Guidebook for Kentfield
Food Shopping
Grocery stores, farmers markets, bakeries (no eat-in), etc.
One of the great gourmet markets in the Bay Area, walking distance from the property. Excellent deli sandwiches, prepared food, produce, butcher, cheeses. The wine guy is excellent for recommendations. Pricey but worth it. Not the place for your big stock-up grocery shop.
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Woodlands Market
1550 Tiburon BlvdOne of the great gourmet markets in the Bay Area, walking distance from the property. Excellent deli sandwiches, prepared food, produce, butcher, cheeses. The wine guy is excellent for recommendations. Pricey but worth it. Not the place for your big stock-up grocery shop.
Mollie Stone's Markets
270 Bon Air CenterQuality grocery store.
Because it's Trader Joes! You can get coconut water in bulk!
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Trader Joe's
337 3rd StBecause it's Trader Joes! You can get coconut water in bulk!
Best grocery store in the area, in my opinion. Healthy, high-quality goods; great salad bar and prepared foods. Right across from Trader Joes.
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Whole Foods Market
340 3rd StBest grocery store in the area, in my opinion. Healthy, high-quality goods; great salad bar and prepared foods. Right across from Trader Joes.
Less expensive than Whole Foods or Molly Stones and still good
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Safeway
700 B StLess expensive than Whole Foods or Molly Stones and still good
Great farmers market on Sundays 8a - 1pm. Often features live music. Come hungry because theres lots of great grazing. I love the booth that sells grilled cheese-and-apple sandwiches.
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The Sunday Marin Farmers Market
3501 Civic Center DrGreat farmers market on Sundays 8a - 1pm. Often features live music. Come hungry because theres lots of great grazing. I love the booth that sells grilled cheese-and-apple sandwiches.
Smaller farmers market on Saturdays 9a - 2p. Live music 11a-2pm.
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Marin Country Mart
2257 Larkspur Landing CirSmaller farmers market on Saturdays 9a - 2p. Live music 11a-2pm.
SusieCakes
2109 Chestnut StDelicious cake and cupcakes
Restaurants and cafes
An excellent small-plates Italian restaurant. Located in the charming small town of Larkspur; fun to take a stroll through town before or after dinner. Make reservations well in advance.
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Picco Restaurant
320 Magnolia AveAn excellent small-plates Italian restaurant. Located in the charming small town of Larkspur; fun to take a stroll through town before or after dinner. Make reservations well in advance.
Our favorite place for lunch. Try the arugula salad with smoked trout, breakfast sandwich, pork belly sandwich or cheese melt. Delicious! We always pick up a loaf of bread too. Seating around the corner of the restaurant too. We like to follow with a wander around San Anselmo or a hike at Phoenix Lake.
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M.H.Bread and Butter
101 San Anselmo AveOur favorite place for lunch. Try the arugula salad with smoked trout, breakfast sandwich, pork belly sandwich or cheese melt. Delicious! We always pick up a loaf of bread too. Seating around the corner of the restaurant too. We like to follow with a wander around San Anselmo or a hike at Phoenix Lake.
Excellent bakery. Great salads, sandwiches, cookies, coffee. This is where the famous Rustic Bakery crackers are made. Can eat in.
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Rustic Bakery
2017 Larkspur Landing CirExcellent bakery. Great salads, sandwiches, cookies, coffee. This is where the famous Rustic Bakery crackers are made. Can eat in.
Rustic Bakery
2017 Larkspur Landing CirAnother location.
New Orleans style brunch! Strictly local and always packed. Get there early or expect to wait - which is fine bc the people watching is so fun :) Located in Fairfax, one of the best towns in Marin - see notes below.
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The Hummingbird
57 BroadwayNew Orleans style brunch! Strictly local and always packed. Get there early or expect to wait - which is fine bc the people watching is so fun :) Located in Fairfax, one of the best towns in Marin - see notes below.
Excellent casual seafood restaurant. Lobster rolls, fresh tuna salad, oysters. Eat on picnic tables looking over the bay, doesn't get much better than this :)
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Fish.
350 Harbor DrExcellent casual seafood restaurant. Lobster rolls, fresh tuna salad, oysters. Eat on picnic tables looking over the bay, doesn't get much better than this :)
Good restaurant with unique mediterranean cuisine. Also has a take-out counter that we regularly frequent - we love the fattoush salad.
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Insalata's
120 Sir Francis Drake BlvdGood restaurant with unique mediterranean cuisine. Also has a take-out counter that we regularly frequent - we love the fattoush salad.
Good high-end Mexican food. Margaritas to die for. Try the chicken enchiladas, yum!
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Marinitas
218 Sir Francis Drake BlvdGood high-end Mexican food. Margaritas to die for. Try the chicken enchiladas, yum!
A lovely brunch place walking distance from the property. The tortilla scramble, eggs benedict and huevos are great. It's nice to get a table outside, in the garden. Serves lunch too.
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Half Day Cafe
848 College AveA lovely brunch place walking distance from the property. The tortilla scramble, eggs benedict and huevos are great. It's nice to get a table outside, in the garden. Serves lunch too.
Best pizza in Marin. Brooklyn-style, thin-crust, great! Try to eat outside in good weather.
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Pizzeria Picco
316 Magnolia AveBest pizza in Marin. Brooklyn-style, thin-crust, great! Try to eat outside in good weather.
An upscale diner with all the favorites, burgers, onion rings, tacos etc. A family favorite.
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Gott's Roadside
644 1st StAn upscale diner with all the favorites, burgers, onion rings, tacos etc. A family favorite.
Healthy, fresh juices - I like the Greens and Roots lines. Also, great healthier ice cream with no processed sugar. I love to go here after yoga.
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Pressed
3901 24th StHealthy, fresh juices - I like the Greens and Roots lines. Also, great healthier ice cream with no processed sugar. I love to go here after yoga.
Wonderful little restaurant on Tomales Bay. Begin or end a Point Reyes hiking or horseback riding day here, with delicious barbequed oysters. Try every kind of oysters they offer, they are all incredible. Not cheap but worth it. No reservations so be prepared to wait.
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Tomales Bay Oyster Company
15479 CA-1Wonderful little restaurant on Tomales Bay. Begin or end a Point Reyes hiking or horseback riding day here, with delicious barbequed oysters. Try every kind of oysters they offer, they are all incredible. Not cheap but worth it. No reservations so be prepared to wait.
For that truly special meal. A fixed-price meal (usually) by a truly gifted chef. Japanese-inspired cuisine in a very tiny and elegant space. Located in San Anselmo, so fun to begin or end with a walk through town. Make reservations.
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Madcap
198 Sir Francis Drake BlvdFor that truly special meal. A fixed-price meal (usually) by a truly gifted chef. Japanese-inspired cuisine in a very tiny and elegant space. Located in San Anselmo, so fun to begin or end with a walk through town. Make reservations.
Best ice cream in Marin! Handmade ice cream with all kinds of unique flavors (try the Lavender Vanilla). A must-do when you're in Fairfax.
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Fairfax Scoop
63 BroadwayBest ice cream in Marin! Handmade ice cream with all kinds of unique flavors (try the Lavender Vanilla). A must-do when you're in Fairfax.
Our favorite sushi place in San Francisco. Located in north SF so not far from here. The quality of the food is stellar, tho the space itself it nothing special - we like it that way. Best to ask for "omakase" - chef's choice. If it's just two of you sit at the sushi bar, a wonderful experience.
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Zushi Puzzle
1910 Lombard StOur favorite sushi place in San Francisco. Located in north SF so not far from here. The quality of the food is stellar, tho the space itself it nothing special - we like it that way. Best to ask for "omakase" - chef's choice. If it's just two of you sit at the sushi bar, a wonderful experience.
A great place for dim sum in the city. In the nothern part of the SF so not that far. Our favorites are the baked pork buns, the soup dumplings and the honey shrimp with walnuts :)
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Hong Kong Lounge
5322 Geary BlvdA great place for dim sum in the city. In the nothern part of the SF so not that far. Our favorites are the baked pork buns, the soup dumplings and the honey shrimp with walnuts :)
Comforts
335 San Anselmo AveGood local lunch place with both takeout and eat-in.
Good traditional Italian restaurant. A great place for a dressier meal or to take the grandparents.
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Il Davide
901 A StGood traditional Italian restaurant. A great place for a dressier meal or to take the grandparents.
Elegant place for lunch with the ladies. Amazing views of Mount Tam. Booked pretty solid so make reservations.
RH Rooftop Restaurant Marin
1750 Redwood HighwayElegant place for lunch with the ladies. Amazing views of Mount Tam. Booked pretty solid so make reservations.
Just down the street from us! Walking distance, or 5 minute drive. Great upscale local eatery with excellent cocktails!
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Guesthouse
850 College AveJust down the street from us! Walking distance, or 5 minute drive. Great upscale local eatery with excellent cocktails!
Shopping
Small, fun local shopping center. Rustic Bakery, Bed Bath and Beyond, a book store, cool clothing shops. Farmers Market with live music (sometimes) Saturdays 9a-2p.
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Marin Country Mart
2257 Larkspur Landing CirSmall, fun local shopping center. Rustic Bakery, Bed Bath and Beyond, a book store, cool clothing shops. Farmers Market with live music (sometimes) Saturdays 9a-2p.
Biggest mall in Marin. Mostly clothes: J Crew, Anthro, Free People, Nordstrom, Macy's etc. All arranged around a central outdoor plaza - fun to wander.
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The Village at Corte Madera
1618 Redwood HwyBiggest mall in Marin. Mostly clothes: J Crew, Anthro, Free People, Nordstrom, Macy's etc. All arranged around a central outdoor plaza - fun to wander.
The "other" mall: just across the highway from the Village. Lots of home stores like Container Store, Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrel. Also Barnes and Noble, REI and others.
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Town Center Corte Madera
100 Corte Madera Town CenterThe "other" mall: just across the highway from the Village. Lots of home stores like Container Store, Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrel. Also Barnes and Noble, REI and others.
Our local shopping center. Molly Stones, CVS, Peets Coffee, Jamba Juice, Woodland Pets, UPS, Suzicakes and much more.
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Bon Air Center
Bon Air CenterOur local shopping center. Molly Stones, CVS, Peets Coffee, Jamba Juice, Woodland Pets, UPS, Suzicakes and much more.
Self-Care
Bodywise Massage, Inc
1435 4th StSkilled therapists charging reasonable rates.
The Studio
650 E Blithedale AveBook a drop-in class at The Studio, my favorite yoga studio in Marin.
For that special spa day? I'd go here. Luxurious, full-service spa with skilled therapists. Massage, facials, meditation pool, nice restaurant.
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Healing Arts Center & Spa
601 Murray CirFor that special spa day? I'd go here. Luxurious, full-service spa with skilled therapists. Massage, facials, meditation pool, nice restaurant.
Parks & Nature
Marin is one of the best areas in the world for outdoor fun: hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, you name it. Here are some of our favorites outdoor places to go and things to do:
World-class hiking! Download the app AllTrails and you can pick from hundreds of hikes of all lengths and levels. Our favorite is the Dipsea Trail from Pantoll to Stinson Beach. Park at the Pantoll Ranger Station (https://goo.gl/maps/L49Yqua81b62) and walk to Stinson Beach (about 2 hrs). Eat lunch then take the West Marin Stagecoach bus back to Pantoll. An absolutely beautiful hike through redwoods, chaparral and panoramic views of the ocean.
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Mount Tamalpais
World-class hiking! Download the app AllTrails and you can pick from hundreds of hikes of all lengths and levels. Our favorite is the Dipsea Trail from Pantoll to Stinson Beach. Park at the Pantoll Ranger Station (https://goo.gl/maps/L49Yqua81b62) and walk to Stinson Beach (about 2 hrs). Eat lunch then take the West Marin Stagecoach bus back to Pantoll. An absolutely beautiful hike through redwoods, chaparral and panoramic views of the ocean.
This a short, 1-hour hike known only to the locals. It’s a 5 minute drive away, has pretty views, and I do it maybe twice a week. You can extend to 2 hours with an upper loop.
Directions: Navigate to the Crown Road Trailhead via Google Maps (https://goo.gl/maps/iFkQnbQR1Qx). Walk up the Southern Marin Fire Road until you get to the first steep narrow trail off to the right, the Hoo-Koo E-Koo Trail. Take this trail up all the way to the Blithedale Ridge Road at the top of the ridge. You’ll have gorgeous views of the East Bay, the City, and Mt. Tam from up here. Here you have a choice. You could either 1) go left down the fire road and do the 1-hour hike, or 2) cross the fire road and add the extra loop to your hike.
♣ 1) 1-hour option: This is mostly a gentle downhill on a fire road for the rest of the hike. Go left and down the fire road. Keep going left at every possible intersection, including very sharp lefts, until you are back on the original Southern Marin Line Fire Road. This will take you back to the Crown Road trailhead and your car.
♣ 2) 2-hour option: This adds a loop that climbs uphill to gorgeous, big views of the city and bay, then back down. Cross the Blithedale Ridge Rd (go a tiny bit up the road) and continue on the Hoo-koo E-Koo Trail. Walk until it runs again into a further part of the Blithesdale Ridge Road, and take a right. Come all the way back down around to where you started this loop. Then follow the directions for the 1-hour option, taking every possible left until you arrive back at the trailhead.
You could also stick to the Southern Marin Fire Road the whole time and do gentle, flat there-and-back hike. Lots of options.
Crown Road
Crown RoadThis a short, 1-hour hike known only to the locals. It’s a 5 minute drive away, has pretty views, and I do it maybe twice a week. You can extend to 2 hours with an upper loop.
Directions: Navigate to the Crown Road Trailhead via Google Maps (https://goo.gl/maps/iFkQnbQR1Qx). Walk up the Southern Marin Fire Road until you get to the first steep narrow trail off to the right, the Hoo-Koo E-Koo Trail. Take this trail up all the way to the Blithedale Ridge Road at the top of the ridge. You’ll have gorgeous views of the East Bay, the City, and Mt. Tam from up here. Here you have a choice. You could either 1) go left down the fire road and do the 1-hour hike, or 2) cross the fire road and add the extra loop to your hike.
♣ 1) 1-hour option: This is mostly a gentle downhill on a fire road for the rest of the hike. Go left and down the fire road. Keep going left at every possible intersection, including very sharp lefts, until you are back on the original Southern Marin Line Fire Road. This will take you back to the Crown Road trailhead and your car.
♣ 2) 2-hour option: This adds a loop that climbs uphill to gorgeous, big views of the city and bay, then back down. Cross the Blithedale Ridge Rd (go a tiny bit up the road) and continue on the Hoo-koo E-Koo Trail. Walk until it runs again into a further part of the Blithesdale Ridge Road, and take a right. Come all the way back down around to where you started this loop. Then follow the directions for the 1-hour option, taking every possible left until you arrive back at the trailhead.
You could also stick to the Southern Marin Fire Road the whole time and do gentle, flat there-and-back hike. Lots of options.
Another lovely local hike. It takes about an hour to circle the lake. Start at Natalie Green Park (https://goo.gl/maps/TQV7aH6YNXr) , there's a parking area there. Best on weekdays as the lot is small and can fill on weekends. Early or late is best for the same reason. We like a 5pm hike before dinner.
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Phoenix Lake
Another lovely local hike. It takes about an hour to circle the lake. Start at Natalie Green Park (https://goo.gl/maps/TQV7aH6YNXr) , there's a parking area there. Best on weekdays as the lot is small and can fill on weekends. Early or late is best for the same reason. We like a 5pm hike before dinner.
Sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, in the Bay. Very fun!
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Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Center
2100 BridgewaySea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, in the Bay. Very fun!
Incredible hiking in a very unique, isolated wild area. A northern ca. treasure. Give yourself a whole day: it's about a 45-min drive but so worth it! Pack a lunch from Woodland Market or eat at one of the many good restaurants in the area. I love the Bear Valley Trail to the beach, and the Tomales Point Trail (see below). This area also has kayaking in the Tomales Bay.
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Parque Nacional de Point Reyes
Incredible hiking in a very unique, isolated wild area. A northern ca. treasure. Give yourself a whole day: it's about a 45-min drive but so worth it! Pack a lunch from Woodland Market or eat at one of the many good restaurants in the area. I love the Bear Valley Trail to the beach, and the Tomales Point Trail (see below). This area also has kayaking in the Tomales Bay.
Enormous, historic forest of redwoods! Can get busy so best to go early. Reservations required. The walk in the main part of the woods is amazing, but we always add on a less crowded hike up and to the right at the end.
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Muir Woods National Monument
Enormous, historic forest of redwoods! Can get busy so best to go early. Reservations required. The walk in the main part of the woods is amazing, but we always add on a less crowded hike up and to the right at the end.
An absolutely gorgeous hike. The Pacific on one side, the Tomales Bay on the other. If you're lucky you'll see lots of wildlife; on my last time there I saw two herds of tule elk, a big coyote, two families of quail, a red-tailed hawk. In some seasons you can see whales migrating. It's a long there-and-back hike, but pretty flat, so the miles don't feel long and you can turn back whenever you choose. It's exposed and can get windy so bring warm layers. I'd suggest going around noon to give the fog time to burn off, or you won't see anything. Give yourself time at the end to explore the historic dairy ranch at the trailhead.
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Tomales Point Trail
Pierce Point RoadAn absolutely gorgeous hike. The Pacific on one side, the Tomales Bay on the other. If you're lucky you'll see lots of wildlife; on my last time there I saw two herds of tule elk, a big coyote, two families of quail, a red-tailed hawk. In some seasons you can see whales migrating. It's a long there-and-back hike, but pretty flat, so the miles don't feel long and you can turn back whenever you choose. It's exposed and can get windy so bring warm layers. I'd suggest going around noon to give the fog time to burn off, or you won't see anything. Give yourself time at the end to explore the historic dairy ranch at the trailhead.
Another local favorite. Small beach, one of the only ones that allows campfires! Get there early to stake out a pit, bring your own firewood and starters, and have a blast. It's a N.Ca beach, remember, so it can get cooooooold - bring layers! Still beautiful tho! We'll sometimes stop by the Pelican Inn on the way out to warm up, have a pint and play some darts :)
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Muir Beach
Another local favorite. Small beach, one of the only ones that allows campfires! Get there early to stake out a pit, bring your own firewood and starters, and have a blast. It's a N.Ca beach, remember, so it can get cooooooold - bring layers! Still beautiful tho! We'll sometimes stop by the Pelican Inn on the way out to warm up, have a pint and play some darts :)
Where we go for a classic "beach day". It's a long, windy, beautiful drive out there. Located in the sweet little town of Stinson.
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Stinson Beach
Where we go for a classic "beach day". It's a long, windy, beautiful drive out there. Located in the sweet little town of Stinson.
This is where you'll get the most incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the City. You can make it a hike or you can just drive up there and park, so it's good for all ages and ability levels. There are some interesting military fortifications to explore as well. A must-see.
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Marin Headlands
This is where you'll get the most incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the City. You can make it a hike or you can just drive up there and park, so it's good for all ages and ability levels. There are some interesting military fortifications to explore as well. A must-see.
A lovely grassy field at the local elementary school to kick a ball around or have a picnic. Lots of families. A nice walk from the property: Right on Sir Francis, left on College, right at the bike path at the crossing light. This path takes you all the way to Ross Common.
Ross Common
Ross CommonA lovely grassy field at the local elementary school to kick a ball around or have a picnic. Lots of families. A nice walk from the property: Right on Sir Francis, left on College, right at the bike path at the crossing light. This path takes you all the way to Ross Common.
Sightseeing
Good local museum, fun for adults and kids.
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Museu de Descoberta da Área da Baía
557 McReynolds RdGood local museum, fun for adults and kids.
Wine country! Take a day trip and visit 3-4 wineries. Unforgettable.
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Napa Valley
Wine country! Take a day trip and visit 3-4 wineries. Unforgettable.
Pretty little Marin town at the foot of Mount Tam. Art galleries, shopping, restaurants. Farmers market every Wed. 9:30a-2:30p.
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Mill Valley
Pretty little Marin town at the foot of Mount Tam. Art galleries, shopping, restaurants. Farmers market every Wed. 9:30a-2:30p.
My favorite Marin town to visit. Funky, authentic, very no. cal. hippy liberal - in a good way! Known for its live music scene.
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Fairfax
My favorite Marin town to visit. Funky, authentic, very no. cal. hippy liberal - in a good way! Known for its live music scene.
You can drive to almost the very top of Mount Tam to get glorious views of the entire area. Park in the East Peak parking lot and it's a short hike to the top.
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Mount Tamalpais East Peak
Old Railroad Grade TrailYou can drive to almost the very top of Mount Tam to get glorious views of the entire area. Park in the East Peak parking lot and it's a short hike to the top.
Because it's San Francisco! Only 30 min away, with endless sightseeing, restaurants, museums and fun.
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San Francisco
Because it's San Francisco! Only 30 min away, with endless sightseeing, restaurants, museums and fun.
Drinks & Nightlife
Good food but even better cocktails. We often stop here just for cocktails and appetizers.
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Guesthouse
850 College AveGood food but even better cocktails. We often stop here just for cocktails and appetizers.