For those who love to play outside, Marin is home to some outstanding hiking trails, breathtaking scenic views, fun water sport sites and fascinating area tours. There are countless activities to choose from for anyone looking to escape the city, or anyone just looking to enjoy California’s natural beauty.
To help you get outside and explore, here are the best outdoor adventures to choose from, including the 2025 readers’ choice Best of the County winner, the Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County outdoor adventures, 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 and Northern Marin.
Southern Marin
Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry
Tiburon
Photo courtesy of Angel Island Tiburon Ferry.
If you haven’t taken a ride with Captain Maggie and her salty (but sweet) crew, you’re in for a treat. Maggie McDonogh, fourth generation to own and run this classic Marin adventure, shuttles locals and visitors back and forth from Tiburon to Ayala Cove on Angel Island. Or opt for the sunset cruise where you’ll tour the Tiburon and Sausalito coastline and go under the Golden Gate Bridge.
21 Main St, Tiburon, 415.435.2131
Mountain Play
Mill Valley
The Mountain Play isn’t just a show — it’s an experience. Nowhere else makes performances more immersive than here, where audiences can sit on steps of carven stone or enjoy private dining in the intimacy of a shaded grove. This outdoor theater is perfect for bringing a picnic or grabbing a refreshing snow cone from the cafe, allowing you to enjoy your food at the same time as you take in the gorgeous views and the pre-show entertainment alike. The Mountain Play also has accommodations for those with disabilities.
Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, Mill Valley, 415.383.1100
Seaplane Adventures
Mill Valley
Craving to see San Francisco from a new point of view? Look no further than Seaplane Adventures Air Tours. See major San Francisco sites, like the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz to name a few, from an aerial perspective. Whether you are interested in a tour at sunset with a glass of champagne, views of the Northern California coast or exclusive views of the Golden Gate Bridge, a Seaplane Adventure can be your next adventure.
242 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.332.4843
West Marin
Ranch Tour at Marin Coast Ranch
Tomales
About an hour and a half north of San Francisco and just two miles from Tomales Bay, Marin Coast Ranch provides a beautiful location to reconnect with nature and learn more about the importance of environmentally friendly ranch practices. Participate in one of the many events at the ranch, including hikes or the ranch picnic experience.
900 Cerini Rd, Tomales, 707.878.2181
Mobile Business
Cruises on the bay with Red and White Fleet
San Francisco
Sightseeing tours, happy hours and private charters are all services that eager riders can experience on the breathtaking San Francisco Bay with the Red and White Fleet. Established in 1892, Red and White has been creating memories for over 130 years. Even with all that history, the business remains family-owned, independent and committed to serving Northern California in a sustainable way.
Pier 43 1/2, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco; 415.673.2900
Outdoor Adventure Club
San Francisco
Backpack in Point Reyes. Rock climb in Pinnacles National Park. Snowshoe in Yosemite. Outdoor Adventure Club organizes excursions of all kinds for residents from around the Bay Area. Dedicated to creating a community environment during their tours, this group prides itself on taking adventurers places they might not go on their own, learning new skills from welcoming guides.
San Francisco, 415.377.1195
Point Reyes Adventure Co.
Point Reyes
Discover coastal beauty with Point Reyes Adventure Co., offering guided kayak and SUP tours, backpacking trips and premium camping gear rentals. Locally owned by Liz Wilhelm and Dallas Smith, their small-group adventures highlight hidden coves, bioluminescence and a deep respect for nature. Tours available daily by reservation.
Various locations, 415.663.5577
Arts & Entertainment Sponsor
MarinArts
MarinArts is a nonprofit organization that has been proudly promoting the arts and cultural events in Marin County for over ten years. They provide a FREE platform for arts organizations, artists, and venues to share their events through our online calendar.
Fun Fact: Their website is accessible in 11 languages — including Spanish, French, and Vietnamese — helping you connect with a wide and diverse audience.
MarinArts | San Rafael, CA | 415.578.3856 | marinarts.org
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