Some places have perfected the art of exhibiting Marin County history an sharing the secrets they’ve uncovered. Whether you want a glimpse of the past or to see the art of the present, these museums have you covered.

The 2025 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Museum picks see below.

Our 2025 Arts & Entertainment category sponsor is MarinArts. View the rest of the Arts & Entertainment category here.

We’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central, Northern and West Marin.

Southern Marin

Tiburon Railroad and Ferry Depot Museum

Tiburon

Although the extensive train lines are no longer running, with the last train having left the Tiburon station in 1967, the history that was left behind is far from gone. Nestled up on the shore, this beautifully restored building contains detailed models of Tiburon’s old rail town and exhibits of what was once the stationmaster’s home. 

1920 Paradise Dr, Tiburon, 415.435.1853

Central Marin

China Camp Museum

San Rafael

Along the shores of San Pablo Bay lies China Camp Park, offering stunning waterfront views, meadow and oak habitats and all manner of wildlife. The museum here describes an early Chinese settlement and offers tours and field trips for those looking to learn their history while wandering through the gorgeous environment.

China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, 415.456.0766

Marin History Museum

San Rafael

In 1935, the Marin History Museum opened its doors. Since then it has amassed a stunning collection of over 20,000 artifacts and 200,000 historical photographs, to say nothing of all the other Marin-specific treasures that can be found within its halls. Any scholar looking to study this county would be eager for a closer look at everything that this museum has on display. 

1125 B St, San Rafael, 415.382.1182

Marin Museum of Bicycling

Fairfax

Fairfax is the heart of a bustling area of bicycling culture, and nowhere better exemplifies that tradition than the Marin Museum of Bicycling. Founded by a team of dedicated bicycle enthusiasts, this educational nonprofit is volunteer-run by passionate cyclists who want to share their passion with the county.

1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, 415.450.8000

The Museum of International Propaganda

San Rafael

This one-of-a-kind museum is easy to miss if you’re driving through, but its unique displays and fascinating dissections of propaganda make it more than worth a stop. Political art has never been more cleverly displayed than here.

1000 5th Ave, San Rafael, 415.526.3057

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA)

San Rafael

Another consistent Readers’ Choice awardee, Marin MOCA offers everything from student exhibits to big, global names, Marin MOCA is a gallery with a little bit of everything.

1210 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, 415.506.0137

Northern Marin

Museum of the American Indian

Novato

For over 50 years, the Museum of the American Indian, located in Miwok Park, has been dedicated to uplifting and honoring Native American cultures. Along with being a destination for scholars and the general public, it’s also an excellent place for school trips and, as an additional bonus, qualifies as a social studies class for those students.

2200 Novato Blvd, Novato, 415.897.4064

Novato History Museum

Novato

Located in the historic 1850 Postmaster’s House, the Novato History Museum offers exhibits tracing the city’s evolution from Mexican land grants to modern times. Operated by the Novato Historical Guild, the museum features artifacts, photographs and archives that showcase Novato’s rich heritage.

815 DeLong Ave, Novato, 415.897.4320

West Marin

Bolinas Museum

Bolinas

A coastal art museum like no other, the Bolinas Museum is all about community outreach and environmental education. Their art programs, geared towards elementary school students, inspire kids’ curiosity towards the area they live in through artistic media and creative approaches — an effective way to spur interest in the environment compared to spending an hour behind a desk. The museum’s art exhibits also display inventive artists from local communities and beyond.

48 Wharf Rd, Bolinas, 415.868.0330

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