Wonderful West Marin
You may very well just want to relax on the beach, not get in your car and enjoy what surrounds you - and there is certainly no shame in that! But in case you want to venture away from Stinson I’ve put together some suggestions of things to see and do in this beautiful corner of the world.
AUDUBON CANYON RANCH: Is located right off the lagoon, half-way to Bolinas, and they offer nature walks, education and other public events - please look at www.egret.org to find the current schedule.
BOLINAS: Is a little surf town tucked away on the coast about 20 minutes from Stinson. Drive north and take your first left at the end of the lagoon (don’t expect to see a sign, they usually disappear quicker than they can out them up), make another left and yet another left at the t-crossing. Here you can find veggie stands with produce from the local organic farms, a small health food store, cute little shops and a few other odds and ends and of course the famous Smiley’s Saloon.
HORSEBACK RIDING: Halfway to Point Reyes Station you will find Five Brooks Stables where you can go on guided trail rides or pony rides for the kiddos. (www.fivebrooks.com, (415)663 1570)
OLEMA: Don’t blink or you may miss it! About 20 minutes north of Stinson you can find Due West (www.olemahouse.com).
BEAR VALLEY VISITOR CENTER: Is a great spot to start an adventure! They have a visitor center with tons of information, the earthquake trail (a short interesting walk which is suitable for kids too)and a beautiful hike out to the coast which is about 9 miles out and back. Please check out https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/index.htm
for lots of ideas!
POINT REYES STATION: Our metropolis in West Marin. Here you can find lots of cute little shops, a big super market, a hardware store, gas and diesel, Toby’s Feedbarn, Yoga toes, Bovine Bakery, the occasional horse tied up outside the bar and lots more.
POINT REYES SEASHORE: Is a wild, beautiful peninsula where you will see all kinds of wildlife depending on the season. Elk, hawks, owls, deer, elephant seals, harbor seals, plovers, whales etc etc. The coast line is dramatic and untouched and there are multiple wonderful hikes out there. The farms you will see along the way are grand-fathered in and no one can farm out there unless they take over from a family member… Please check https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/index.htm for updates on accessibility and seasonal happenings.
TONY’S SEAFOOD: is located in Marshall and is part of the Hog Island Oyster Co familY.
THE MARSHALL STORE: If you don’t plan on filling up on oysters you can stop at the Marshall Store, pick a spot in the sun on the bay and enjoy a delicious meal right there.
HOG ISLAND OYSTERS: Shuck-Your-Own, buy and bring home or sit at the Boat Oyster Bar - it does not get fresher than this! www.hogislandoysters.com
NICK’S COVE: is one of the last historic settlements that was catering to the early California tourist trade on Tomales Bay. It has a cool, old bar, and a wonderful relaxed restaurant. Be sure to take a glass of bubbly and some BBQ oysters with you out to the end of the dock and enjoy the beautiful views.
WE HOPE YOU WILL LOVE AND ENJOY YOUR TIME IN THIS BEAUTIFUL, MAGICAL AREA AS MUCH AS WE DO!