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 implausible journey expertise — particularly for many 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 certainly one of California’s hidden gem locations, Sausalito definitely suits the invoice. In keeping with Lonely Planet, 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 many who crave a day trip.
To spherical off the weekend, the Level Bonita Lighthouse is likely one of the greatest areas to catch a novel 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 through a suspension bridge.
Positioned simply north of San Francisco, Sausalito is the proper place for many who want to discover Marin County and past, particularly for the reason that cities are so accessible to at least one one other. The Golden Gate Ferry, as an illustration, 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, motels 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 supply 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 resort keep booked prematurely can present the prospect 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 answer. SFGate highlights the various sights of the Marin Headlands, as the placement is a goldmine for out of doors recreation from 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 implausible vacation spot for many who take pleasure in journey images, or who merely need to soak up 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 long-lasting 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 assorted 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 perfect location to view the annual migration of grey whales (that is famous, nevertheless, to be greatest skilled January by way of April).
Level Reyes safaris are another choice for many who want to additional expertise the wildlife of the world — based on the Go to Marin County Conference & Guests Bureau, such excursions are perfect for small teams of 1 to a few individuals. Because the county is residence to a plethora of wildlife (together with birds, mountain lions, black-tailed deer, coyotes, and bobcats), vacationers are certain 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 purpose is to find areas past typical vacationer hot-spots like Los Angeles. From Sausalito’s boardwalk to 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