You recognize these days whenever you don’t wish to get on a aircraft, however you do wish to really feel such as you escaped your life for a minute? That’s when Tiburon makes the proper San Francisco day journey.
Simply north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this little waterfront city in some way manages to really feel like a European seaside escape, although it sits on a peninsula in southern Marin County, throughout the bay from Sausalito and simply half-hour from San Francisco. I’ve been to this metropolis extra instances than I can rely, and right here’s how I’d spend the proper day in Tiburon.
➞ For different Marin County adventures take a look at my Sausalito Day Journey Itinerary: and a Dreamy Day Journey Itinerary to Mill Valley.
Fast snapshot of this present day journey itinerary:
- Stroll the Outdated Rail Path (Historic Path)
- Brunch Malibu Farm
- Swing on the Tiburon Hippie Tree
- Stroll & Store at Tiburon’s Historic Predominant Road
- Glass of Wine at Squalo Vino
- Catch an early flick at Cinelounge
- Dinner at Troya
Tiburon Day Journey Itinerary
Stroll the Outdated Rail Path (Historic Path)
Begin at Blackie’s Pasture, the place there’s a free car parking zone proper subsequent to the trailhead (free parking in Marin nonetheless exists!). From there you’ll hop onto the Outdated Rail Path (additionally referred to as the Tiburon Historic Path), a flat 2.6 mile waterfront path that runs alongside Richardson Bay into downtown Tiburon. If you happen to exit and again, it’s about 5.2 miles whole. However, you’ll be able to stroll as little or as a lot as you need. You may flip round anytime. Or stroll into downtown, have brunch and stroll (or Uber) again.
The path follows the route of a railroad that dates again greater than a century, when Tiburon was a working-class railroad city.Now it’s peaceable and scenic. On one aspect you’ve the water and mudflats of Richardson Bay, dwelling to herons, egrets, and hawks. On the opposite aspect you will notice hillside houses and gardens. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see Mount Tamalpais and Golden Gate Bridge within the distance.
Fast Suggestions: There may be little or no shade, so deliver a hat and sunscreen. The path is vast, with a mud shoulder if you happen to desire one thing softer than pavement. Benches are spaced alongside the best way, so you’ll be able to sit and simply breathe all of it in. If you happen to stroll and cease for images, plan on about 1.5 hours a method.


Brunch Malibu Farm
When you hit Shoreline Park on the finish of the path, you might be proper by the ferry terminal and the waterfront eating places. That is the place you’ll be able to seize brunch, earlier than heading again.
Malibu Farm is the stylish hotspot on the town, and I completely suggest making reservations, particularly in order for you an upstairs patio desk. These are gold. Sitting up there with the boats under you and the bay stretching out in entrance is the epitome of Northern California dwelling.
The vibe is vivid, coastal, relaxed, and really California. The meals is straightforward and recent with a farm to desk model. They give attention to complete grains, a number of greens, actual substances, and not one of the pretend stuff that makes you squint at a label and assume, What’s that?
I can suggest ordering the pickled beet and burrata salad, the smoked salmon scramble, and the blackened shrimp tacos with creamy cabbage slaw. The meals is nice, however I’ll be trustworthy, most individuals come for the view wit boats within the marina and Angel Island sitting within the distance.


Swing on the Tiburon Hippie Tree
Tucked up on Ring Mountain Open Area is the legendary Hippie Tree, a large eucalyptus that sits above the bay with rope swings hanging from its branches. Sure, precise rope swings.
There are normally two or three, relying on the season. They get changed now and again. And whenever you sit down and push off, it’s a type of “internal youngster” moments. I don’t care how outdated you might be, you’ll smile. It’s free, public, and extremely particular. Plus, from up there you’ll be able to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Sausalito, and the San Francisco skyline if the fog decides to cooperate.



Getting There
You park alongside Gilmartin Drive. Weekday mornings are your finest guess as a result of avenue parking is restricted. From there, stroll up the fireplace street for about 5-7 minutes. It’s a little steep however very quick. The full hike up and again is about half a mile. Utterly doable, even when hills usually are not your favourite.
If you see the eucalyptus grove, head left and one can find the swings. Simply bear in mind it’s close to non-public houses. Preserve your voices low, pack out something you herald, and deal with the house with respect. We wish locations like this to remain open and particular.
Stroll & Store at Tiburon’s Historic Predominant Road
After your swing session, as a result of that’s formally a factor now, head again down into downtown Tiburon. Predominant Road is small, however superbly curated. There are upscale coastal boutiques, little artwork galleries, wine tasting rooms and waterfront views for days. Tiburon and neighboring Belvedere are among the most unique communities within the Bay Space, and you’ll discover it within the historic houses, manicured gardens, and exquisite estates tucked into the hills.
I like to walk slowly, and simply peek into retailers. It prices nothing to look! One cease I all the time suggest is Predominant Road Mercantile. It’s a superbly curated basic retailer with clothes for ladies, males, and infants, plus dwelling items and considerate items. Marin Journal named it Editor’s Alternative for Greatest Boutique, which is smart the second you stroll in.

Glass of Wine at Squalo Vino
Tiburon’s Predominant Road virtually begs you to decelerate and sip one thing beautiful, and Squalo Vino is the proper place to do it. This contemporary wine bar has cozy velvet chairs, a welcoming bar you’ll be able to stomach as much as, and greater than 80 home and imported wines. You’ll find gems from Napa and Sonoma alongside bottles from Bordeaux and different European areas. You may order by the glass, break up a bottle with a buddy, or select a tasting flight.
As somebody who loves a great California purple, I respect that their listing leans towards small producers and attention-grabbing finds as a substitute of the identical labels you see in every single place. And if wine ever makes you’re feeling intimidated, let that go right here. The workers is educated however not snobby. You may say, I normally drink cabernet, what ought to I strive, and they’ll fortunately information you.

Catch an early flick at Cinelounge
If you need one thing a bit surprising, head to Cinelounge Tiburon. This boutique three display theater opened within the former Tiburon Playhouse location and it is among the most original film experiences round. As an alternative of stiff seats, you sink into cozy loveseats and outsized chairs, the foyer has an old-school pay cellphone, and even the popcorn is playful, with flavors like “Some Like It Popped” and “Rosemary’s Popcorn.” It feels much less like a generic multiplex and extra like a cool membership.
They present a mixture of new releases, indie movies, nostalgic favorites, and particular programming, so it’s value checking the schedule forward of time. Tuesday nights typically have offers on tickets, which I like since you could be sensible and nonetheless deal with your self.


Dinner at Troya
Then finish your day at Troya Mediterranean Kitchen within the Cove Purchasing Middle. After 25 years operating Troya eating places in San Francisco, the Turkish born house owners introduced their heat hospitality to Tiburon and you may really feel it the second you stroll in. The house is gorgeous with plaster arches impressed by Turkish bazaars, curved banquettes, white oak, marble, brass accents, and comfortable lighting. It feels intimate however fashionable, however very cozy.
All that and the meals is scrumptious too. We ordered the salmon skewer with Sultan’s pilaf crammed with almonds and raisins, plus tzatziki and harissa on the aspect. We additionally shared roasted cauliflower with labneh and tahini and heat hummus topped with grilled oyster mushrooms and served with recent pita. All the things was recent, flavorful, and comforting with out being heavy. It’s the type of meal that feels indulgent however nonetheless balanced.



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Ebook Your Flight
Expedia is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you’ll be able to simply discover the very best fare offers. You can even choose ‘Watch Costs’ to get an e mail alert when the costs change.
Ebook Your Lodging
I exploit each Reserving.com and Expedia for motels, as a result of every presents a pair totally different lodge decisions and I like to match the critiques on every one. In case you have a gaggle or are on the lookout for extra of a house environment, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each value vary.
Ebook Your Rental Automobile
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to position is the best choice! I all the time e book with RentalCars.com (it’s a part of reserving.com) for the very best costs and high model choices.
Ebook Some Enjoyable Excursions!
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Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
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*Lastly, examine journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security info.
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