WEST MARIN         The West Marin area is, debatably the most spectacular region in a county known for it's scenic wonders.  A truly rural section of Marin encompassing miles of open ridgetops, wild coast lines, and pastoral farms, this area is home to such diverse wildlife as gray whales, tule elks, elephant seals, bobcats, mountain lions, fox, and hundreds of bird species.  Containing the Point Reyes National Recreation Area, almost all of West Marin is protected.
With the exception of Inverness, which is on the Point Reyes Peninsula, the coastal towns, from southernmost Muir Beach, going north through Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Olema, Pt.Reyes Station, Marshall, and Tomales, dot Highway 1 all the way up to the Marin/Sonoma County border.  The small hamlets of Nicassio, Woodacre, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Lagunitas are all unique and remarkably beautiful in their various settings that range from redwood forests to open grasslands and rolling hills.
Muir Beach is a tiny enclave surrounded by GGNRA parklands.  With the exception of the Pelican Inn, where residents and tourist alike go to dine, drink ale, and play darts, there are no commercial enterprises here (not even a gas station nor a grocery store.)  The residents seem to prefer it this way, holding very dear to their out of the way lifestyle.
Muir Beach Web Site: (www.muirbeach.com/)
 Stinson Beach, the most often visited of the coastal towns, is home to a lovely three mile long beach which is well kept, clean, and accessible. Swimming, surfing,and sunbathing are the favorite activities here. And, Stinson is also the finish line for the famous Dipsea Race.  Right next to the beach is a wonderful park area with trees, lawns,picnic tables, and barbeques available for day use.
Stinson Beach Vacation Rentals: Highway One Properties: 415-868-0288 or toll free: 877-868-0388
Gabriel@hwyoneprop.com                                                  www.hwyoneprop.com
Stinson Beach Web Site: (www.stinsonbeachonline.com/)
Bolinas, located just past the Audubon Canyon Ranch north of Stinson Beach, is a small town of about 1,100 residents: some of whom do their best to keep Bolinas a well guarded secret by continually removing the directional road signs to the town.  Bolinas is also home to Smiley's Schooner Saloon, the oldest, continuously operated saloon (this bar was open even during Prohibition) in California.
Unofficial Bolinas Website: (  http://totalescape.com/destin/all_towns/bolinas.html 
Olema, holding the distinction of being the epicenter of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and currently the gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore, was once a roaring pioneering town with seven bars, a racetrack, and a stagecoach that brought visitors from San Rafael on the weekends.  Some of the old buildings still remain, including the Olema Inn, founded in 1876.
Olema Inn Website: (www.theolemainn.com/)
 Nicasio  is a very small town located between Highway 101 and San Geronimo Valley.  George Lucas, famous producer of "Star Wars," built Skywalker Ranch nearby as the headquarters for his film operations.  Also to be found in the area a variety of estate homes on many ranches.  The rural beauty of Lucas Valley makes for a pleasant setting for the patrons of the very popular Rancho Nicasio, who come from all over Marin to enjoy country dining and dancing.  Just to give you some idea of the amazing musical groups that have played here,  Van Morrison , who use to live in Marin County, recently played here.
Rancho Nicassio web site: (www.ranchonicasio.com/)
Inverness, located on the west shore of Tomales Bay, was once a weekend retreat.  Inverness is now home to many year round residents that include artist, builders, tradespeople, and professionals that commute to the city.  Although a few homes can be seen from the streets, most are tucked back among the trees.  During the peak whale watching months of late fall to early spring, the numerous Beds and Breakfast establishments in and around Inverness are often full.
 Point Reyes Station had its beginnings as a railroad town when the first train came through on its way to Tomales in 1875.  The railroad disappeared in 1933, and although Point Reyes Station is now the largest town in West Marin, it is still only blocks long and a couple of blocks deep.  Within the quiet little town, coffee houses, galleries, bookstores, antique shops, and resturants lend a cosmopolitan flavor.
Point Reyes Station web site: (www.nps.gov/pore/home.htm) 


Point Reyes Lighthouse

Marshall, Tomales, and Dillon Beach are popular tourist stops en route up the coast to Sonoma County.  Marshall, which grew up as a resort for hunters and fishermen, is well known for it's Oyster companies.  Leaving the coast from Marshall and following the path of the long gone trains, the road winds into Tomales.  With many restored old homes and the steep roofed Lady of Assumption church, built in 1860, the Victorian charm of Tomales beckons.  Driving north on Highway 1, Dillon Beach is the last town before Sonoma County border.  The community was named after Geoge Dillon, arriving in the 1880's, he was the first settler in the area.  Today Dillon Beach is popular for it's wonderful beach, sport fishing, crabbing, and clam digging.
Tomales Web Site: (www.pointreyes.org/tomales.html)
Marshall Web Site: (www.pointreyes.org/marshall.html)







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