Guidebook for Forest Knolls
Parks & Nature
A great network of hiking and biking trails to take you up mountains onto ridges for stunning views, or along the coolness of the Lagunitas creek, which is called "Papermill Creek" after Sam P. Taylor's original Paper mill.
45 locals recommend
Samuel P Taylor State Park
8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd A great network of hiking and biking trails to take you up mountains onto ridges for stunning views, or along the coolness of the Lagunitas creek, which is called "Papermill Creek" after Sam P. Taylor's original Paper mill.
Great hikes, bike rides and interesting walking tour of 1906 Earthquake epicenter and visible San Andreas Faultline. Dogs on leash.
273 locals recommend
Point Reyes National Seashore
Great hikes, bike rides and interesting walking tour of 1906 Earthquake epicenter and visible San Andreas Faultline. Dogs on leash.
Kent Lake is the reservoir where our water comes from. It's an Interesting walk or hike, and the creek next to it at the bottom of the hill is a major Coho Salmon spawning area. Dogs on leash.
Kent Lake
Kent Lake is the reservoir where our water comes from. It's an Interesting walk or hike, and the creek next to it at the bottom of the hill is a major Coho Salmon spawning area. Dogs on leash.
Tiny little settlement with a cool beach and "The Pelican Inn" at 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach, CA 94965 an exact replica of a 1600s English Pub— amazing walks, hikes, horse rides and bike paths too.
170 locals recommend
Muir Beach
Tiny little settlement with a cool beach and "The Pelican Inn" at 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach, CA 94965 an exact replica of a 1600s English Pub— amazing walks, hikes, horse rides and bike paths too.
Beautiful sandy beach with mountains behind and stunning views. Surfboards and surfers, burger bars, barbecues in the park and even a few posh restaurants. Dog-friendly on one side
363 locals recommend
Stinson Beach
Beautiful sandy beach with mountains behind and stunning views. Surfboards and surfers, burger bars, barbecues in the park and even a few posh restaurants. Dog-friendly on one side
Cute, historic and eccentric small Western-style town— with dogs running free around the town and beaches and folks wearing tie-dyed clothes.
25 locals recommend
Bolinas Beach
Cute, historic and eccentric small Western-style town— with dogs running free around the town and beaches and folks wearing tie-dyed clothes.
Beautiful sandy beach on the edge of Drake's Bay on the Pt Reyes peninsula, dog-friendly on one side.
47 locals recommend
Limantour Beach
Beautiful sandy beach on the edge of Drake's Bay on the Pt Reyes peninsula, dog-friendly on one side.
Quiet, tucked-away old-fashioned town with small, secluded beaches such as "Heart's Desire" on Tomales Bay. Dogs on leash.
16 locals recommend
Inverness
Quiet, tucked-away old-fashioned town with small, secluded beaches such as "Heart's Desire" on Tomales Bay. Dogs on leash.
A great day out in a historic fishing town with fish bars and shacks. Hitchcock's film "The Birds" was filmed here. Dogs on leash.
291 locals recommend
Bodega Bay
A great day out in a historic fishing town with fish bars and shacks. Hitchcock's film "The Birds" was filmed here. Dogs on leash.
Hike from the parking lot to the top for magnificent views of the whole Bay Area.
226 locals recommend
Mount Tamalpais
Hike from the parking lot to the top for magnificent views of the whole Bay Area.
Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, this primeval forest is both refuge and laboratory, revealing our relationship with the living landscape. What will you discover in Muir Woods? Oh, and don't forget to buy your entry tickets, and parking pass before you go, and make sure to pull up the barcode receipt before you head there as they're isn't any internet service.
660 locals recommend
Muir Woods National Monument
Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, this primeval forest is both refuge and laboratory, revealing our relationship with the living landscape. What will you discover in Muir Woods? Oh, and don't forget to buy your entry tickets, and parking pass before you go, and make sure to pull up the barcode receipt before you head there as they're isn't any internet service.
A splendid place to share a picnic or enjoy a meditative tour, Marin Art & Garden Center stands on land that was originally part of a Mexican land grant called "Rancho Punta de Quentin." James Ross, for whom the town of Ross was named, owned it. He settled here in 1857 on the west side of Corte Madera Creek, which was known as Ross Landing. In 1863, James Ross' daughter married George Worn and they built their home on a portion of the property which is now the Marin Art & Garden Center.
12 locals recommend
Marin Art & Garden Center
30 Sir Francis Drake BlvdA splendid place to share a picnic or enjoy a meditative tour, Marin Art & Garden Center stands on land that was originally part of a Mexican land grant called "Rancho Punta de Quentin." James Ross, for whom the town of Ross was named, owned it. He settled here in 1857 on the west side of Corte Madera Creek, which was known as Ross Landing. In 1863, James Ross' daughter married George Worn and they built their home on a portion of the property which is now the Marin Art & Garden Center.
Take an exciting ferry ride from Tiburon to Angel Island State Park, the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay. With expansive 360° views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin County Headlands and Mount Tamalpais, great hiking trails and many other recreational opportunities readily available, Angel Island is truly a hidden gem in the midst of the urban Bay Area. (Dogs are NOT allowed on the island.)
107 locals recommend
Angel Island Café
Main StreetTake an exciting ferry ride from Tiburon to Angel Island State Park, the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay. With expansive 360° views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin County Headlands and Mount Tamalpais, great hiking trails and many other recreational opportunities readily available, Angel Island is truly a hidden gem in the midst of the urban Bay Area. (Dogs are NOT allowed on the island.)
Sightseeing
Picturesque, historic, Western-style town with cool general store, little café and bakery. The town is named after the Marshalls, four brothers who set up a dairying industry there in the 1850s. Starting in the 1870s, Marshall was a stop on the North Pacific Coast Railroad connecting Cazadero to the Sausalito ferry. There is still some dairying in the area with Straus Family Creamery based there, but nowadays the town's major commerce is in oysters and clams, for which it is a center. It also acts as a center for tourists visiting Tomales Bay and the neighbouring Point Reyes Peninsula.
13 locals recommend
Marshall
Picturesque, historic, Western-style town with cool general store, little café and bakery. The town is named after the Marshalls, four brothers who set up a dairying industry there in the 1850s. Starting in the 1870s, Marshall was a stop on the North Pacific Coast Railroad connecting Cazadero to the Sausalito ferry. There is still some dairying in the area with Straus Family Creamery based there, but nowadays the town's major commerce is in oysters and clams, for which it is a center. It also acts as a center for tourists visiting Tomales Bay and the neighbouring Point Reyes Peninsula.
A Western-style 'Norman Rockwell' type hamlet with a village green in the middle with a little white wooden church at one end, and a little white wooden schoolhouse on the road leaving town. Home of "Rancho Nicasio" restaurant and music venue, named after the Mexican land grant of 56,807 acres granted to the Coast Miwok indigenous people in 1835, located in the present-day Marin County, California, a tract of land that stretched from San Geronimo to Tomales Bay. Today, Nicasio, California is at the heart of this location.
Nicasio
A Western-style 'Norman Rockwell' type hamlet with a village green in the middle with a little white wooden church at one end, and a little white wooden schoolhouse on the road leaving town. Home of "Rancho Nicasio" restaurant and music venue, named after the Mexican land grant of 56,807 acres granted to the Coast Miwok indigenous people in 1835, located in the present-day Marin County, California, a tract of land that stretched from San Geronimo to Tomales Bay. Today, Nicasio, California is at the heart of this location.
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the history making 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock—gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.
503 locals recommend
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the history making 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock—gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate BridgeAudubon Canyon Ranch protects nature through land preservation, environmental education and conservation science. The canyon provides habitat for a variety of animals and plants. Notably, its redwoods provide nesting sites for great blue herons, great egrets, and snowy egrets.
6 locals recommend
Audubon Canyon Ranch station
Audubon Canyon Ranch protects nature through land preservation, environmental education and conservation science. The canyon provides habitat for a variety of animals and plants. Notably, its redwoods provide nesting sites for great blue herons, great egrets, and snowy egrets.
Drinks & Nightlife
Check out the free local paper "Pacific Sun" for listings of bands playing at the Rancho, BBQ's, breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Full bar. Warning: Animal heads on walls!
39 locals recommend
Rancho Nicasio, Bar, Restaurant, Live Music and Wedding Event Venue
1 Old Rancheria RdCheck out the free local paper "Pacific Sun" for listings of bands playing at the Rancho, BBQ's, breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Full bar. Warning: Animal heads on walls!
"A 110-year-old watering hole in the heart of the forested San Geronimo Valley proudly advertises itself as 'The best historic dive bar in Marin.'
13 locals recommend
Papermill Creek Saloon
1 Castro St"A 110-year-old watering hole in the heart of the forested San Geronimo Valley proudly advertises itself as 'The best historic dive bar in Marin.'
19 Broadway
19 BroadwayEntertainment & Activities
The Fairfax Theatre, built in 1950, is Marin's destination for cinematic entertainment, providing a truly unique, uncompromising film experience. This location is also the first modern theater in the United States to be powered by solar-generated electricity.
62 locals recommend
Fairfax Variety
61 BroadwayThe Fairfax Theatre, built in 1950, is Marin's destination for cinematic entertainment, providing a truly unique, uncompromising film experience. This location is also the first modern theater in the United States to be powered by solar-generated electricity.
Blue Waters Kayaking is the oldest and only full-service kayak outfitter on Tomales Bay & Lake Sonoma. We have beautiful locations on Tomales Bay and Lake Sonoma. Our Tomales Bay Site is in Inverness at the north end of the Tomales Bay Resort, and our Lake Sonoma location is next to the boat ramp at the Yorty Creek Recreation Area.
10 locals recommend
Blue Waters Kayaking Inverness (TOURS MAY LAUNCH ELSEWHERE)
12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd Blue Waters Kayaking is the oldest and only full-service kayak outfitter on Tomales Bay & Lake Sonoma. We have beautiful locations on Tomales Bay and Lake Sonoma. Our Tomales Bay Site is in Inverness at the north end of the Tomales Bay Resort, and our Lake Sonoma location is next to the boat ramp at the Yorty Creek Recreation Area.
In addition to guided horseback rides along 120 miles of trails, other fun activities such as hay wagon rides and beach rides at the Point Reyes National Seashore are available.
11 locals recommend
Five Brooks Ranch
FIVE BROOKS RANCH In addition to guided horseback rides along 120 miles of trails, other fun activities such as hay wagon rides and beach rides at the Point Reyes National Seashore are available.
San Geronimo Golf Course is located just 35 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge with panoramic views of giant redwoods, untouched mountains, and cascading creeks. San Geronimo Golf Course is one of Marin County’s true gems, offering 18 holes of demanding golf on the longest golf course in Marin County at an affordable price.
San Geronimo National Golf Course
5800 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard San Geronimo Golf Course is located just 35 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge with panoramic views of giant redwoods, untouched mountains, and cascading creeks. San Geronimo Golf Course is one of Marin County’s true gems, offering 18 holes of demanding golf on the longest golf course in Marin County at an affordable price.
What a treat, it was like a trip back in time. From the historic ticket booth to the classic seating and décor, the theater provides a unique experience. We were pleasantly surprised that the first daily show is only five dollars and comes with a free small popcorn. Really! And we saw a new release. The snack bar (notice the retro reference) also has a full offering of food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. I have to note that the seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of space between rows. We had a great time and it's great that a place like this still exists!
22 locals recommend
Lark Theater
549 Magnolia AveWhat a treat, it was like a trip back in time. From the historic ticket booth to the classic seating and décor, the theater provides a unique experience. We were pleasantly surprised that the first daily show is only five dollars and comes with a free small popcorn. Really! And we saw a new release. The snack bar (notice the retro reference) also has a full offering of food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. I have to note that the seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of space between rows. We had a great time and it's great that a place like this still exists!
Perfectly convenient on PIER 39, the Aquarium of the Bay provides unforgettable encounters with marine life. Stroll through 300 feet of clear acrylic tunnels holding 700,000 gallons of Bay water, touch tidepool animals, and delight in viewing playful river otters up close. Available with San Francisco CityPASS.
26 locals recommend
Aquarium of the Bay
Beach StreetPerfectly convenient on PIER 39, the Aquarium of the Bay provides unforgettable encounters with marine life. Stroll through 300 feet of clear acrylic tunnels holding 700,000 gallons of Bay water, touch tidepool animals, and delight in viewing playful river otters up close. Available with San Francisco CityPASS.
The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, California, is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, originally built as part of a 1894 World's Fair. Landscaped by Makoto Hagiwara, many of its attractions are still a part of the garden today, there have been changes throughout the history of the garden that have shaped it into what it is today, a complex of many paths, ponds and teahouse featuring plants and trees pruned and arranged in a Japanese style. Its 3 acres contain sculptures and structures influenced by Buddhist and Shinto religious beliefs, as well as many elements of water and rocks to create a calming landscape designed to slow people down.
348 locals recommend
Japanese Tea Garden
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden DrThe Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, California, is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, originally built as part of a 1894 World's Fair. Landscaped by Makoto Hagiwara, many of its attractions are still a part of the garden today, there have been changes throughout the history of the garden that have shaped it into what it is today, a complex of many paths, ponds and teahouse featuring plants and trees pruned and arranged in a Japanese style. Its 3 acres contain sculptures and structures influenced by Buddhist and Shinto religious beliefs, as well as many elements of water and rocks to create a calming landscape designed to slow people down.
Getting Around
In my experience, the easiest way to get here from the San Francisco Airport is to take the famous local "Marin AirPorter" (a coach that ferries air passengers back and forth), get off at their drop-off point at Larkspur Landing, then take a Taxi, Lyft or Uber the last 12 miles.
13 locals recommend
Marin Airporter
1081 Andersen DrIn my experience, the easiest way to get here from the San Francisco Airport is to take the famous local "Marin AirPorter" (a coach that ferries air passengers back and forth), get off at their drop-off point at Larkspur Landing, then take a Taxi, Lyft or Uber the last 12 miles.
West Marin Stage Coach
The only local bus line in Marin.
A ferry ride across the bay to San Francisco is an absolute must— just picture yourself standing on the deck, holding the railing and laughing out loud while you get drenched with sea spray and watch the Golden Gate Bridge and city get closer!
52 locals recommend
Larkspur Ferry Terminal station
101 E Sir Francis Drake BlvdA ferry ride across the bay to San Francisco is an absolute must— just picture yourself standing on the deck, holding the railing and laughing out loud while you get drenched with sea spray and watch the Golden Gate Bridge and city get closer!
Essentials
Fairfax Market is your family owned community grocery store, right here in Fairfax, California. We stock an assortment of merchandise with the needs of our community in mind, with input from valuable customers like you. At Fairfax, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh organic and conventional produce. We carry natural, gourmet, international, and prepared foods, as well as everyday household items. Our full service meat department offers a complete line of fresh, smoked, and frozen meats, as well as seafood. We have a full service deli featuring a variety cheeses, sandwiches, salads, and hot food items. We look forward to serving you at Fairfax Market!
62 locals recommend
Fairfax Variety
61 BroadwayFairfax Market is your family owned community grocery store, right here in Fairfax, California. We stock an assortment of merchandise with the needs of our community in mind, with input from valuable customers like you. At Fairfax, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh organic and conventional produce. We carry natural, gourmet, international, and prepared foods, as well as everyday household items. Our full service meat department offers a complete line of fresh, smoked, and frozen meats, as well as seafood. We have a full service deli featuring a variety cheeses, sandwiches, salads, and hot food items. We look forward to serving you at Fairfax Market!
Trader Joe's is a neighborhood grocery store with amazing food and drink from around the globe and around the corner. Great quality at great prices. That's what we call value.
53 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
337 3rd StTrader Joe's is a neighborhood grocery store with amazing food and drink from around the globe and around the corner. Great quality at great prices. That's what we call value.
Located in a small shopping mall off Sir Francis Drake near CVS and Farm Burger Marin
17 locals recommend
Safeway
838 Sir Francis Drake BlvdLocated in a small shopping mall off Sir Francis Drake near CVS and Farm Burger Marin
Friendly and knowledgeable people. Great place to get your DMV smog test or have your tires checked or flats fixed.
Rino Service Station
1942 Sir Francis Drake BlvdFriendly and knowledgeable people. Great place to get your DMV smog test or have your tires checked or flats fixed.
They bake bread daily. If you go to the deli to get a sandwich just know that the roast beef is just as freshe. On top of that they use fresh local produce and they don't take shortcuts. What you have here is some top notch deli behavior. You can't really get better, fresher or more local than that can you.
The market has other good stuff going for it. A full beverage section, firewood, chips and crackers, a full produce isle. On to the good part, they have buffalo milk soft serve in both Vanilla and chocolate, the small is huge. Other good part, the weekend BBQ. They rock the BBQ until the sell out.
36 locals recommend
Palace Market
11300 CA-1They bake bread daily. If you go to the deli to get a sandwich just know that the roast beef is just as freshe. On top of that they use fresh local produce and they don't take shortcuts. What you have here is some top notch deli behavior. You can't really get better, fresher or more local than that can you.
The market has other good stuff going for it. A full beverage section, firewood, chips and crackers, a full produce isle. On to the good part, they have buffalo milk soft serve in both Vanilla and chocolate, the small is huge. Other good part, the weekend BBQ. They rock the BBQ until the sell out.
Food Scene
Farm Burger Marin
882 Sir Francis Drake BlvdGrass fed beef burgers and great French Fries!
Arti Cafe is an authentic Indian Restaurant located in Lagunitas / Forest-Knolls (North Bay), California. Serving natural and organic Indian food with meat, vegetarian, and vegan options.
20 locals recommend
Arti Indian Organic Natural Cafe
7282 Sir Francis Drake BlvdArti Cafe is an authentic Indian Restaurant located in Lagunitas / Forest-Knolls (North Bay), California. Serving natural and organic Indian food with meat, vegetarian, and vegan options.
SIR AND STAR AT THE OLEMA is perched on the corner of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Star Route One. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday from 5 until 9pm. Saturday evening our chefs prepare a lingering meal of several small courses in the dining room, while small plates, wine, and supper are served by the fire.
45 locals recommend
Sir and Star at the Olema
10000 Sir Francis Drake BlvdSIR AND STAR AT THE OLEMA is perched on the corner of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Star Route One. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday from 5 until 9pm. Saturday evening our chefs prepare a lingering meal of several small courses in the dining room, while small plates, wine, and supper are served by the fire.
The Two Bird Cafe is nestled in the tiny hamlet of San Geronimo, CA. A scenic drive will take you to our beautiful, rustic cafe where there's always a special to tempt your taste buds. Whether you dine inside, by the fireplace, or outside on the deck, you'll enjoy meals that will tantalize your palate, and ease you into the laid back pace of beautiful Marin County.
22 locals recommend
Two Bird Café
625 San Geronimo Valley DrThe Two Bird Cafe is nestled in the tiny hamlet of San Geronimo, CA. A scenic drive will take you to our beautiful, rustic cafe where there's always a special to tempt your taste buds. Whether you dine inside, by the fireplace, or outside on the deck, you'll enjoy meals that will tantalize your palate, and ease you into the laid back pace of beautiful Marin County.
Bovine Bakery
11315 CA-1