Route One threads its way along the Pacific Ocean, passing green pastures that turn gold in summer. Ranchers & farmers make hay while the sun shines. The ocean’s morning mist makes all things organic smile. Cattle, cows, goats, broccoli rob and oh-look-there-at-that wild life too. Point Reyes National Seashore is a precious piece of treasured land. Trails galore. Ocean views. Eateries along the way in Point Reyes, Marshall and Tomales. All proud of their historical natures and small town charm. Ride a car or a cycle.
Bolinas
Dillon Beach
Forest Knolls
Inverness
Lagunitas
Marshall
Muir Beach
Nicasio
Olema
Point Reyes Station
San Geronimo
Stinson Beach
Tomales
Woodacre
West Marin's dining scene celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients, coastal flavors, and the region's close connection to its farms, ranches, and waters. From cozy cafés and seafood spots to farm-to-table restaurants and casual roadside favorites, the area offers relaxed dining experiences that showcase the character of the coast and countryside.
Shopping in West Marin is small-town and full of personality. Browse gift shops, crystal and wellness boutiques, and surf shops in Point Reyes Station and Bolinas, or stop at a classic general store or feed barn for local goods and everyday finds. Every shop is locally owned, and each one reflects the creative, laid-back spirit of the coast.
West Marin is made for the outdoors. Hike the trails of Point Reyes National Seashore, spend a day at Drakes Beach, paddle a kayak across Tomales Bay, or ride horseback through the hills at Five Brooks Ranch. Quiet redwood groves, sweeping ocean views, and local farms and cheesemakers make every weekend feel like a getaway.
West Marin has a cool coastal climate shaped by the Pacific. Summers along the coast are often mild and foggy, while inland valleys like Nicasio and the San Geronimo Valley tend to be warmer and sunnier. Winters bring cooler temperatures and steady seasonal rain, turning the rolling pastures bright green and supporting the area’s dairies, ranches, and farms.
Most West Marin residents reach San Francisco by driving to Highway 101 via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or Highway 1, with the trip usually taking about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the town and traffic. The West Marin Stagecoach bus connects the coastal towns to central Marin, where Golden Gate Transit buses and the Larkspur ferry offer easy connections into the city.
West Marin families are served by small, community-focused schools where students get plenty of individual attention. The Shoreline Unified School District serves much of the northern coast, including Tomales High School, while Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Nicasio, and the San Geronimo Valley each have their own small elementary districts. Many older students also attend high schools in the Tamalpais Union High School District.
