8 Finest Issues to do in Tiburon CA (for first timers)

Planning a visit to California’s cutest seaside metropolis? Listed below are the perfect issues to do in Tiburon for first timers.

Because it’s near my house, I do A LOT of day journeys to Tiburon. The small waterfront city in Marin County sits simply north of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is a pleasant break from the excitement of San Francisco. It began as a railroad and ferry hub again within the late 1800s, and you continue to really feel that historical past in its bones. However now it’s all concerning the walkable shoreline, ferries to Angel Island, and exquisite bay views.

If that is your first time in Tiburon, I’ve included my favourite issues to do, and extra spots that you simply’ll love. 

➞ Desire a easy plan laid out for you? See how I’d spend the proper day journey to Tiburon

Take the Outdated Rail Path

The Outdated Rail Path runs about 2.6 miles from Blackie’s Pasture into downtown Tiburon, and it’s flat, paved, and follows the water the whole approach. On a transparent day, you may see Mount Tamalpais and the Golden Gate Bridge within the distance.

I like to recommend parking at Blackie’s Pasture early, after which stroll at no matter tempo feels proper. You don’t should stroll the entire thing, you’ll be able to flip round every time. However it makes for an ideal day to stroll all the best way to city, have lunch after which stroll again. 

Swing on the Hippie Tree Tiburon

The Hippie Tree is a neighborhood favourite, and discovering it feels such as you’re in on a secret. It’s a eucalyptus tree with rope swings, and probably the greatest views within the space. The bay stretches out in entrance of you with San Francisco, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge all in view. Moreover that, it’s simply enjoyable to behave like a child once more.

To get there: park alongside Gilmartin Drive and take the quick uphill stroll on the fireplace highway. It’s just a little steep, but it surely solely takes about 5 to seven minutes. On the fork within the path flip left and also you’ll discover the tree. 

Ferry Over to Angel Island State Park

Angel Island is a 740-acre island sitting in the course of San Francisco Bay, and most of the people who’ve lived within the Bay Space their entire lives have by no means set foot on it. It has mountaineering trails, views in each course, and plenty of historical past. From the 1910s via the Forties, it served because the immigration station for individuals arriving on the West Coast, principally from China and different elements of Asia, lots of whom have been detained there for weeks or months whereas their entry into America was determined. 

The ferry leaves proper from the Tiburon waterfront, takes ten minutes, and prices round $20 spherical journey. You purchase your ticket on the dock, get in line, and board. That’s it. 

On the island you’ll be able to hire a motorcycle, discover a grassy spot for lunch, tour the Immigration Station, or simply wander with out a plan. All of it really works.

➞ I like to recommend checking the ferry schedule at Angel Island Ferry earlier than you go so you understand your return choices. 

Go to the Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum

I’ll be upfront with you: the Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum is a small museum. You’ll be able to see the entire thing in a half hour. However it’s precisely the sort of cease that helps you get to know a metropolis higher, and that’s why I’m together with it.

The museum is housed inside the unique 1886 prepare depot, restored and sitting proper close to the waterfront. Inside, you’ll discover images, artifacts, and a easy, well-told story about what Tiburon appeared like when it was a significant transportation hub for the whole Bay Space. Trains, ferries, 1000’s of individuals transferring via this little city on their approach someplace greater.

Catch a flick at Cinelounge

Tiburon has a boutique three-screen movie show known as Cinelounge and it’s nothing just like the multiplex you’re used to. Housed within the former Tiburon Playhouse, this place does all the things in a different way. As an alternative of normal seats, you sink into loveseats and outsized chairs. The foyer has an old-school pay cellphone. Even the popcorn has a character, with flavors like “Some Like It Popped” and “Rosemary’s Popcorn.” It seems like somebody who truly loves films designed it, which is strictly the sort of element I discover and admire.

They present a mixture of new releases, indie movies, nostalgic favorites, and particular programming, so test the schedule at cineloungefilm.com earlier than you go. 

PS: Tuesday nights typically have discounted tickets!

Stroll & Store on Important Avenue

Tiburon’s Important Avenue is only a couple blocks, however a genuinely pretty road with small impartial retailers, a number of good locations to eat, and a few nice wine bars.

Two retailers I at all times make some extent to stroll via are Important Avenue Mercantile for cute clothes and Highlow Larder for homegoods. Each are independently owned, thoughtfully curated, and the sort of locations the place you’ll be able to browse for twenty minutes with out feeling any stress to purchase a factor (however you’ll need to!) 

If searching isn’t your factor, seize a espresso from Malibu Farm or a glass of crimson from Squalo Vino, stroll to Waterfront Park a half block away, and sit by the water. 

Patio lunch with Water Views

If you wish to get the complete waterfront city expertise, then you must sit on a patio with water views. Tiburon makes it straightforward with loads of eating places to select from.

Sam’s Anchor Cafe is the traditional alternative. It’s proper on the bay, informal and full of life, with a menu constructed round seafood and the sort of straightforward Northern California vitality that makes an extended lunch really feel fully justified. For one thing just a little extra bougie, then go to Malibu Farm and sit on their upstairs patio overlooking the sailboats. They serve issues like blackened shrimp tacos and a smoked salmon scramble. I extremely advocate making reservations for this one!

Go to Outdated St. Hilary’s Protect and the Outdated Saint Hilary’s Church

Outdated St. Hilary’s Protect is a stretch of protected open house above Tiburon with mild trails, wildflowers in season, and a small white church in-built 1888 that sits on the prime of the hill searching over the whole bay. The stroll up is manageable and value each step. On the prime, you get unobstructed views of Angel Island, the bay, and San Francisco within the distance, and also you get a couple of minutes of actual quiet that’s exhausting to seek out anyplace close to a significant metro space.

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