Marin County

Located north of the San Francisco Bay, Marin County is one of the top destinations in Northern California. The warm to hot dry summers, and the mild to cool, wet winters, make it an extremely popular place to call home. It is linked to the city of San Francisco by the Golden Gate Bridge and to the East Bay by the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Sonoma County sits on the north and northeast of Marin County, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean is on the west side. Most people think of the county as a suburban residential area, but West Marin is very rural and has many dairy farms and ranches.


The area has some of the best schools in the entire state, and is a wonderful place to raise a family. It has over 141,000 acres of county, state and federal parkland. Communications equipment, printing, film production and computer software are just some of the industries that make up the region. Marin County has several manufacturing plants, who manufacture plastic products, candles, cheese, and communications equipment.


If you are looking for a great place to live, you really need to come and take a look. The towns and cities that inhabit the region are unique, and each has something special to offer.


Mill Valley is 4 miles north of San Francisco, and is surrounded by red woods. Hearts Desire beach is one of the warmest beaches in the area, and you can swim through September (if you’re a little brave!)  San Rafael is the seat of the county, and has a population of almost 58,000 people. It is in the North area of San Francisco Bay. Located 8 miles south east of San Rafael, Sausalito is a residential community that is a popular tourist destination. In World War II, it was a ship building center, and today remains one of the most desirable places to live in the area. Fairfax is northwest of San Rafael, and has a rich history. Irving Berlin used to serenade guests from a tree top piano at the Pastori Hotel. Fairfax, along with Mill Valley, is known as the birth place of mountain biking. Just south of the Bay, is the town of Tiburon. The ferry services take commuters and tourists into San Francisco, making this a popular place to live and play. Located just 3 miles south of San Rafael, Larkspur is close to the redwood groves, as is Madrone Canyon. This is another residential area in the county. The town was laid out in 1887, and became incorporated in 1908.


There is so much to do and see in the area. The Marin County Civic Center attracts visitors from all over the world, and was designed by the great architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Dipsea race is held every year in the county, and is America’s oldest cross country running event. The Muir Woods redwood forest has a wonderful summer shuttle tour that shows off the 200 year old redwood trees. If you love wine, there are some fabulous wineries dotted up and down the county. Grey whales are often spotted along the California coastline, and one of the best vantage points is the Point Reyes lighthouse. Some of the best beaches run along the edge of Marin and are a popular place to spend your summer months.


Some of the best restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area are located in Marin. Choose from Mexican, Japanese, Fusion, South American and Indian. Of course the seafood is fantastic, and not to be missed.


The spectacular beaches and wooded scenery make Marin County one of the most desirable places to live in the entire state of California.