just a little out there.

Welcome to the Marin CVB Blog

There are places that simply feel different. Where a combination of uncommon things creates something truly unique. Marin County is such a place. Special, not because you can go hang gliding or kayaking. Not because you can find fresh, sustainable agriculture. Not because you can experience the pinnacle of luxury and the world’s finest wines. And not even because you can do all of these things in one place. What makes Marin special is the sense of purpose that courses through the land, the people, and the everyday practices that define this unique corner of California.

Highlight Community of the Month

San Rafael


San Rafael is at the center of things. The oldest, largest and most culturally diverse city in Marin also enjoys the best weather. San Rafael is a lively business and cultural center located in an area of incomparable natural beauty.

At the city’s heart is its charming, vibrant downtown shopping district. Downtown’s mixture of Victorian buildings, ethnic restaurants, retail stores and financial institutions creates San Rafael’s hometown flavor.

In the center of town is the new San Rafael City Plaza, with its innovative water wall fountain. The plaza has become a community gathering place and the center of seasonal events such as the Thursday night farmers markets and summertime concerts.

Nearby is an authentic recreation of Mission San Rafael Arcangel; founded in 1817 as part of California’s mission chain, a replica of the original mission with a museum, gift shop and self-guided tours, attracts many visitors. It is also the backdrop for the annual “Youth in Arts,” Italian Street Painting Festival.

San Rafael’s history is present in many of its beautifully restored turn-of-the century buildings, including the Marin History Museum, the Falkirk Cultural Center, and the 106-year-old Dominican University. Many of these buildings are featured in a self-guided walking tour guide, available at the local Chamber of Commerce.

The Marin County Civic Center, home to the county’s government offices and an architectural treasure, is a national and state designated historical landmark. Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it is available on weekdays for self-guided or docent-led tours.









Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Hike the Sunny and "Dark" Side of Bon Tempe Lake

This 4.1 mile hike is perfectly designed for all age groups and temperament. Being a moderate hike offering both shade and sun, stunning lake views and overhead Osprey sightings, it is reminiscent of a high Sierra-Nevada location.




Begin clockwise around the lake on the wide-open Sunny-side Trail with fantastic views of Mt. Tam; finish on the Shady-side Trail hiking through madrones, Douglas fir, and plenty of ferns. The trail is also dog friendly!



To get there from Hwy 101 in Marin, exit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. toward San Anselmo and follow it west 6 miles to Fairfax. Turn left on Pastori, immediately right on Broadway, then left on Bolinas-Fairfax Rd. Go 1.5 miles to Sky Oaks Rd.; turn left. This takes you into the park. Make your first right after the entrance toward Bon Tempe and drive .5 mile and park.  There is a day use fee of $8.
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