Planning a trip to California’s cutest seaside city? Here are the best things to do in Tiburon for first timers.
Since it’s close to my home, I do A LOT of day trips to Tiburon. The small waterfront town in Marin County sits just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is a nice break from the buzz of San Francisco. It started as a railroad and ferry hub back in the late 1800s, and you still feel that history in its bones. But now it is all about the walkable shoreline, ferries to Angel Island, and beautiful bay views.
If this is your first time in Tiburon, I’ve included my favorite things to do, and more spots that you’ll love.
➞ Want a simple plan laid out for you? See how I’d spend the perfect day trip to Tiburon
Take the Old Rail Trail
The Old Rail Trail runs about 2.6 miles from Blackie’s Pasture into downtown Tiburon, and it is flat, paved, and follows the water the entire way. On a clear day, you might see Mount Tamalpais and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
I recommend parking at Blackie’s Pasture early, and then walk at whatever pace feels right. You don’t have to walk the whole thing, you can turn around whenever. But it makes for a great day to walk all the way to town, have lunch and then walk back.
Swing on the Hippie Tree Tiburon
The Hippie Tree is a local favorite, and finding it feels like you’re in on a secret. It’s a eucalyptus tree with rope swings, and one of the best views in the area. The bay stretches out in front of you with San Francisco, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge all in view. Besides that, it’s just fun to act like a kid again.
To get there: park along Gilmartin Drive and take the short uphill walk on the fire road. It’s a little steep, but it only takes about five to seven minutes. At the fork in the path turn left and you’ll find the tree.
Ferry Over to Angel Island State Park
Angel Island is a 740-acre island sitting in the middle of San Francisco Bay, and most people who have lived in the Bay Area their whole lives have never set foot on it. It has hiking trails, views in every direction, and a lot of history. From the 1910s through the 1940s, it served as the immigration station for people arriving on the West Coast, mostly from China and other parts of Asia, many of whom were detained there for weeks or months while their entry into America was decided.
The ferry leaves right from the Tiburon waterfront, takes ten minutes, and costs around $20 round trip. You buy your ticket at the dock, get in line, and board. That’s it.
On the island you can rent a bike, find a grassy spot for lunch, tour the Immigration Station, or just wander without a plan. All of it works.
➞ I recommend checking the ferry schedule at Angel Island Ferry before you go so you know your return options.
Visit the Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum
I’ll be upfront with you: the Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum is a small museum. You can see the whole thing in a half hour. But it’s exactly the kind of stop that helps you get to know a city better, and that’s why I am including it.
The museum is housed inside the original 1886 train depot, restored and sitting right near the waterfront. Inside, you’ll find photographs, artifacts, and a simple, well-told story about what Tiburon looked like when it was a major transportation hub for the entire Bay Area. Trains, ferries, thousands of people moving through this little town on their way somewhere bigger.
Catch a flick at Cinelounge
Tiburon has a boutique three-screen movie theater called Cinelounge and it is nothing like the multiplex you’re used to. Housed in the former Tiburon Playhouse, this place does everything differently. Instead of standard seats, you sink into loveseats and oversized chairs. The lobby has an old-school pay phone. Even the popcorn has a personality, with flavors like “Some Like It Popped” and “Rosemary’s Popcorn.” It feels like someone who actually loves movies designed it, which is exactly the kind of detail I notice and appreciate.
They show a mix of new releases, indie films, nostalgic favorites, and special programming, so check the schedule at cineloungefilm.com before you go.
PS: Tuesday nights often have discounted tickets!
Stroll & Shop on Main Street
Tiburon’s Main Street is just a couple blocks, but a genuinely lovely street with small independent shops, a few good places to eat, and some great wine bars.
Two shops I always make a point to walk through are Main Street Mercantile for cute clothing and Highlow Larder for homegoods. Both are independently owned, thoughtfully curated, and the kind of places where you can browse for twenty minutes without feeling any pressure to buy a thing (but you’ll want to!)
If browsing isn’t your thing, grab a coffee from Malibu Farm or a glass of red from Squalo Vino, walk to Waterfront Park a half block away, and sit by the water.
Patio lunch with Water Views
If you want to get the full waterfront town experience, then you have to sit on a patio with water views. Tiburon makes it easy with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Sam’s Anchor Cafe is the classic choice. It’s right on the bay, casual and lively, with a menu built around seafood and the kind of easy Northern California energy that makes a long lunch feel completely justified. For something a little more bougie, then go to Malibu Farm and sit on their upstairs patio overlooking the sailboats. They serve things like blackened shrimp tacos and a smoked salmon scramble. I highly recommend making reservations for this one!
Visit Old St. Hilary’s Preserve and the Old Saint Hilary’s Church
Old St. Hilary’s Preserve is a stretch of protected open space above Tiburon with gentle trails, wildflowers in season, and a small white church built in 1888 that sits at the top of the hill looking out over the entire bay. The walk up is manageable and worth every step. At the top, you get unobstructed views of Angel Island, the bay, and San Francisco in the distance, and you get a few minutes of real quiet that’s hard to find anywhere near a major metro area.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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