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.









Monday, June 13, 2011

Three Beaches and One Hike: Tomales Bay State Park


Hike to Three Beaches

Begin at Jepson Trailhead
What a gem of a hike this is!
When it is foggy or windy in Point Reyes, try exploring the protected areas in Tomales Bay State Park. At every turn there are scenic views of twisted California Oak trees, Tomales Bay, and lush vegetation in a "made  for Marin" rainforest. Not only is it beautiful, with stops at three different beaches along the round-trip 4.5mile  trail, but it is educational as well.
Marin Rainforest

Heart's Desire Beach
Park your car in the small parking area located one mile out on Pierce Point Road, just before the entrance to Tomales Bay State Park. Begin at the Jepson Trailhead, and follow the Johnstone trail left to Pebble Beach 1.6 miles out, where you can stop and spend time exploring the sandy beach and wade in the calm water. Follow the trail to Heart’s Desire Beach, and walk through a lush rainforest which has been produced by winter rains and summer fog. Heart’s Desire is a larger beach with picnic tables, restrooms and it's own parking area. 
Bridge to Indian Beach
Interpretive Signs 
Continue across the beach, and take the signed Indian Nature Trail to Indian Beach. Along the way, read the park plaques about the indigenous Miwok Indian way of life, and how they utilized the coastal environment to the best of their advantage for both food and medicinal purposes. At the bridge, head down the beach and explore the Indian kotchas, which are reconstructed Miwok bark lodges.
The Kotchas on Indian Beach
After leaving beach number three, walk around the marsh back towards Heart’s Desire beach again, then take the Jepson trail uphill from there back to the originating parking area. 
Overall, this is a very scenic hike, with minimal elevation change, and perfect for a hot Marin Weekend offering 80% shaded trails and beach access.

Beautiful Picnic Areas
Getting There: From Hwy 101 in Greenbrae, take Sir Francis Drake West to Olema. Turn Right on Hwy One for 200 yards then left onto Bear Valley Road and right on Sir Francis Drake again towards Pierce Point Road. Once on Pierce Point Road, drive for 1.0 mile and turn right into the parking area.

If you want to first picnic and wade in the bay, you might want to drive directly into the park (pay fee) at Heart’s Desire Beach and from there you can chose a shorter hike.
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