How to Spend the Perfect Day in Tiburon, California

You know those days when you don’t want to get on a plane, but you do want to feel like you escaped your life for a minute? That’s when Tiburon makes the perfect San Francisco day trip.

Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this little waterfront town somehow manages to feel like a European seaside escape, even though it sits on a peninsula in southern Marin County, across the bay from Sausalito and just 30 minutes from San Francisco. I’ve been to this city more times than I can count, and here’s how I’d spend the perfect day in Tiburon.

➞ For other Marin County adventures check out my Sausalito Day Trip Itinerary: and a Dreamy Day Trip Itinerary to Mill Valley.

Tiburon Day Trip Itinerary

Walk the Old Rail Trail (Historical Trail)

Start at Blackie’s Pasture, where there is a free parking lot right next to the trailhead (free parking in Marin still exists!). From there you’ll hop onto the Old Rail Trail (also called the Tiburon Historical Trail), a flat 2.6 mile waterfront path that runs along Richardson Bay into downtown Tiburon. If you go out and back, it is about 5.2 miles total. But, you can walk as little or as much as you want. You can turn around anytime. Or walk into downtown, have brunch and walk (or Uber) back. 

The trail follows the route of a railroad that dates back more than a century, when Tiburon was a working-class railroad town.Now it is peaceful and scenic. On one side you have the water and mudflats of Richardson Bay, home to herons, egrets, and hawks. On the other side you will see hillside homes and gardens. On a clear day, you can see Mount Tamalpais and Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

Quick Tips: There is very little shade, so bring a hat and sunscreen. The trail is wide, with a dirt shoulder if you prefer something softer than pavement. Benches are spaced along the way, so you can sit and just breathe it all in. If you stroll and stop for photos, plan on about 1.5 hours one way.

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Brunch Malibu Farm

Once you hit Shoreline Park at the end of the trail, you are right by the ferry terminal and the waterfront restaurants. This is where you can grab brunch, before heading back. 

Malibu Farm is the trendy hotspot in town, and I absolutely recommend making reservations, especially if you want an upstairs patio table. Those are gold. Sitting up there with the boats below you and the bay stretching out in front is the epitome of Northern California living.

The vibe is bright, coastal, relaxed, and very California. The food is simple and fresh with a farm to table style. They focus on whole grains, lots of vegetables, real ingredients, and none of the fake stuff that makes you squint at a label and think, What is that?

I can recommend ordering the pickled beet and burrata salad, the smoked salmon scramble, and the blackened shrimp tacos with creamy cabbage slaw. The food is good, but I’ll be honest, most people come for the view wit boats in the marina and Angel Island sitting in the distance.

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Swing at the Tiburon Hippie Tree

Tucked up on Ring Mountain Open Space is the legendary Hippie Tree, a giant eucalyptus that sits above the bay with rope swings hanging from its branches. Yes, actual rope swings.

There are usually two or three, depending on the season. They get replaced from time to time. And when you sit down and push off, it’s one of those “inner child” moments. I don’t care how old you are, you will smile. It’s free, public, and incredibly special. Plus, from up there you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Sausalito, and the San Francisco skyline if the fog decides to cooperate. 

Getting There

You park along Gilmartin Drive. Weekday mornings are your best bet because street parking is limited. From there, walk up the fire road for about 5-7 minutes. It is a little steep but very short. The total hike up and back is about half a mile. Completely doable, even if hills are not your favorite. 

When you see the eucalyptus grove, head left and you will find the swings. Just remember it is near private homes. Keep your voices low, pack out anything you bring in, and treat the space with respect. We want places like this to stay open and special.

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Stroll & Shop at Tiburon’s Historic Main Street

After your swing session, because that is officially a thing now, head back down into downtown Tiburon. Main Street is small, but beautifully curated. There are upscale coastal boutiques, little art galleries, wine tasting rooms and waterfront views for days. Tiburon and neighboring Belvedere are some of the most exclusive communities in the Bay Area, and you will notice it in the historic homes, manicured gardens, and beautiful estates tucked into the hills.

I like to stroll slowly, and just peek into shops. It costs nothing to look! One stop I always recommend is Main Street Mercantile. It is a beautifully curated general store with clothing for women, men, and babies, plus home goods and thoughtful gifts. Marin Magazine named it Editor’s Choice for Best Boutique, which makes sense the second you walk in. 

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Glass of Wine at Squalo Vino 

Tiburon’s Main Street practically begs you to slow down and sip something lovely, and Squalo Vino is the perfect place to do it. This modern wine bar has cozy velvet chairs, a welcoming bar you can belly up to, and more than 80 domestic and imported wines. You will find gems from Napa and Sonoma alongside bottles from Bordeaux and other European regions. You can order by the glass, split a bottle with a friend, or choose a tasting flight.

As someone who loves a good California red, I appreciate that their list leans toward small producers and interesting finds instead of the same labels you see everywhere. And if wine ever makes you feel intimidated, let that go here. The staff is knowledgeable but not snobby. You can say, I usually drink cabernet, what should I try, and they will happily guide you.

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Catch an early flick at Cinelounge

If you want something a little unexpected, head to Cinelounge Tiburon. This boutique three screen theater opened in the former Tiburon Playhouse location and it is one of the most unique movie experiences around. Instead of stiff seats, you sink into cozy loveseats and oversized chairs, the lobby has an old-school pay phone, and even the popcorn is playful, with flavors like “Some Like It Popped” and “Rosemary’s Popcorn.” It feels less like a generic multiplex and more like a cool club.

They show a mix of new releases, indie films, nostalgic favorites, and special programming, so it is worth checking the schedule ahead of time. Tuesday nights often have deals on tickets, which I love because you can be practical and still treat yourself. 

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Dinner at Troya

Then end your day at Troya Mediterranean Kitchen in the Cove Shopping Center. After 25 years running Troya restaurants in San Francisco, the Turkish born owners brought their warm hospitality to Tiburon and you can feel it the moment you walk in. The space is beautiful with plaster arches inspired by Turkish bazaars, curved banquettes, white oak, marble, brass accents, and soft lighting. It feels intimate but modern, but very cozy. 

All that and the food is delicious too. We ordered the salmon skewer with Sultan’s pilaf filled with almonds and raisins, plus tzatziki and harissa on the side. We also shared roasted cauliflower with labneh and tahini and warm hummus topped with grilled oyster mushrooms and served with fresh pita. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and comforting without being heavy. It is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still balanced.

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