 24 30 3 4 15 22 29 10 11 18 17 25
The Mountain Play’s oneday-only musical benefit fundraiser at Cushing Memorial Amphitheater (Mill Valley), mountainplay.org ♥
Ninth Annual Marin City Juneteenth Community Festival at Rocky Graham Park, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Marin City), juneteenth communityfestival.info ■ ♥
San Francisco Documentary Film Festival, May 29–June 8 (S.F.), sfindie.com
Mill Valley Art Walk, first Tuesdays (Mill Valley), cityofmillvalley.gov
Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, June 4–7 (Napa), jazzgetaway.com
See Mumford & Sons at the Greek Theatre, June 9–10 (Berkeley), mumfordandsons.com
Engage your brain during Brainstormer Trivia with Rick Tosh, every Monday 7–9 p.m. (Novato), brainstormer.com
Peach Pit & Briston Maroney, 7 p.m. (S.F.), billgrahamcivic.com
Get creative at Pottery on the Wheel, Mondays from June 2–July 21 (Sonoma), sonomacommunitycenter.org
SF Giants vs. Cleveland Guadians at Oracle Park, 6:45 p.m. (S.F.), mlbtickets.com
Celebrate State Parks Week with a kickoff event at Samuel P. Taylor State Park, 11 a.m. (Lagunitas), castateparksweek. org ■ ♥
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm at the de Young, through July 6 (S.F.), sfmoma.org
Downtown Novato Community Farmers Market, 4–8 p.m., Tuesdays through Oct. 28, novato.org
San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, June 18–28 (S.F.), frameline.org
KEY: ● throughout summer; ■ free; ♥ family-friendly. Please verify all dates with event organizers
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Free Days at SFMOMA, first Thursdays (S.F.), sfmoma.org/free-days
Middle Dog and Short Term Fun Live Music, 8 p.m. (S.F.), musiccitysf.com
Showtunes under the stars at Broadway’s Best Night Ever, June 12–22 (Sonoma), transcendencetheatre.org ♥
San Francisco Jazz Festival, June 13–15 (S.F.), sfjazz.org
Rock the Block Novato: Kick Off Summer street party, June 19 at 6–9 p.m. (Novato) downtownnovato.com ■ ♥
Petaluma Fair, previously known as the Sonoma-Marin Fair, June 19–22 (Petaluma), cityofpetaluma.org/2025fair ♥
Free laughs at downtown Mill Valley’s Comedy in the Plaza, 6 p.m., millvalleyrecreation.org
Giddy up! It’s the Country Summer Music Festival, June 27–29 (Santa Rosa), countrysummer.com 5 6 7 12 13 19 20 26 27 14 21 28
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Marin Shakespeare, June 14–July 13 (San Rafael), marinshakespeare.org ♥
Fairfax Festival, Point Reyes Western Weekend and the Novato Festival, June 7–8, westernweekend.org, fairfaxfestival.com, novatochamber.com ■ ♥
Freedom Festival for Juneteenth in the Fillmore District, June 14 at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (S.F.), juneteenth-sf.org ■ ♥
Summer Tunes
Chuck that picnic blanket into your trunk and keep it there. Summer is packed with free concert series, such as…
Belvedere, Concerts-in-the-Park, select Sundays June 15–Aug. 31, cityofbelvedere.org
Corte Madera Summer Concerts, Sundays June 8–Aug. 24, cortemaderacommunityfoundation.org
Novato, Concerts on the Green, Select Fridays June 6–Aug. 15, novato.org
Sausalito Pride, June 20–22 (Sausalito), sausalitopride. org ■ ♥
Novato, Hot Amphitheater Nights, Final Saturdays of the month June 28–Aug. 30, novato.org
San Anselmo, Live on the Avenue, Fridays and Saturdays June 20–Sept. 27, liveontheavenue.org
San Francisco, Golden Gate Park Band Festival, Sundays through Sept. 28, goldengateparkband.org
San Francisco, Stern Grove Festival, Sundays through Aug. 10, plus a closing weekend Aug. 16–17 featuring Damian and Stephen Marley and Diana Ross, sterngrove.org
San Rafael, Marina Music at Andy’s Local Market Loch Lomond, final Saturdays of the month, June 28–Sept. 27, plus Oct. 5, andyslocalmarket.com
San Rafael, Marinwood’s Music in the Park, select Fridays June 27–Aug. 22, marinwood.org/music-park
Sausalito, Jazz and Blues by the Bay, Fridays June 6–Sept. 12, sausalito.gov
Petaluma Fair
Music in the street at Fillmore Jazz Festival, July 5–6 (San Francisco), fillmorejazzfest.com ■ ♥
Martinez Sturgeon vs. Monterey Amberjacks, 6 p.m. (Martinez), martinezsturgeon. com
Country Line Dancing and Lessons for beginners, first and third Tuesdays 7–9 p.m. (Sonoma), sonomacommunity center.org
Nations go head to head in soccer matches at Levi’s Stadium for the Concacaf Gold Cup Semi-Finals (Santa Clara), levisstadium.com ♥
Listen to some vibrant jazz courtesy of Radio Gatsby Swing Band, 6 p.m. (Sonoma), sonomavalleyjazzsociety.org
Dozens of events and wineries at Festival Napa Valley, July 5–20 (Napa), festivalnapavalley.org
Petaluma Art and Garden Festival, petalumadowntown.com ■ ♥
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic, July 19–20 (Santa Rosa), schabc.org
Cheer on or keep up at the San Francisco Marathon, thesfmarathon.com
Music by the coast at Mendocino Music Festival, July 12–26, mendocinomusic.org ♥
Tuesday Night Comedy at 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. (Mill Valley), throckmortontheatre.org ●
View Toby’s Art Gallery summer exhibition from BayWood Artists, June 25–July 29 (Point Reyes Station), baywoodartists.org
Nighttime Paddles
Take to the water under the full moon:
Pizza and Beer at Game Night at Mogan’s Bar & Lounge, every Wednesday (Berkeley), berkeleycityclub.com
Open mic night at HopMonk Tavern, Wednesday evenings (Novato), hopmonk.com ●
Watch the sunset on a Sunset Hike at Filoli, Wednesdays & Thursdays June 11–Sept. 18 (Woodside), filoli.org
Full moon kayak tour of Richardson Bay with Sea Trek, July 10 at 7 p.m., seatrek.com
Full moon SUP Yoga or Paddle on the Petaluma River with The Floathouse Petaluma, July 10 at 6 or 8:15 p.m., thefloathousepetaluma.org
Or when the moon’s not so bright, try:
Bioluminescence tours on Tomales Bay with Outback Adventures or Blues Waters Kayaking, dates vary, outbackadventures.com, bluewaterskayaking.com
KEY: ● throughout summer; ■ free; ♥ family-friendly. Please verify all dates with event organizers
THURSDAY FRIDAY
3
Marin County Fair with fun, games and music, July 2–6 (San Rafael), marinfair.org ♥
Visit Children’s Fairyland, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year (Oakland), fairyland.org ♥
Happy Fourth of July!
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, July 17–Aug. 3 (S.F.), jfi.org
Free movies on the beach at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Fridays June 13–Aug. 8, beachboardwalk.com ■ ● ♥
SATURDAY
Hometown favorites San Rafael Pacifics play the Monterey Amberjacks, July 24–26, 6 p.m. (San Rafael), pacificsbaseball.com
Jam out to the Terrapin Roadshow at Forest Meadow Amphitheatre, July 18–20 (San Rafael), sundaydaydream.com
Art on the Square, June 20, July 11, July 25 & Aug. 22 (Redwood City), redwoodcity.org
Listen to songs battle it out at The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones, 7 p.m. (Novato), hopmonk.com (sponsored by Mill Valley Music)
Fourth of July Fireworks
Here’s where you can see red, white and blue pop off on July 4.
Sausalito
A weekend of NASCAR racing at Sonoma Raceway, July 11–13, sonomaraceway.com
Beatles in the Park tribute concert at Creek Park (San Anselmo), sananselmoarts.org ♥
Marin Shakespeare’s Seeds of Time Festival, select dates July 19–Aug. 3 (San Rafael), marinshakespeare.org ● ♥ 31 4 5 17 24 18 25 10 11 12 19 26
After a party at Gabrielson Park, fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m., Sausalito, sausalito.gov
Marin County Fair
Once you’ve emerged from a funnel cake coma, catch the fireworks launching from the Civic Center lagoon, San Rafael, marinfair.org
San Francisco
Scope out a spot early for this show, where fireworks are shot off from two barges, one at Aquatic Park and the other at PIER 39. pier39.com
Marin County Fair
August
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
The 51st Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair in Japantown, Aug. 2–3 (San Francisco), nihonmachistreetfair.org ■ ♥
Escape into Muir Woods or trek to Yosemite for Free National Parks Day, nps.gov ■ ♥
Listen to an afternoon of Music in the Vineyards, Aug. 1–24 (Napa), musicinthevineyards.org ■
Dig into a pancake breakfast on top of Mount Tam, second Sundays through Oct. 12 (Mill Valley), westpointinn.com ● ♥
Golden State Valkyries vs. Connecticut Suns, 7 p.m. (S.F.), valkyries.wnba.com
Ruth Asawa: Retrospective at SFMOMA, through Sept. 2 (S.F.), sfmoma.org ♥
Cotati Accordion Festival, Aug. 16–17, cotatifest.com ♥
Immerse yourself in the power of AI in the Dream Garden exhibit, through Aug. 30 (San Jose), thetech.org
Live paint days at Paint Sausalito, Aug. 18–23, with exhibition through Sept. 14, sausalitocenterforthearts.org ♥
Sonoma County Fair, now featuring the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, Aug. 1–10 (Santa Rosa), sonomacountyfair.com ♥
Watch My Fair Lady at the S.F. Playhouse, select dates July 3–Sept. 13 (S.F.), sfplayhouse.org
San Jose Downtown Farmers Market, every Wednesday (San Jose), sjdowntown.com
Coastside Farmers Markets, Pacifica, Wednesdays April 2–Dec.17 (Pacifica), coastsidefarmersmarkets.com 11 18 25 3 4 5 10 17 24 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 SUNDAY MONDAY
Curtain Theatre’s 25th anniversary season presents As You Like It at Old Mill Park amphitheater, Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 9–Sept. 1 (Mill Valley), curtaintheatre.org ● ■ ♥
Muse for the Modern Age exhibit at Poet and/the Bench, through Sept. 30 (Mill Valley), poetandthebench.com
Outside Lands
Catch Cyndi Lauper at the Toyota Pavilion on her farewell tour, 7:30 p.m. (Concord), cyndilauper.com
SF Zoo Summer Sunset Fridays
KEY: ● throughout summer; ■ free; ♥ family-friendly. Please verify all dates with event organizers
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Live music, livestock and wine at Napa Town and Country Fair, Aug. 7–10, napafair.org ♥
Outside Lands
We’ve done the research for you on the best beaches all around Northern California, from our own sandy shores in Marin down the coast to Half Moon Bay and beyond. Plan your next beach trip at localgetaways.com 23 1 7 8 15 16 2 9 22 28 29 30
Marin Shakespeare presents The Tempest in Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, Aug. 23–Sept. 14 (San Rafael), marinshakespeare.org ♥
An evening of food and music in downtown San Rafael at Dancing Under the Lights, 5–9 p.m., downtownsanrafael.org/ events ■ ♥
Pedal fiercely or wait at the finish line during the Marin Century Bike Race, marincyclists.com ♥
Outside Lands Music Festival, Aug. 8–10 (S.F.), sfoutsidelands. com
Gravenstein Apple Fair, Aug. 9–10 (Sebastopol), gravensteinapplefair.com ♥
Life’s a Beach
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in the Field of Dreams, Aug. 7–17 (Sonoma), transcendencetheatre.org ♥
Hang after-hours at SF Zoo for Sunset Fridays, July 4–Aug. 29 (S.F.), sfzoo.org ● ♥
Family movie night at Creek Park, by CAFILM and Live on the Avenue, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (San Anselmo), liveontheavenue.org ● ■ ♥
The 43rd Annual Sand Sculpture Contest at Drake’s Beach, tentative date of Aug. 23, nps.gov/pore ■ ♥
A weekend of Black music, food and wine at the Black Radio Experience, Aug. 29–31 (Napa), bluenotejazz.com/ black-radio-experience
Fish without a license on California’s biannual free fishing day, wildlife.ca.gov ● ♥
Drakes Beach Sand Sculpture Contest
Top 10 Activities to Enjoy at the Presidio
From secret beaches to world-class meals, the Presidio of San Francisco truly has something for everyone.
BY ZACK RUSKIN
Marshall's Beach
When it comes to natural attractions, the Bay Area is admittedly spoiled for choice. But there’s only one place where you’ll find breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Michelin-caliber dining experiences, an active archeological dig and a fountain in honor of Yoda from Star Wars: the Presidio of San Francisco.
Transformed from its former life as a military barracks, today the Presidio is a veritable oasis of flora, fauna, culture and attractions intended to cater to visitors of all ages and incomes. Encompassing 1500 acres of pristine California coastline, forests and historic landmarks, the Presidio’s status as a National Historic Landmark is bolstered by its popularity. As one of America’s most visited national park sites, it welcomes 7.5 million people annually.
At a moment when its future has been unexpectedly and frighteningly thrown into question, the time has never been better to plan a visit to this local oasis ripe with opportunity for unforgettable adventures. Here are 10 of the top attractions to enjoy during your next trip to the Presidio:
TOP FREE ATTRACTIONS
Andy Goldsworthy Sculpture Tour
Want to add some world-class art to your stroll through the woods? At the Presidio, you can take in the majesty of four site-specific sculpture works by world renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy. Linked together via a 3-mile hiking loop, highlights include his tapering skyward tower of 37 Monterey cypress tree trunks (Spire) and the zig-zagging eucalyptus branches (Wood Line) that run adjacent to the Presidio’s oldest footpath, Lovers Lane.
Marshall’s Beach
This local secret makes you earn it by only being accessible via one of the Presidio’s numerous hiking paths. In this case, you’ll need to take the Batteries to Bluff Trail (foot traffic only) to find this secluded slice of sand where some brave souls have even been known to sunbathe in the nude. Regardless of your plans, the reward is well worth the effort as Marshall’s Beach is widely regarded as San Francisco’s “most hidden” beach.
Presidio Pet Cemetery
Equal parts sweet and creepy, you’ll find 424 unique handmade headstones at the Presidio Pet Cemetery. Offering a final resting place for the furry friends of the U.S. Army families who once called the Presidio home, this peculiar but moving testament to the bonds formed between humans and animals can be found on McDowell Avenue near the Park Archives and Records Center. See if you can spot the tombstones for Mr. Iguana, Cupcake and Skipper (“The best damn dog we ever had”).
Spire
Wood Line
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Perched above the Presidio Parkway tunnels is the park’s newest attraction: a dazzling stretch of park that includes firepits, lounge chairs, reservable picnic areas, food trucks and more. Kids can run wild climbing the giant fallen tree, Woodland Wall and other natural attractions of Outpost Playground, while indoors the Field Station serves to satiate children’s curiosity and inspire fresh adventures.
Fishing at Torpedo Wharf
It’s hard to beat the backdrop you’ll find at Torpedo Wharf. Enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge while casting a line at this beloved pier where folks often come to fish and crab. Offering arguably the place in all the Presidio for the perfect shot of San Francisco’s famous orange landmark, Torpedo Wharf is also a slice of history in and of itself given it’s been standing since 1854.
TOP PAID ATTRACTIONS
Dalida
Fresh off finishing as a finalist on Season 21 of Top Chef, Laura Ozyilmaz and her husband Sayat are riding high on a wave of acclaim for their new Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, Dalida.
With mouth-watering options ranging from Cypriot lamp chops to house-made cordials, the cozy setting and warm hospitality have already earned Dalida (open since mid-2023) accolades from the Michelin Guide and James Beard Foundation. Bonus tip: If possible, see about sitting in the backroom for a chef’s table experience!
Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Historic Learning Center
Reflecting one of the most fascinating chapters in the Presidio’s long and colorful history, the inauspicious confines of this “unassuming former aircraft hangar” once served as the venue for a secret school where the U.S. Army provided training to Japanese American soldiers who would go on to see combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Today the space has been transformed
into a museum that honors these courageous recruits while juxtaposing their long-secret bravery with the shameful story of the U.S. government’s mass incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during the same period.
Presidio Bowl
How many national parks have a 12-lane bowling alley? Last we checked, only the Presidio can make such a claim. Adorable and brimming with old-school charm, Presidio Bowl isn’t big on bells and whistles. That said, it has you covered on the basics like bumpers, beers and burgers. Beyond that, the sheer novelty of being able to throw a few frames after hitting the beach, exploring a marsh or hiking to a scenic overlook is something you simply must experience at least once. Bonus tip: Book your lanes in advance as they fill up quickly!
Rob Hill Campground
Notable as one of the two campgrounds located in San Francisco, Rob Hill offers million-dollar views at bargain rates
Dalida
MIS
for those willing to pitch a tent and rough it for a night or two. Plush with basic amenities like restrooms, parking, shuttle access and BBQ grills, Rob Hill also offers a way to enjoy a full camping experience while still being close to home. Reservations for spots can be made in advance for the season, which runs annually from April 1 to October 31.
Walt Disney Family Museum
Billed as a place devoted to “[pulling] back the curtain on the life of Walt Disney
and the creation of beloved Disney favorites,” the Walt Disney Family Museum features both permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions in addition to hosting an ongoing schedule of film screenings, workshops and other special events. Conveniently located just off the Presidio’s Main Parade Lawn, the Walt Disney Family Museum is also a mustvisit for anyone interested in the history of animation.
Rob Hill Campground
Walt Disney Family Museum
MORNING
Day Trippin’
We’ve got you covered with these idea-generating, not-to-befollowed-exactly itineraries for any type of traveler. For a complete list visit our Marin Day Trippin’ on Local Getaways
Young Family
Take the Alexander Avenue exit off Highway 101 in Sausalito to the Marin Headlands. Take Conzelman Road heading west and stop for a family photo overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Then venture out to Hawk Hill to see hawks, falcons and eagles in migration beginning each August.
Ignite your child’s creativity at Sausalito’s award-winning Bay Area Discovery Museum bayareadiscoverymuseum.org
Road Biker
Kick the day into gear at Splitrock Tap and Wheel, where you can stock up on bike accessories and caffeinate at the attached cafe. Need provisions? Good Earth Natural Foods, a Marin institution for organic foods, sits just down the road. splitrocktapandwheel.com, genatural.com
Choose your adventure! Traverse Mount Tam via the 32.7-mile Alpine Dam Loop, or head west on Nicasio Valley Road, making it a loop by taking Lucas Valley Road then pedaling through San Rafael
Romance
Wake up at the Casa Madrona in Sausalito to views of Angel Island and the San Francisco skyline from a peaceful waterfront room that feels worlds away. Located adjacent to the Sausalito Ferry. Head down to Poggio for a leisurely breakfast on Bridgeway — European style. casamadrona.com, poggiotrattoria.com
Browse the quirky shops, and save some time to visit the Bay Model if you are cool enough to appreciate the mindbending display of how water flows in and out of the bay. Or, pop into Sea Trek for a double kayak rental. seatrek.com
For lunch with harbor views in Sausalito, kids can get wiggly and chomp on fish sticks at Fish. Or, head to Mill Valley’s Depot Cafe, following up lunch with a history lesson and climb on the old Gravity Train car, which once carried passengers up Mount Tam. 331fish.com, depotcafeandbookstore.com
Pilot a kayak with the family through one of the many outlets on the bay. Or, motor to the other side of 101 to romp around the field in Blackie’s Pasture in Tiburon. bluewateryachtharbor.com, 101surfsports.com, seatrek.com
Timing will vary based on your route, but for pit stops, consider Watershed or the Junction in Mill Valley for outdoor eats with bike parking once you’re off the mountain, or Rancho Nicasio on the West Marin ride for well-deserved barbecue and maybe even live music. watershedmv.com, ranchonicasio.com
Detour to Jyzen in Mill Valley for a muscle-replenishing IV trip or therapeutic massage, before looping back to Fairfax to stop by the Marin Museum of Biking before it closes at 5 p.m. (Thursday through Sunday). jyzen.com, mmbhof.org
Treat yourselves to a spa day at Cavallo Point, having your pick of the spa menu and saving a moment to step out onto their romantic outdoor balcony. Graze over a light lunch at one of their dining options. cavallopoint.com
Finish the day with some mind-blowing views on a ride from Seaplane Adventures seaplane.com
Ready for another ride tomorrow? Join your fellow bikers at Gestalt Haus for brats and beers on tap. facebook.com/gestalthausfairfax
Head to Tiburon. Depending on your mood and appetite:
* Opt for a matinee at the Cinelounge Tiburon, cineloungefilm.com
* Enjoy bubbles and creative caviar delicacies at thecaviarco.com
* Stroll the boutiques and Tiburon waterfront.
Book a sunset cruise from the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry, and pack a bottle from one of the nearby wine bars. Leave room for dinner at Caprice, and be sure to reserve a table facing the Golden Gate, the ideal setting … to discuss any future plans. angelislandferry. com, squalovino.com, ingoodtaste. com, thecaprice.com
Berkeley Luggage 2221 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA 510-345-2728
Marin Luggage Located in The Village at Corte Madera 1732 Redwood Hwy. Corte Madera, CA 628-243-7070
More Day Trip Ideas
Music Lovers Sunday Cruise Foodie
Venture out to a site of Marin music history at Olompali State Park, where music legends like the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin passed through.
Pick up sandwiches at the Inverness Park Market deli to enjoy at a nearby beach. invernessparkmarket. com MORNING
Get the road trip going with homemade goodness from Rustic Bakery in Larkspur, getting graband-go parfaits, croissants and Equator Coffees. Amp up your ride with an exotic car rental from Enterprise Rent-a-Car. rusticbakery.com, enterprise.com
Hit up Watts Music on your way out of Novato for posters, vinyls and CDs. Head toward San Rafael to gear up at one or both of the town’s popular musical instrument stores: the Magic Flute and Bananas at Large wattsmusicnovato.com, bananasmusic.com, themagicflute.com
Angle to find live music over lunch, like at Way Station in Fairfax. Or plan ahead to catch a classical noontime concert at 142 Throckmorton (one Wednesday per month). waystationmarin.com, throckmortontheatre.org
Cruise 40 miles along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Built in 1870, the original lighthouse is preserved as a historic landmark and is surrounded by more than 70 major marine wrecks. nps.gov
Why decide on just one spot for breakfast when you can pick any one of Marin’s many farmers markets and browse the aisles for your meal? agriculturalinstitute.org
Learn about vintage guitars from fingerstyle icon Eric Schoenberg at his eponymous shop in Tiburon and possibly catch an impromptu show. om28.com
See the unspoiled shoreline of Tomales Bay by kayak. On a moonless night, opt for a bioluminescence paddle. Head back to Nick’s Cove for some oysters. outbackadventures.com, bluewaterskayaking.com, nickscove.com
Head to funky Fairfax, where live music reigns supreme, and catch a show at Mac’s 19 Broadway or Peri’s Tavern. Or, hike back to San Rafael for music over drinks at Pond Farm Brewing or Ranch Water macsat19broadway.com, peristavern.com, pondfarmbrewing. com, facebook.com/ranchwaterbar
End your day with a walk on Stinson Beach and dinner in town at Parkside Cafe, or catch a show at Smiley’s Saloon on the other side of the beach in Bolinas. parksidecafe.com, smileyssaloon.com
Head westward for a Food & Farm tour of Marin’s bounty. Not feeling a tour? Plan your own stops at Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes Station for pastries then West Marin Culture Shop to pick up specialty fermented veggies. foodandfarmtours.com, bovinebakeryptreyes.com, wildwestferments.com
Make ressies ahead of time for Tony’s Seafood and order grilled oysters in a smoky-sweet barbecue or garlic butter sauce. Their bread is from Route One Bakery & Kitchen in Tomales, which also doles out delicious and blistery pizza, if you’re up for a scenic half-hour detour along the bay. hogislandoysters.com, routeonekitchen.com
Peruse the website for the California Cheese Trail, as there are so many good creameries in that area. If you drive past Marin French Cheese Company on your way to Point Reyes, do yourself a favor and stop in for some amazing samplings. Or book a tasting at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. cheesetrail.org, marinfrenchcheese.com, pointreyescheese.com
Still hungry? No good day is complete without dessert, so head home and get some ice cream. millvalleyswirl.com, fairfaxscoop.restaurants-world. com, doublerainbowcafe. com, michoacana.com
Top Chef's Tables in San Francisco
Memorable meals require more than a delicious recipe. While the Bay Area is host to a smorgasbord of exceptional eateries, only a select few offer the intimate privilege of a front-row seat to the chefs working to prepare your meal.
Dining at a chef’s table allows guests the rare chance to witness raw ingredients become unforgettable feasts, and occasionally, pay respects to these amazing cooks face to face. Some of these options may skew closer to “counter” than “table” in a city tight on square footage, but all deliver where it matters most. By
ZACK RUSKIN
Saison
178 Townsend St. | 415.828.7990
saisonsf.com
Evolving from its modest roots as a pop-up back in 2009 to the proud recipient of two Michelin stars, Saison is an open wood fire restaurant led by executive chef Richard Lee. With a stated emphasis on “the bounty of California’s evolving terroir and its incredible farmers,” Saison’s most popular dining option is their chef’s table, a marathon of 16–20 courses with wine pairings.
Birdsong
1085 Mission St. | 415.369.9161
birdsongsf.com
Grab a seat at Birdsong’s counter to watch chef Christopher Bleidorn make you a Pacific Northwest-inspired meal that you’ll never forget. Dine on delicacies like sea urchin cream puffs with a bird’s eye view of the action by nabbing counter seating at this popular two Michelin star destination in San Francisco’s SoMa District.
7 Adams
1963 Sutter St. | 415.655.9154
7adamsrestaurant.com
Get up close with Michelin-starred husband-and-wife powerhouse duo David and Serena Chow Fisher by sitting at the chef’s counter, with just six seats and one seating per night. Enjoy up to 10 courses of inventive fare like a saucy and buttery buffalo wing that’s deboned, stuffed with sausage, poached and fried.
The
Shota
115 Sansome St. | 628.224.2074
theshotasf.com
No list of chef’s tables would be complete without at least one opportunity to experience the time-honored Japanese tradition of omakase sushi, in which an expert chef decides your menu in the moment. The Shota’s Edomae-style omakase is prepared by chef Ingi “Shota” Son, who incorporates one-on-one guest interactions as part of his service. With only 20 seats available, every spot at the Shota is a chef’s counter experience.
Marin Bucket List
There are hundreds of wonderful ways to spend a day in Marin. Have you crossed all of these adventures off your list?
BY MIMI PINSON
1. Mountain Bike to the Top of Mount Tamalpais
Considered the birthplace of mountain biking, Marin County offers trails for every level of riding skill. Get the full Marin experience by pedaling all the way to the top for panoramic views of the Bay Area (driving’s an option too).
2. Golden Gate Bridge
We’ve all seen it, and some have driven across it hundreds of times, but when was the last time you strolled across our region’s most famous landmark? Play tourist for a day, and bring an extra jacket.
6. Find the Tiburon Mariposa Lily
This elusive flower grows only on Ring Mountain Preserve in an outcropping of serpentine rock. Early June is your chance to see its rare, alien-like bloom, but tread lightly — this lily is threatened.
3. Hug a Redwood Tree
Marin is host to many of Earth’s tallest living things, aka coast redwood trees. Choose Muir Woods to see an ancient forest with 1,000-year-old trees, or opt for the smaller grove at Roy’s Redwoods for a reservation-free trip (limited street parking, plus overflow at San Geronimo Commons).
4. Cheese Run
Marin’s lucky to have an abundance of local cheesemongers. Pick up provisions at a dealer like Marin French Cheese or Nicasio Valley Cheese Companies before setting out on a West Marin adventure.
5. Earthquake Trail
A short and flat loop near the Bear Valley Visitor Center, this trail takes you around the epicenter of the 1906 earthquake, with sights like a fence split 16 feet apart.
7. Tule Elk
Once feared to be extinct, the tule elk of Point Reyes now number around 300 and can be found grazing around the national park. Park at Pierce Point Ranch and take the Tomales Point Trail for seaside elk views.
8. Salute Chief Marin
Find the plaque commemorating the birthplace of our county’s namesake, Chief Marin, a Coast Miwok leader born as Huicmuse. The marker is planted in a nondescript Mill Valley neighborhood on Locust Avenue.
9. Point Bonita Lighthouse
Set out on a fog-free day and be rewarded with vistas for miles at the fully functioning lighthouse at the northern edge of the Golden Gate. If you visit in early to midsummer, the bridge to the lighthouse may be closed for repairs.
10. San Rafael Mission
The 20th California mission was built in San Rafael in 1817. Its museum houses artifacts and other objets d’art from when the mission served as the original county seat.
