OUT TO ONE OF MANY BARBECUE AREAS. OYSTER
STOP BY ONE OF THE LOCAL
FARMS SUCH AS HOG ISLAND IN TINY MARSHALL, AND HEAD
The 72-mile coastline of Marin County beckons heat-weary,
summer-scorched South Bay denizens with breezy delights worthy
of a refreshing day trip or vista-rich weekend jaunt while
offering assorted small-town treasures. Home to some of the
world’s most superlative scenery—wildflower-bedecked hillsides,
fairytale woodlands and wild wave-swept coves—the North Bay’s
wealth of spectacular natural beauty delights and surprises yearround.
While the wine country of nearby Napa and Sonoma
garners more attention (though still recovering from devastating
fires of last year and in need of support), Marin, at its doorstep,
is often overlooked by visitors to the Bay Area. With the exception
of Muir Woods, which is overrun by tourists who trek to
marvel the majesty of the giant redwoods, the county manages to
avoid hordes of visitors and the weekend traffic snarls created by
a stream of tour buses. One quick tip: Bring hiking shoes. The
numerous trails that zigzag across the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais
offer breathtaking views of flora, fauna and foamy waves breaking
far below on deserted beaches.
Sausalito
If your first instinct is to explore dining and shopping options
once you’ve made it over a certain iconic bridge, the towns
of Sausalito and Tiburon, at the southern end of Marin, offer
84 South Bay Accent
all manner of sensory satisfactions while delivering spectacular
views of the Golden Gate, San Francisco skyline and bay. Head
down the hill at the first Sausalito exit into the fashionable former
fishing village. Eclectic art galleries and shops, a palate-pleasing
array of restaurants and undeniably beautiful waterfront views
keep this town high on the list of don’t-miss destinations. After
braving cosmopolitan crowds along waterfront Bridgeway, where
souvenir shops, seafood restaurants and a wide-sweeping view
of SF keep visitors snapping their selfie sticks, you’re probably
ready to caffeinate yourself for your northbound sojourn. Check
out the houseboats along the pier, then stop for a sip of serenity
at Cibo (cibosausalito.com), a cheerful, relaxed café blissfully
removed from the tourist-trampled path. Perch on Cibo’s front
deck, which is ideal for people watching, and enjoy the java jolt
you need to get you on the road. If you prefer to get energized by
a brisk paddleboard adventure, launch from Sea Trek Kayak &
Stand Up Paddling Center (seatrek.com), where you’re bound to
see harbor seals and bobbing brown pelicans. After working up
an appetite, refuel at classic waterfront Californian-seafood spot,
The Spinnaker (spinnakersasausalito.us), with panoramic views of
the city, bay, seals and sailboats. Or for a more recreational repast,
head to Bar Bocce (barbocce.com), a harbor-side pizzeria popular
with locals for its back patio with bocce court and fire pit.