We’ve asked our well-traveled interns where they like to bring their visitors. We hope you’ll get some good ideas!
Natalie
Natalie grew up in Larkspur. She loves to bake for others and drink lots of coffee, and when her friends visit, she always starts any outing with a large cup of Philz Coffee. Here are her recommendations:
For Sporty Visitors:
Take the ferry from Larkspur directly to Oracle Park to watch a Giants’ game. A night game in the summer is my favorite!
For Culture Vultures:
Visit Fairfax for some thrifting and vintage shopping. Stop at The Coffee Roastery for caffeine and live music. It’s a great way to enjoy the cultural uniqueness of this Marin town.
For History Buffs:
Drive to China Camp, grab a delicious picnic dinner at Sol Food, and maybe grab some boba tea from Sharetea on the way! While the sun is still up, walk down to China Camp beach and learn about the rich history. Then, picnic at one of the many stops along the windy road, and after eating explore some of the trails to catch the perfect view as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Where to Grab Lunch:
Grab the Chinese Chicken Salad and Chicken Okason from Comforts in San Anselmo, and then find a spot at a park downtown for a picnic.
Isabella
Isabella grew up in Ross and loves to run, swim and bake. Here are her recommendations:
For Sporty Visitors:
Take a hike to Phoenix Lake and loop around the water, admiring Baldy and Tam towering above from the trail.
For Culture Vultures:
If it’s a weekend, bring them to the Sunday Farmer’s Market and then through our amazing Civic Center designed by Frank Loyd Wright.
For History Buffs:
For a longer adventure, head to the Point Reyes lighthouse and walk down to where you’re surrounded by the ocean — a historical and uniquely Californian vantage point.
Where to Grab Lunch:
Head to Marin Country Mart to do some shopping and look out over the water. Pick up lunch at Rustic Bakery, and eat under the sun and umbrellas by the pond!
Tucker
Tucker grew up in San Rafael and loves to run, write and talk about sports. Here are his recommendations:
For Sporty Visitors:
Head to Cavallo Point. I take my golden retriever George there where he can run and attempt to play fetch, usually unsuccessfully.
For Culture Vultures:
Head to the Silver Peso bar, which has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, for a beverage or two, responsibly of course.
For History Buffs:
Walk around the Headlands bunker complex and finish up at Point Bonita lighthouse if it’s open.
Where to Grab Lunch:
Head to Michael’s Sourdough Sandwiches of San Rafael, order a No. 8 (The Salami), and grab an ice cold soda and a cookie.
Ellyse
A San Carlos native, Ellyse loves to swim, hike, and attend sports games. When her friends visit she takes them on an adventure along the Pacific coast and San Francisco. Here are her recommendations:
For Sporty Visitors:
A great way to spend the day is by taking the train from the San Carlos station to the San Francisco King Street station and catching either a Warriors or Giants game! If there’s time, take an earlier train and stop for outdoor mini-golf on the way to the stadium.
For Culture Vultures:
Spend the day at Filoli Gardens enjoying a picnic on one of the beautiful lawns. For a unique experience, sign up for one of their yoga classes, where peacocks and other birds roam freely as you meditate by one of the pools.
For History Buffs:
Explore Devil’s Slide in Pacifica and hike up to the Devil’s Slide Bunker along the coastline, taking in the great views of the trail and the Pacific Ocean.
Where to Grab Lunch:
Drive south on Highway One from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay and stop to have lunch in downtown at It’s Italia for some great Italian food. Buon appetito!
Kate
A Richmond Virginia native, Kate loves to hike and practice yoga. Here are her recommendations:
For Sporty Visitors:
Play pickleball at one of the outdoor courts in the city.
For Culture Vultures:
Stroll through one of the museums in the city, such as the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park or SFMOMA.
For History Buffs:
Stroll through Haight-Ashbury and pass the Grateful Dead house.
Where to Grab Lunch:
Take the ferry to downtown Tiburon and enjoy lunch at Sam’s Anchor Cafe.
Tabi
Tabi grew up in San Francisco, loves walking through Golden Gate Park, thrifting and drinking lots of coffee. Here are her recommendations:
For Sporty Visitors:
Pile in the car and head over the Golden Gate Bridge (while walking through Golden Gate Park is lovely, it’s time to shed puffers and getting out of the city) to the Oakwood Valley Trail in Tam Valley. Alternatively, if we’re seeking some shade, the Cascade Drive neighborhood in Mill Valley has a perfect little semi-paved loop, ideal for hikers who prefer to take it a little slower.
For Culture Vultures:
Returning to San Francisco, we’ll finally make it to Golden Gate Park. Riding bikes down John F. Kennedy Drive, we’ll stop by the 6th Avenue Skate Park to watch rollerbladers dancing on their skates, learn how to lindy hop at Lindy in the Park, and catch some live music at the Bandshell on the Music Concourse.
For History Buffs:
Head over to Pacific Heights to see the Mrs.Doubtfire house, and the Tanner family home from Full House.
Where to Grab Lunch:
Head out to the Outer Richmond and stop at Angelina’s Deli-Café, grab a baguette and some chicken salad and enjoy sandwiches at a table outside the café. For dessert, Toy Boat sorbet is the way to go!
Sydney
Sydney grew up in Mill Valley, loves to surf and cook for loved ones. Here are her recommendations:
For Sporty Visitors:
Head to Good Earth and hike to Tennessee Valley Beach. On the way back, stop by Shoreline Coffee Shop for a delicious lunch or coffee.
For Culture Vultures:
Head to Ross and explore the Marin Art & Garden center.
For History Buffs:
Start with a cup of coffee at The Depot in Lytton Square in downtown Mill Valley, and discuss the Gravity Train, and the fact that the depot actually was a train depot, and the square is named after Lytton Barber the first soldier to die in the first World War. We can continue on past the Mill Valley Lumber Yard, and end up at a plaque on Locust street, that marks the birthplace of Chief Marin.
Where to Grab Lunch:
Drive out to Stinson Beach and grab some lunch and a soft-serve to go from the snack bar at Parkside!
