The Golden State was ranked because the “second-best state to go to” within the nation (proper after New York), a survey from BookRetrats revealed. With sights that vary from iconic areas just like the Hollywood signal to Napa’s valley wine excursions, a go to to lesser-visited areas could make for an equally unbelievable journey expertise — particularly for individuals who crave a by-the-sea journey.  Marin County is only one idyllic a part of California to discover, whether or not you select to remain in Sausalito or enterprise past the Marin Headlands for a wholesome dose of sunshine and picture-perfect views.

A vibrant expertise by the bay

For these seeking one among California’s hidden gem locations, Sausalito definitely matches the invoice. In keeping with Lonely Planet, the town is located on a harbor, and is famend for its vibrant houseboats that may be discovered within the bay, views of close by San Francisco and Angel Island, and an abundance of appeal.

Along with the houseboats and the views, the Sausalito Boardwalk boasts a wide range of outlets and eating places for individuals who crave a day trip.

To spherical off the weekend, the Level Bonita Lighthouse is without doubt one of the greatest areas to catch a singular view. The California State Parks web site notes that the lighthouse was first lit again in 1855, and is the one lighthouse within the nation that’s accessible by way of a suspension bridge.

Positioned simply north of San Francisco, Sausalito is the proper place for individuals who want to discover Marin County and past, particularly for the reason that cities are so accessible to 1 one other. The Golden Gate Ferry, for example, takes about half-hour from San Francisco to Sausalito.

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For vacationers who discover themselves within the space longer than a day, accommodations in Sausalito present the perfect alternative to loosen up and put together for extra exploration the subsequent day. Choices vary from the historic appeal of Cavallo Level Lodge to The Inn Above Tide, every which provide spectacular views and a handy location to additional vacationer sights for the subsequent day.

Whether or not you select to remain in Sausalito or enterprise on to close by San Francisco (or vice versa), a lodge keep booked upfront can present the possibility for extra journey and a stress-free keep in Sausalito.

Numerous pure wonders to discover

For vacationers who want to spend time in California’s pure panorama, the Marin Headlands current the proper resolution. SFGate highlights the various sights of the Marin Headlands, as the placement is a goldmine for outside recreation from mountain climbing to tenting and biking, to not point out the various seashores to be discovered all through the world.

The Marin Headlands are a very unbelievable vacation spot for individuals who take pleasure in journey images, or who merely wish to absorb a spectacular view. In keeping with the Nationwide Park Service, the Marin Headlands characteristic “dramatic cliffs of ocean rock,” along with beautiful views of the enduring Golden Gate Bridge. 

Level Reyes is one other vacation spot for vacationers who want to additional indulge within the pure landscapes that Marin County has to supply.

The Nationwide Park Service highlights the varied sights that may be found on the Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore. Along with the historic Level Reyes lighthouse, the headlands and park seashores function a really perfect location to view the annual migration of grey whales (that is famous, nevertheless, to be greatest skilled January by means of April).

Level Reyes safaris are an alternative choice for individuals who want to additional expertise the wildlife of the world — in keeping with the Go to Marin County Conference & Guests Bureau, such excursions are perfect for small teams of 1 to 3 individuals. Because the county is dwelling to a plethora of wildlife (together with birds, mountain lions, black-tailed deer, coyotes, and bobcats), vacationers are positive to stroll away with a memorable expertise.

Marin County is the proper vacation spot for these headed to California this summer season, particularly when the aim is to find areas past typical vacationer hot-spots like Los Angeles. From Sausalito’s boardwalk to mountain climbing within the Marin Headlands or an exploration of historical past and nature at Level Reyes, Marin County has a plethora of locations to discover.

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Final Up to date on March 12, 2025