How to Spend the Perfect Day in Tiburon, California

You know those days when you don’t want to get on a plane, but you want to feel like you’ve escaped your life for a while? That’s when Tiburon makes the perfect day trip to San Francisco.

Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this small waterfront town somehow manages to feel like a European coastal escape, even though it sits on a peninsula in southern Marin County, across the bay from Sausalito and just 30 minutes from San Francisco. I’ve been to this city more times than I can count, and here’s how I would spend the perfect day in Tiburon.

➞ For other Marin County adventures, check out my Sausalito day trip itinerary: and a dreamy day trip itinerary to Mill Valley.

Tiburon Day Tour Route

Walk the Old Rail Trail (historic route)

Start at Blackie’s Pasture, where there is a free parking lot right next to the trailhead (free parking in Marin still exists!). From there, jump on the Old railway line (also called the Tiburon Historical Trail), a flat, 2.6-mile waterfront path that runs along Richardson Bay to downtown Tiburon. If you go there and back, it’s about 5.2 miles total. But you can walk as little or as much as you want. You can turn around at any time. Or walk downtown, have brunch and walk (or Uber) back.

The trail follows the route of a railroad that dates back more than a century, when Tiburon was a working-class railroad town. Now it is peaceful and picturesque. On one side you have the water and mudflats of Richardson Bay, home to herons, egrets and hawks. On the other side you see houses and gardens on the hills. On a clear day you can see Mount Tamalpais and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

Quick tips: There is very little shade, so bring a hat and sunscreen. The path is wide, with a gravel shoulder if you prefer something softer than pavement. There are benches along the route so you can sit and take it all in. If you’re hiking and stopping for photos, plan on about 1.5 hours each way.

Brunch Malibu Farm

Once you reach Shoreline Park at the end of the path, you will be close to the ferry terminal and waterfront restaurants. Here you can have brunch before returning.

Malibu Farm is the city’s trendy hotspot and I absolutely recommend making a reservation, especially if you want an upstairs patio table. Those are gold. Sitting there with the boats beneath you and the bay stretching out in front is the epitome of Northern California living.

The atmosphere is bright, coastal, relaxed and very California. The food is simple and fresh, farm-to-table style. They focus on whole grains, lots of veggies, real ingredients and no fake stuff that makes you look at a label and think, what is that?

I can recommend ordering the pickled beet and burrata salad, the smoked salmon scramble and the blackened shrimp tacos with creamy coleslaw. The food is good, but I’ll be honest: most people come for the view, with boats in the marina and Angel Island in the distance.

Wave to the Tiburon Hippie Tree

Tucked away on Ring Mountain Open Space is the legendary Hippy treea giant eucalyptus hanging over the bay with rope swings hanging from its branches. Yes, real rope swings.

Usually there are two or three, depending on the season. They are replaced occasionally. And when you sit down and push off, it’s one of those “inner child moments.” No matter how old you are, you will smile. It’s free, public and incredibly special. Plus, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Sausalito, and the San Francisco skyline from there if the fog decides to cooperate.

How do you get there?

You park along Gilmartin Drive. Weekday mornings are your best bet, as street parking is limited. From there you walk up the fire road for about 5-7 minutes. It’s a bit steep, but very short. The total hike there and back is about half a mile. Totally doable, even if hills aren’t your favorite.

When you see the eucalyptus forest, turn left and find the swings. Remember that it is located near private homes. Keep your voice low, pack everything you bring, and treat the space with respect. We want places like this to remain open and special.

Stroll and shop on Tiburon’s historic Main Street

After your swing session, because that’s officially a thing now, head back to downtown Tiburon. Main Street is small, but beautifully put together. There are luxury boutiques on the coast, small art galleries, wine tasting rooms and water views for days. Tiburon and neighboring Belvedere are some of the most exclusive communities in the Bay Area, and it shows in the historic homes, manicured gardens, and beautiful estates tucked into the hills.

I like to stroll slowly and just peek into shops. It costs nothing to watch! One stop I always recommend is Handelsstraat Hoofdstraat. It’s a beautifully curated store with clothes for women, men and babies, plus homewares and thoughtful gifts. Marin Magazine named it Editor’s Choice for Best Boutique, which makes sense as soon as you walk in.

Glass of wine at Squalo Vino

Tiburon’s Main Street almost begs you to slow down and enjoy something delicious, and Shark wine is the perfect place to do it. This modern wine bar has cozy velvet chairs, a cozy bar to relax at and more than 80 domestic and imported wines. You’ll find gems from Napa and Sonoma alongside bottles from Bordeaux and other European regions. You can order by the glass, share a bottle with a friend or opt for a tasting flight.

As someone who enjoys a good California red wine, I appreciate that their list leans toward small producers and interesting finds rather than the same labels you see everywhere. And if wine ever makes you feel intimidated, let it go here. The staff is knowledgeable, but not snobbish. You can say: I usually drink cabernet, what should I try, and they will be happy to guide you.

Watch an early film in Cinelounge

If you want something unexpected, go to Cinema lounge Tiburon. This three-screen boutique theater opened on the former site of Tiburon Playhouse and it is one of the most unique movie experiences around. Instead of stiff chairs, you sink into cozy loveseats and oversized chairs, the lobby has an old-fashioned telephone booth and even the popcorn is playful, with flavors like ‘Some Like It Popped’ and ‘Rosemary’s Popcorn’. It feels less like a generic multiplex and more like a cool club.

They show a mix of new releases, indie films, nostalgic favorites and special programming, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance. Tuesday nights often have deals on tickets, which I like because you can be practical and still treat yourself.

Dinner in Troja

Then end your day at Mediterranean cuisine of Troya at the Cove Shopping Center. After 25 years of running Troya restaurants in San Francisco, the Turkish-born owners brought their warm hospitality to Tiburon and you feel it as soon as you enter. The space is beautiful with plaster arches inspired by Turkish bazaars, curved banquets, white oak, marble, copper accents and soft lighting. It feels intimate but modern, but also very cozy.

All that and the food is delicious too. We ordered the salmon skewer with Sultan’s pilaf filled with almonds and raisins, plus tzatziki and harissa on the side. We also shared roasted cauliflower with labneh and tahini and warm hummus topped with grilled oyster mushrooms and served with fresh pita. Everything was fresh, flavorful and comforting without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal that feels delicious yet balanced.

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