A Local’s Guide Tiburon: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
Sometimes you don’t need to go far to feel like you’ve had a vacation.
And in San Francisco, a 20-minute zip across the bay to Tiburon is one of the few easy getaways where the journey takes less time than deciding where to have lunch, yet feels like it’s worlds away from city life.
Located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, this waterfront town is where ferry rides, shoreline walks, outdoor recreation, and excellent restaurants converge in a remarkably scenic destination.
Board at the Ferry Building in downtown San Francisco, snap a few shots on the ride over, and disembark on Main Street, Tiburon, whose clapboard grey and white buildings could easily double as a movie set for an East Coast fishing village.
Step through the doors to find cafés and restaurants, clothing shops, wine bars, a boutique hotel, and even an old-school three-screen cinema, giving the whole place small-town nostalgia vibes.
Best of all, you don’t need a car to explore.
Tiburon is compact, walkable, and you can keep things flat unless you plan to hike up to Hippie Tree or Old St. Hilary’s church.
Ready to spend the day lingering over oysters by the bay? Pack a bag and some walking shoes, and let’s go!
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Where to Stay in Tiburon
Though you could easily stay in a downtown San Francisco hotel and visit Tiburon on a day trip, spending a night or a weekend in is a nice change up.
And gives you extra time to explore the surrounding nature, and enjoy a meal without rushing back.
Waters Edge Hotel
Stay in the heart of Main Street at Waters Edge Hotel, located directly on the water, mere steps from the ferry landing.
The intimate 23-room boutique property is also within walking distance of Tiburon’s best restaurants, shops, and ferry departures for Angel Island.
My favorite amenity here is breakfast delivered directly to your room each morning, letting you sip coffee and devour your eggs as you watch ferries glide past Angel Island and the San Francisco skyline gradually emerges beyond the water.
Lodge at Tiburon
For bigger groups or gatherings, the Lodge at Tiburon is just a couple of blocks from the waterfront.
With 104 rooms, a heated pool, fire pits, landscaped courtyards, and comfortable gathering spaces, including a tavern with an outdoor patio, cocktail specials, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s got something to please every member of the family.
What to Do in Tiburon
Walk the Old Rail Trail
Most of Tiburon’s most enjoyable activities require no planning at all, including admiring the scenery.
The Old Rail Trail follows the route once used by the Northwestern Pacific Railroad, a nod to Tiburon’s history as an important rail-and-ferry transportation hub. The paved 2.5-mile promenade skirts Richardson Bay between downtown Tiburon and Blackie’s Pasture, making it an easy outing for bikers, walkers, and strollers.
If I’m driving into Tiburon, I often park at Blackie’s Pasture, walk into town, have lunch, then walk back. It’s 5 miles and a good step-count builder and calorie burner!
Take the Ferry to Angel Island
Angel Island is one of my favorite Bay Area outings, and another amazing thing to do as part of a San Francisco itinerary.
While you could combine an Alcatraz and Angel Island tour from San Francisco, it’s soooo relaxing to go from Tiburon on the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry.
In just ten minutes from Main Street, you arrive at Ayala Cove, which feels like another world.
There are numerous hiking and cycling trails around the island that lead to some of the Bay Area’s most impressive viewpoints.
Rent e-bikes or take an open-air tram tour while listening to an audio recording detailing the island’s military and immigration history.
You can also just chill out around the cove, grab a drink or coffee at the Angel Island Cafe, and watch the sea lions sun themselves on the boat docks.
👉Here is the ferry schedule. It’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance, especially on summer weekends and holidays. Tickets are around $19 round-trip for adults.
Browse Main Street
Main Street is the heart of downtown Tiburon, home to independent shops, wine tasting rooms, specialty retailers, and restaurants.
I love stopping by Main St Mercantile, where I can pick up everything from home goods and gifts to fashion accessories and clothing.
And I never miss a browse around Highlow Larder, a curated home goods & kitchen store dedicated to celebrating life around the table.
Rent a Bike
For those looking to cover more ground, Demo Sport rents classic bikes, e-bikes, and even tandems, all suitable for exploring Tiburon, Belvedere, Shoreline Park and Tiburon’s swanky neighborhoods.
It’s also convenient if you want to rent a set of wheels before a trip to Angel Island.
Catch a Film (or Trivia Night) at Cinelounge Tiburon
Beyond its waterfront scenery, Tiburon maintains an active community life, and Cinelounge is often the epicenter of good fun.
Not only can you see first-run films and independent releases, but there are regular special events throughout the year, such as trivia nights and watch parties that invite people to gather.
Cruise the Bay
San Francisco isn’t the only place you can take a bay cruise. Sightseeing and sunset cruises depart from Tiburon on the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry, a few steps from Main Street.
Check their calendar for special sails, such as the one on the 4th of July, and for weekly sunset and wildlife cruises.
Visit Old St. Hilary’s Church
Perched on a hillside above town, Old St. Hilary’s Church remains one of Tiburon’s most beloved landmarks.
Built in 1888 specifically as a place of worship for local railroad workers and their families, the historic Carpenter Gothic wooden chapel is a quiet reminder of the town’s early days.
It’s also where I was married, which may explain why I never visit Tiburon without a loving glance up toward its white steeple.
The open space preserve around the church is crisscrossed by hiking trails and colored with wildflowers in the spring, and have great views over the town and San Francisco Bay.
Where to Eat & Drink in Tiburon
Dining in and around San Francisco is a favorite pastime, and you won’t be disappointed by Tiburon.
Sam’s Anchor Café
For more than a century, Sam’s has been one of Tiburon’s defining day drinking (and eating) destinations, and their expansive outdoor deck is a must, especially on sunny weekends when you can enjoy seafood, burgers, salads, and cocktails overlooking the bay.
Their deck is also dog-friendly. Woof!
The Bungalow Kitchen
Located beside the ferry landing, the Bungalow Kitchen brings a more elevated energy to Tiburon’s waterfront dining scene.
Craft cocktails, bayside seafood and steaks, and stylish interiors make it well-suited for sunset sips, happy hour specials, and dinner after a day exploring Angel Island.
If you happen to spend the weekend, their prix-fixe brunch and a Bungalow Bloody are a great way to end your stay.
Caviar & Co.
For a more indulgent experience, or just to try something different, Caviar & Co. is all about premium caviar and Champagne (or sparkling wine).
Even if you know nothing about caviar, the staff will guide you through a tasting of one of the world’s most celebrated culinary luxuries. Come for a tasting, or just stop by for celebratory bubbles.
They also serve oysters, chips and dip, and charcuterie if fish roe isn’t your jam.
Be sure to check out their happy hour, Wednesday through Friday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m, with live music on Fridays.
Lola’s Taqueria
Every day is taco Tuesday in my book and my go to in Tiburon is family-owned Lola’s Taqueria. The tacos are delish!
But they also have a huge menu of authentic Mexican specialties, and vegan dishes too, served in a relaxed setting along Ark Row—a collection of restored 19th-century houseboats (originally called “arks”) that were lifted onto land and converted into permanent commercial spaces.
I love grabbing a burrito to go before dashing over to Angel Island.
The Caprice
Wander along Shoreline Park, away from Main Street, and you’ll arrive at The Caprice, a longtime destination restaurant that opened in 1956.
A recent facelift gave it a whole new, coastal California look, and now there are floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and the shimmering water, particularly at sunset.
You can expect higher prices for steaks and chops, fresh fish, and seafood. But, if you’re looking for a place to take your parents for an anniversary dinner or a special place for a birthday lunch, this is your address.
Squalo Vino
Part wine bar, part neighborhood gathering place on Main Street, Squalo Vino brings a lively energy to Tiburon’s dining scene.
Settle in at the bar or table and browse the menu of thoughtfully selected world and California wines, which you can order by the glass, flight, or bottle.
Go ahead—you’re on vacation. Or at least it’s easy to pretend you are when in Tiburon.
Lead photo by @Diane Bentley Raymond
