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.
Located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, Tiburon is where ferry rides, shoreline walks, outdoor recreation, and excellent restaurants converge in a remarkably scenic destination.
I have been visiting Tiburon since I first moved to the Bay Area in 1990. Day trips, hiking, lunch on the bay. I loved it SO much that I even got married at Old St. Hilary’s on a hot September day many moons ago.
Though some businesses have changed names, the small-town charm and natural beauty of Tiburon (and my marriage) have been as steady as San Francisco’s summer fog.
Ready to spend the day (or a romantic weekend) lingering over oysters by the bay?
Pack a bag and some walking shoes, and let’s go!
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How to Get to Tiburon.
Tiburon is less than 20 miles north of San Francisco. But by car, it could take 45 minutes to get there, depending on traffic.
For ease and a slice of adventure, I suggest you board a boat at the Ferry Building in downtown San Francisco.
By the time you snap a few selfies and pictures of Alcatraz on the 25-minute zip across the bay, you’ll disembark on Tiburon’s Main Street, where clapboard grey and white buildings could easily double as a movie set for an East Coast fishing village.
Inside are cafés and restaurants, clothing shops, wine bars, a boutique hotel, and even an old-school three-screen cinema.
Best of all, you don’t need a car to explore.
Tiburon is compact, and you can keep things flat —unless you plan to hike up to Hippie Tree or Old St. Hilary’s church.
Best Value: Using a Clipper card or the mobile app is significantly cheaper than purchasing paper tickets at the machine.
Location: Ferries to Tiburon depart from the San Francisco Ferry Building Gate B.
Duration: The ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
Schedule*: Service runs daily, though weekend times are limited. Check the schedule here
*I recommend going over early so you can max out your time, have lunch, hike, etc. You can always Uber back if you miss the last Ferry to SF.
Where to Stay in Tiburon
Though you could easily stay in a downtown San Francisco hotel and take a day trip to Tiburon, spending a night or a weekend there is a nice change of pace if you plan to spend more than a few days in the Bay Area.
Plus, an overnight 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. How indulgent!
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. Our wedding party stayed here, and it was wonderful.
With 104 rooms, a heated pool, fire pits to gather around, and the Tiburon Tavern restaurant with an outdoor patio, cocktail specials, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s got something to please every member of the family or wedding party!
What to Do in Tiburon
The great thing about Tiburon is that you can fill your day with everything or do a whole lot of nothing.
And if you’re traveling with a group that has different tastes, it’s totally easy to split up and then meet up to recap the day.
Walk the Old Rail Trail
Tiburon’s beautiful natural surroundings require no planning or reservations at all.
While you could go for a more strenuous hike on Ring Mountain or Angel Island, I recommend taking it slow in Tiburon with a walk along the Old Rail Trail that follows the route once used by the Northwestern Pacific Railroad.
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.
When 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 already feels like another world.
From here, numerous hiking and cycling trails spread out around the island and lead to some of the Bay Area’s most impressive viewpoints.
Upon disembarking, you can rent e-bikes or take an open-air tram tour while listening to an audio recording detailing the island’s military and immigration history.
It’s also totally fine to just chill out around the cove, grab a 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.
On a gorgeous day you probably don’t want to sit inside a theater, but it does rain occasionally, and dinner and a movie date nights never get old, right?
The three-screen cinema shows 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
The Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf aren’t the only places to catch 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, as well as 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.
I got married in this little church. My grandfather walked me down the aisle. Maybe that’s why I never roll into town without taking a loving glance up into the hills.
The open space preserve around Old St. Hilary’s 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
Eating in and around San Francisco is a favorite pastime, and you won’t be disappointed by Tiburon’s dining scene.
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 family-owned Lola’s Taqueria is one of my favorite places to go. 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.
👉Travel Tip: If you’re heading to Angel Island, grab a burrito to go here. It’s tasty and transportable, and you’ll be hungry after a long hike.
The Caprice
Wander along Shoreline Park, away from Main Street, and you’ll arrive at The Caprice, a longtime destination restaurant dangling over the water.
I had my rehearsal dinner here, and it looked NOTHING like it does now. Back then, it felt more like a sailor’s hangout (or pirate’s den). What can I say, we were on a strict budget.
But a recent facelift has given The Caprice a whole new coastal California shine that’s more in keeping with Tiburon’s chic and luxe reputation.
The old portholes are now 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 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.
Troya Tiburon
Tucked away in the Cove Shopping Center, Troya Mediterranean Tiburon is definitely off the tourist track.
But for fresh coastal vibes, colorful mezze, Turkish specialties, local and southern European wines, and (in my opinion) one of Marin County’s prettiest dining rooms, it’s worth the detour.
It’s not walkable from downtown Tiburon, but visitors with a car—or anyone willing to spring for a quick seven-minute taxi ride—will be rewarded for the effort.
Lead photo by @Diane Bentley Raymond
