Marin County offers spectacular views of iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's skyline/bay, a diverse landscape: Muir Woods National Monument with ancient towering redwood trees; “artsy” towns, beaches, business areas, farms/ranches, state parks, including Mt. Tamalpais; numerous acres of protected areas; trails to explore on foot, via mountain bikes. The beautiful, varied surroundings, proximity to San Francisco, low-key close-by options to quality theater, music, dining, shopping continues to attract residents/visitors (including many actors, authors, film makers, musicians).

Prior to the turn of the 20th century, popular scenic steam trains took passengers to Mt. Tamalpais's summit; a tavern offered breathtaking sweeping views of the ocean below, San Francisco Bay area. From the tavern, a gravity car to Muir Woods "floated" down a steep track, included a double bowknot, earning the moniker "crookedest railroad in the world". Rail travel ended in the early 1930's when trains were displaced by automobiles. The tavern burned down (twice). Memorabilia, fireroads that once served as tracklines, and a modest volunteer-run Gravity Car Barn museum at the base of Mt. Tamalpais's east peak, near where the tavern sat are the only remnants today.

Before being displaced by Spanish explorers and European settlers, peaceful Coastal Miwok Native Americans lived in the area for thousands of years. A few known rare petroglyphs still exist.

Bolinas
A small quiet coastal town with a lagoon at it's entrance, inhabitants include artists, 'back to nature' farmers, surfers, writers. Visitors can enjoy the beach/surfing, lagoon kayaking, birding; downtown's few slow-paced shops, cafes, museum, tennis court, views from “the Mesa”: the flat hill overlooking the coastline. Walking (or bicycling) recommended way to get around town; very limited vehicle parking, especially challenging on weekends; visitors encouraged to arrive by public transportation: West Marin Stagecoach bus is one option.

Fairfax
Laid back cafes, shops, annual Irish festival are popular with local residents, visitors; a bicycle museum/mountain bicycle hall of fame draws bicycle enthusiasts. Named after Lord Fairfax, whose estate became a resort, popular country club from 1943-1972, the town lies adjacent to Cascade Canyons open space north of Mt Tamalpais with its many trails, some waterfalls. On the western end of town a women's tuberculosis sanitarium, Arequipa, operated in the early 1900's (now home to a scout camp). Residents decorated pottery as part of their therapy (between 1911-1918, when the pottery operation ceased); Arequipa pottery is coveted by collectors.

Larkspur
Mistakenly named for abundantly growing lupine in the late 1890's, Larkspur retains many historic buildings lining it's small main street: renovated art deco theater, bar, restaurants, City Hall. A newer area to the east known as Larkspur Landing features weekly farmers' market, brewery, restaurants; located across from a ferry terminal used by San Francisco commuters, visitors.

Mill Valley
Mill Valley is a 'gateway' town to beaches, Muir Woods National Monument, Mt. Tamalpais, Marin headlands trails. The charming village-like downtown nestled at the base of Mt. Tamalpais contains shops, restaurants, a few theaters. Houses include early 1900's stately homes, post World War Two flat area tracts, architectural award- winning modern masterpieces tucked into redwood canyons. The town hosts an annual grueling steep ascent/decent Dipsea running race; starts in downtown, ends at Stinson Beach; draws hundreds of runners, race supporters from many locales.

San Rafael
The county seat, San Rafael hosts Marin's iconic Civic Center. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's last commission (completed after his death), its distinctive turquoise roof can be seen from Highway 101. Downtown, a public transit hub, still shows remnants of the early 1900's train line that ran throughout the county. San Rafael spreads over several miles, contains the county's largest population, theaters, restaurants, historic neighborhoods, parks, a university, many shops, businesses. The 1980's drew video game developers, due to LucasFilms proximity. Seekers of warm weather not in the 'fog zone' near the Pacific Ocean head to San Rafael, other northern Marin areas.