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

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

Because it’s near my residence, 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 thrill 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 delightful bay views.

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

➞ Desire a easy plan laid out for you? See how I’d spend the right 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Take the Outdated Rail Path

The Outdated Rail Path runs about 2.6 miles from Blackie’s Pasture into downtown Tiburon, and it’s flat, paved, and follows the water your complete means. 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 need to stroll the entire thing, you possibly can flip round at any time when. Nevertheless it makes for an excellent 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 an area favourite, and discovering it feels such as you’re in on a secret. It’s a eucalyptus tree with rope swings, and top-of-the-line 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 brief uphill stroll on the fireplace highway. It’s somewhat steep, however it 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 midst of San Francisco Bay, and most of the people who’ve lived within the Bay Space their complete lives have by no means set foot on it. It has climbing trails, views in each route, and loads of historical past. From the 1910s by the Forties, it served because the immigration station for folks arriving on the West Coast, largely from China and different components 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 possibly can hire a motorcycle, discover a grassy spot for lunch, tour the Immigration Station, or simply wander with no plan. All of it really works.

➞ I like to recommend checking the ferry schedule at Angel Island Ferry earlier than you go so 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. Nevertheless 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 practice depot, restored and sitting proper close to the waterfront. Inside, you’ll discover pictures, artifacts, and a easy, well-told story about what Tiburon appeared like when it was a significant transportation hub for your complete Bay Space. Trains, ferries, hundreds of individuals shifting by this little city on their means 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 every part in a different way. As a substitute of normal seats, you sink into loveseats and outsized chairs. The foyer has an old-school pay telephone. Even the popcorn has a persona, with flavors like “Some Like It Popped” and “Rosemary’s Popcorn.” It seems like somebody who really loves motion pictures designed it, which is precisely the sort of element I discover and recognize.

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

PS: Tuesday nights typically have discounted tickets!

Stroll & Store on Fundamental Avenue

Tiburon’s Fundamental Avenue is only a couple blocks, however a genuinely pretty avenue with small impartial retailers, just a few good locations to eat, and a few nice wine bars.

Two retailers I at all times make a degree to stroll by are Fundamental Avenue Mercantile for cute clothes and Highlow Larder for homegoods. Each are independently owned, thoughtfully curated, and the sort of locations the place you possibly can browse for twenty minutes with out feeling any strain to purchase a factor (however you’ll wish 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 total waterfront city expertise, then you need to sit on a patio with water views. Tiburon makes it simple with loads of eating places to select from.

Sam’s Anchor Cafe is the traditional selection. It’s proper on the bay, informal and energetic, with a menu constructed round seafood and the sort of simple Northern California vitality that makes a protracted lunch really feel fully justified. For one thing somewhat 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 area above Tiburon with light trails, wildflowers in season, and a small white church inbuilt 1888 that sits on the prime of the hill looking over your complete 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 laborious to seek out anyplace close to a significant metro space.

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