What is There to Do in Tiburon and Belvedere? A Local Activity Guide from Jeff Marples
Tiburon and Belvedere, two of Marin County's most charming waterfront communities, offer a wealth of experiences for visitors and residents alike. From scenic hiking trails with panoramic Bay views to exceptional dining opportunities and fascinating historical sites, these peninsular towns provide a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Whether you're planning a day trip from San Francisco or enjoying an extended stay, this comprehensive guide highlights the best that Tiburon and Belvedere have to offer in 2025.
Dining Experiences: Waterfront Restaurants and Local Favorites
Tiburon's dining scene combines spectacular views with excellent cuisine, creating memorable experiences for food enthusiasts:
Waterfront Dining with Golden Gate Views
The waterfront restaurants along Main Street offer some of the Bay Area's most spectacular dining vistas, with panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sam's Anchor Cafe has been a Tiburon institution since 1920, known for its expansive waterfront deck and classic seafood menu. This historic establishment remains one of the most popular spots for enjoying brunch or dinner while watching ferries and sailboats navigate the Bay.
Luna Blu brings authentic Italian cuisine to the waterfront, with fresh seafood pasta and an extensive wine list complementing the harbor views. Their patio offers one of the best sunset dining experiences in Tiburon.
The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina is one of Tiburon's newer culinary destinations, showcasing California cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. The stylish venue includes multiple dining areas and a waterfront patio perfect for enjoying their innovative menu.
Local Favorites Away from the Water
Servino Ristorante on Main Street balances traditional and modern Italian dishes in a welcoming setting. Their use of fresh, high-quality ingredients has made them a staple in Tiburon's dining scene.
Petite Left Bank offers an authentic French café experience, transforming from a casual daytime spot to a more sophisticated bistro atmosphere in the evenings. Their sidewalk seating under bistro lights captures the European ambiance perfectly.
The Caviar Co. provides a luxurious dining experience focused on premium caviar and champagne. This upscale establishment is ideal for special occasions or those seeking a unique culinary adventure.
Outdoor Activities: Trails, Parks, and Water Recreation
The natural beauty of the Tiburon Peninsula creates abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation:
Scenic Hiking and Walking Trails
Angel Island Perimeter Loop is consistently rated as the area's premier hiking experience. This 5.7-mile trail circles Angel Island, accessible via a short ferry ride from Tiburon. Hikers enjoy unparalleled 360-degree views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and surrounding landscapes.
Tiburon Peninsula Historic Trail (also called the Tiburon Linear Park) provides an accessible, paved path along the waterfront with spectacular views. Beginning at Blackie's Pasture, this level trail is perfect for walkers of all abilities and offers magnificent views of Richardson Bay.
Old St. Hilary's Open Space Preserve features hillside trails with some of the most dramatic vistas in Tiburon. The trail to the summit rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco skyline.
Paradise Beach Park offers easy trails and shoreline access, making it particularly suitable for families. The park includes picnic areas and serves as a gateway to exploring Tiburon's natural environment.
Water Recreation Opportunities
Angel Island State Park, accessible by a 10-minute ferry ride from Tiburon, offers beaches, hiking trails, and historical sites. Visitors can rent bikes near the ferry dock to explore the island's 5-mile Perimeter Road with its stunning Bay views.
Paradise Beach Park provides access to Richardson Bay for kayaking and paddleboarding. The protected waters here are ideal for beginners and those seeking calmer conditions.
Tiburon's Waterfront offers opportunities for sailing and boating, with several local companies providing rentals and lessons for experiencing the Bay from the water.
Cultural Experiences: Museums and Historical Sites
The Tiburon Peninsula's rich history is preserved in several fascinating museums and historical sites:
Museums That Tell Tiburon's Story
Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum showcases Tiburon's transportation history in a restored 1884 building at Shoreline Park. The museum features a detailed HO-scale model showing Tiburon circa 1900-1910 and offers exceptional views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
China Cabin in Belvedere is a beautifully restored 19th-century sea vessel's saloon that provides insight into maritime history. This National Historic Landmark offers a glimpse into elegant Victorian design and seafaring traditions.
Angel Island Immigration Station Museum on Angel Island documents the "Ellis Island of the West," where thousands of immigrants, primarily from Asia, were processed between 1910 and 1940. The preserved site includes original buildings and exhibits about this important chapter in California history.
Historical Sites and Landmarks
Old St. Hilary's Church and Historic Preserve is a restored 1888 Carpenter Gothic church set on a hillside with spectacular views. Now maintained by the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society, it hosts concerts and events while preserving one of the area's most significant historical structures.
Ark Row on Main Street features shops and restaurants housed in converted houseboats and historic buildings. These "arks" were originally floating homes in the early 1900s before being settled on land, creating a distinctive architectural landscape.
Hippie Tree is a uniquely Tiburon landmark with a quirky history. This sprawling tree with panoramic Bay views became an iconic gathering spot during the 1960s counterculture movement and remains a popular photo spot today.
Day Trips and Excursions: Exploring Beyond Tiburon
Tiburon's strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions:
Ferry Adventures to San Francisco and Beyond
Golden Gate Ferry connects Tiburon to San Francisco with scenic rides across the Bay. The 30-minute journey offers spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline. In 2025, ferries run multiple times daily, making this a convenient car-free option for exploring San Francisco.
Angel Island Ferry departs regularly from downtown Tiburon for the short 10-minute crossing to Angel Island State Park. The service operates year-round with more frequent departures during summer months.
Blue & Gold Fleet provides additional ferry options connecting Tiburon with other Bay Area destinations, including special event cruises and combination tickets with attractions.
Nearby Destinations Worth Exploring
Sausalito, just a short drive around Richardson Bay, offers additional shopping, dining, and gallery experiences. Its hillside setting and houseboats create a distinctive maritime atmosphere complementary to Tiburon's charm.
Muir Woods National Monument preserves an old-growth coastal redwood forest just a 20-minute drive from Tiburon. This natural sanctuary provides a striking contrast to the Bay views and maritime environment of the peninsula.
Mount Tamalpais State Park towers over the Bay north of the Golden Gate Bridge, offering hiking trails and spectacular panoramic views that span the entire Bay region.
Shopping and Boutiques: Local Treasures and Souvenirs
Tiburon's shopping districts offer distinctive finds in charming settings:
Main Street and Ark Row Boutiques
Main Street (Ark Row) is lined with specialty shops in historic buildings, offering everything from local art to upscale clothing. The converted "ark" houseboats create a unique shopping environment unlike any other in the Bay Area.
The Boardwalk Shopping Center in downtown Tiburon houses additional specialty stores in a convenient location near the ferry terminal and waterfront restaurants.
The Cove Shopping Center in the Bel Aire neighborhood provides more everyday shopping options along with specialty boutiques catering to local needs.
Seasonal Shopping Events
Tiburon Wine Festival in May showcases local wines alongside artisan vendors, creating a festive shopping atmosphere.
Ark Row Garage Sale runs Friday mornings from April to October, offering unique finds and vintage treasures in a distinctive setting.
Holiday events throughout December transform Main Street into a festive shopping destination with special promotions and extended hours.
Seasonal Considerations: When to Visit
Tiburon enjoys a mild Mediterranean-like climate year-round, but certain seasons offer distinctive advantages:
Prime Visiting Seasons
Spring (March-May) brings wildflowers to the trails and comfortable temperatures, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. Late April to early June offers pleasant weather with fewer tourists than peak summer months.
Fall (September-November) is considered by many locals to be Tiburon's sweet spot, with warm days, smaller crowds, and less fog than summer months. This is an excellent time for hiking, outdoor dining, and photography.
Summer (June-September) brings the warmest temperatures and busiest period, particularly on weekends. While fog can roll in during mornings, it typically clears by afternoon, revealing spectacular views.
Weather Patterns to Consider
Morning fog is common during summer months but usually burns off by afternoon, particularly in August and September. Early afternoon is often the optimal time for photos and views during summer visits.
Winter (December-February) brings cooler temperatures (50-60°F/10-15°C) and occasional rain, but rarely gets truly cold. Winter visits offer the advantage of smaller crowds and quieter trails, though some outdoor dining options may be limited.
Practical Information: Transportation and Planning Tips
Making the most of your Tiburon visit requires some practical planning:
Getting to and Around Tiburon
By ferry from San Francisco takes approximately 30 minutes, offering front-row views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and the San Francisco skyline.
By car from San Francisco, Tiburon is roughly 16 miles north via Highway 101 and Tiburon Boulevard—typically a 30-40 minute trip depending on traffic conditions.
Public transit options include Golden Gate Transit buses connecting Tiburon to San Francisco and other Marin towns.
Within Tiburon, most attractions are within walking distance of the ferry terminal and downtown area. For exploring further afield, car or bicycle rentals are recommended.
Visitor Resources and Amenities
The Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce on Main Street provides maps, event calendars, and visitor information. Their staff can offer personalized recommendations based on your interests.
Public restrooms are available at Shoreline Park near the ferry terminal and at Blackie's Pasture for those exploring the walking paths.
Wi-Fi is available at most cafés and restaurants in Tiburon, providing convenient connectivity while exploring.
Hidden Gems: Local Secrets and Special Experiences
Beyond the well-known attractions, Tiburon offers several experiences that even frequent visitors might miss:
Lesser-Known Viewpoints and Photo Spots
Hippie Tree offers one of Tiburon's most distinctive photo opportunities along with panoramic Bay views. The trail to this unique landmark is moderately challenging but rewards visitors with outstanding vistas.
Old St. Hilary's Preserve features several unmarked viewpoints that provide some of the peninsula's most dramatic photography opportunities, particularly at sunset when the Golden Gate Bridge is illuminated.
Paradise Drive offers numerous pullouts with exceptional views of the East Bay and Richmond Bridge, particularly along its eastern stretch.
Local Experiences Worth Seeking Out
Blackie's Pasture commemorates a celebrated local horse who grazed here for 28 years, creating a uniquely Tiburon story and landmark that connects visitors to the area's recent history.
Tiburon International Film Festival brings global cinema to the peninsula each April, screening independent films from around the world in intimate venues.
Friday Nights on Main Street during summer months transform downtown Tiburon into a community celebration, with special menus and local entertainment.
Planning Your Perfect Tiburon Day
For visitors with limited time, these curated itineraries offer efficient ways to experience Tiburon's highlights:
Half-Day Itinerary: Tiburon Essentials
- Start with breakfast at one of Main Street's cafés
- Explore downtown shops and the historic Ark Row
- Visit the Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum
- Enjoy lunch with a view at Sam's Anchor Cafe
- Stroll the Shoreline Path for panoramic Bay views
Full-Day Itinerary: Complete Tiburon Experience
- Begin with a morning hike at Old St. Hilary's Preserve
- Explore downtown Tiburon's shops and historical buildings
- Take the ferry to Angel Island for lunch and a perimeter hike
- Return to Tiburon for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants
- End with a sunset walk along the Shoreline Path
Weekend Itinerary: Immersive Peninsula Exploration
Day One:
- Breakfast in downtown Tiburon
- Morning exploration of Tiburon's shops and museums
- Afternoon hike on the Linear Park trail
- Dinner with Bay views at a waterfront restaurant
Day Two:
- Day trip to Angel Island with hiking and historical sites
- Return for an early dinner in Tiburon
- Evening stroll through Belvedere's historic neighborhoods
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Tiburon Experience
Tiburon and Belvedere offer a distinctive blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary excellence that rewards extended exploration. While many visitors come for the views and restaurants alone, those who delve deeper into the peninsula's trails, historical sites, and local culture discover a more profound connection to this special corner of the Bay Area.
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, culinary delights, or simply a peaceful retreat with extraordinary views, Tiburon and Belvedere provide an accessible escape from urban life without sacrificing sophistication or comfort. As you explore these peninsular communities, let yourself be guided by both the planned destinations and the unexpected discoveries that make each visit unique.
For more personalized recommendations or assistance in planning your Tiburon experience, contact Jeff Marples directly at (415) 336.9695. As a longtime Tiburon resident with deep connections to the community, Jeff can help you discover the perfect Tiburon experience tailored to your specific interests and preferences.
