Best Bicycle Shop
Whether you live in Marin or are just passing through, you’ll quickly learn that here, two wheels are better than four. The area’s breathtaking scenery makes taking to the streets on a pedal-ready — and emission-free — frame a joy as well as a supremely green choice, and the area’s smattering of bike shops are here to keep you rolling. Ahead-of-the-curve inventory and unbeatable expertise makes rethinking your commute a no-brainer.
BICYCLE ODYSSEY
1417 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.3050, bicycleodyssey.com
CITY CYCLE MARIN
13 San Clemente Drive, Corte Madera. 415.927.7433, citycycle.com
FAIRFAX CYCLERY
2020 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax. 415.721.7644, fairfaxcyclery.com
MIKE’S BIKES
1 Gate 6 Road, Sausalito, 415.332.3200; 836 Fourth St, San Rafael, 415.454.3747; mikesbikes.com
PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES
10 Main St, Tiburon. 415.900.5090, pedegoelectricbikes.com
TAM BIKES
357 Miller Ave, Mill Valley. 415.389.1900, tambikes.com
THE NEW WHEEL ELECTRIC
14 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur. 415.524.7362, newwheel.net
VILLAGE PEDDLER
1111 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.461.3091, villagepeddler.com
Best Dancing
Whether you seek an infusion of energy, a dose of culture, a pastime for your children or a fun take on fitness, Marin’s lauded dance studios offer classes designed to transform lives as well as bodies.
HAPPY FEET
This family-owned institution provides instruction in tap, jazz and ballet from toddlerhood to adulthood. (Mill Valley) happyfeetmillvalley.com
LOVE2DANCE
Classes are offered over three “semesters.” All ages and experience levels welcome. (Novato) love2dance.biz
PAAM
Workshops in hip-hop, ballet, theater arts and more with options for ages 3 and up. (Mill Valley) paamarts.com
ROCO DANCE AND FITNESS
The studio celebrates myriad disciplines, with variations open to kids and adults. (Mill Valley and Fairfax) rocodance.com
STAGE DOR
This unique company specializes in jazz and theatrical styles for high school students and adults. (Various locations) stagedor.com
Best Yoga
Come back to an awareness of your breath, give your brain a break and ensure you have a real rationale for that ever-expanding legging collection with a visit to one of Marin’s best yoga studios. Find the practice, instructor and space that fit your flow. Namaste.
MARIN POWER YOGA
141 Tunstead Ave, San Anselmo. 415.683.1191, marinpoweryoga.com
NOW: NEW OM WORLD
67 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera. 415.891.3764, newomworld.com
RED DRAGON
438 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.381.3724; 1701 Fourth St, San Rafael, 415.306.7904; reddragonyoga.com
SOME LIKE IT HOT YOGA AND BOUTIQUE
408 Ignacio Blvd, Novato. 415.234.6727, somelikeithotyoga.com
YOGAWORKS
650 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, 415.318.7650; 2207 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, 415.925.2440; 7320 Redwood Blvd, Novato, 415.408.6565; yogaworks.com
Best Live Music
Marin’s music scene is a storied one, and the county’s best-loved live music venues intend to keep it that way. Lend them your ears: with diverse bookings, good vibes and plenty of room for getting down, you’ll be glad you did.
19 BROADWAY BAR AND NIGHT CLUB
This understated establishment is a go-to for fans of relaxed, close-quarters shows. Reggae, funk, rock and soul make grooving a given. (Fairfax) 19broadway.com
HOPMONK TAVERN
Tucked conveniently into the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, this good-times tavern features standing-roomonly shows with Americana, rock and more, with open mic nights thrown in for good measure. (Novato) hopmonk.com
PERI’S SILVER DOLLAR BAR
When a dive bar brings in bands, everyone wins. Rock, blues and soul play well with pool tables and an unassuming scene. (Fairfax) perisbar.com
RANCHO NICASIO
All backroads lead to the tiny town of Nicasio and a live show at the West Marin atmospheric venue. Enjoy local eats and memorable shows. (Nicasio) ranchonicasio.com
SWEETWATER MUSIC HALL
This 1970s-era mainstay found new form — and an upgraded location — in 2012, with the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir at the helm. Danceable genres, high ceilings, strong drinks. (Mill Valley) sweetwatermusichall.com
TERRAPIN CROSSROADS
Up Highway 101, you’ll find another musical space dreamed up by a Grateful Dead member. Phil Lesh’s spot is both venue and restaurant, with a menu of all-American eats supplementing good vibes and rock ’n’ roll shows. (San Rafael) terrapincrossroads.net
THE FENIX
San Rafael’s supper club makes live music and dining a simultaneous experience. Pull up a chair and enjoy a meal along with intimate concerts from varied performers. (San Rafael) fenixlive.com
THROCKMORTON THEATRE
A true theatrical venue, Throckmorton features full-scale musicals along with classical concerts and local rock. (Mill Valley) throckmortontheatre.org
Photo of Terrapin Crossroads by Tim Porter
Best Water Sports
LIVE WATER SURF SHOP
Make your visit to Stinson Beach a more memorable one with a stop at Live Water: rent (or buy) a wetsuit and a board (boogie, soft-top, SUP) and take to the waves. (Stinson Beach and Fairfax) livewatersurfshop.com
PROOF LAB SURF SHOP
Marin’s surf and skate culture finds a home in Proof Lab. Stock up on surfboard and gear, and get your kids on the water with private lessons or summertime’s Big Dog Surf Camp. (Mill Valley) prooflab.com
SEA TREK
Ply the waters of Richardson Bay on a rented SUP or kayak. Get comfortable with an introductory class, or add some adventure to your workout with OnBoardSUP Yoga and fitness classes. (Sausalito) seatrek.com
