Coastal Marin

Point Reyes Area - Are you a lover of scenic vistas, pristine beaches, lush forests, and sleepy coastal towns? They all come together in spectacular fashion here in the West Marin/Point Reyes area. Close to San Francisco and the Sonoma and Napa region, it’s the perfect place to see unspoiled beauty and then spoil yourself in our charming inns and world-class restaurants.

Come wander the West Coast’s only national seashore and you’ll find yourself sharing the soul-stirring coastline with waving wildflowers as well as wildlife such as elk, gray whales, and an incredible array of bird species. People here have coexisted peacefully with nature ever since the early settlements of the Miwok Indians centuries ago.

Be sure to visit the small towns along the way. Each town in the Point Reyes area is a little gem that has taken special care to maintain its unique local character and heritage. With so much to see, as well as a blissful, temperate climate, you’ll understand why Good Morning America chose us as one of the “Most Beautiful Places in America.”

Stinson Beach - Bathed by refreshing ocean breezes, this secluded enclave of fewer than 1,000 residents offers the best of casual coastal living. Only a 35-minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge on California State Route 1, Stinson Beach provides a welcome escape from the frantic pace of everyday life. Beachfront homeowners enjoy expansive ocean views, free of frontal roads or development.

The laid-back town of Stinson Beach has a small but vibrant Main Street with unique eateries, galleries, and a surf shop. After an exuberant day of swimming, surfing, hiking, or hang gliding, locals head for the patio of the Sand Dollar Restaurant for a plate of fish tacos and a cold beer.

Beachfront homes in Stinson Beach provide magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Sunny bungalows in town offer lush gardens and a casual, barefoot lifestyle. Wherever you choose to live in Stinson Beach, you’ll be only moments away from quiet sunset walks on the beach or energizing hikes through endless acres of open space.

Bolinas - This coastal anomaly has the allure of a paradise that doesn’t want to be found. Though Bolinas has its hometown shops, bars, and eateries, it’s clearly not suburbia, and since the 1960s has been a mecca for writers, artists, and musicians. You’ll have heard of some of the more noteworthy: novelist Richard Brautigan, director Joel Coen, and musician Grace Slick. It’s also long been a favorite of surfers, who come for the waves and the bohemian vibe.

In 1971, this unincorporated community limited any future growth with a moratorium on water meters. Every once in a while, one of the original homesteads comes up for sale—but you’ve got to be very tapped in to hear about it. In fact, you need to be in the know just to get to Bolinas. Though it’s only 13 miles from San Francisco as the crow flies, on Star Route One you won’t find a single sign pointing your way there.