Tiburon on the Marin Peninsula is a scenic bayside town known for its panoramic views, waterfront dining and yacht culture. The alluring slice of heaven offers an idyllic escape from the commotion of the big city, trading the sounds of traffic for crashing waves.
Views and vistas
One of the highlights of visiting Tiburon is the new perspective it offers. The Hippie Tree — a giant eucalyptus perched at the top of a dusty hill — is a quick jaunt from downtown. From the hilltop, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance as well as some of Tiburon’s own landmarks. There are even a few wooden swings dangling from the towering tree where you can take a peaceful sway for a few minutes before moving on.
But the views from town are nothing to scoff at. Take a stroll along the Paradise Drive walking path, which runs adjacent to Paradise Beach Park. Here, expansive lawns are an ideal place to roll out a picnic and watch for dolphins flipping out of the bay in the distance.
Or you can venture further, taking the Old Rail Trail, or Tiburon Peninsula Trail (they are one and the same), for 2.5 miles, leading away from downtown. The paved, flat path will bring you to Blackie’s Pasture, named for a retired U.S. Army cavalry horse who frequented the area before his passing.
It is, however, hard to beat the view from a room at Waters Edge Hotel, especially at sunrise when you’re still tucked into your cozy bed. Aptly named for its location smack dab in the middle of Main Street and right on the edge of the harbor, Waters Edge has waterfront rooms with dreamy aesthetics. Enjoy the ocean breeze from your private balcony or really take it in with a glass of wine on the communal back patio as you watch yachts large and small roll with the waves as the sun slips below the distant hills.
Angel Island adventure
Angel Island, accessible only by boat, offers secluded and 360-degree views of the entire Bay Area, especially from the Mt. Caroline Livermore summit. (Kate Bradshaw/Bay Area News Group)
Take a short ferry ride to Angel Island for an outdoor adventure, panoramic views of the bay or an opportunity to learn about U.S. immigration history. (Photo courtesy of Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Company)
Steps lead up to the historic Angel Island Immigration Station, where immigrants from more than 80 countries were detained after being interrogated and medically examined after disembarking at Angel Island between 1910 and 1940. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group/TNS)
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Angel Island, accessible only by boat, offers secluded and 360-degree views of the entire Bay Area, especially from the Mt. Caroline Livermore summit. (Kate Bradshaw/Bay Area News Group)
My personal favorite sight sits atop Angel Island, which is a short ferry ride from Tiburon. The tippy top is dubbed Mount Livermore, and many climb it for the promise of 360-degree views. On a clear day, of which there are many, you can see the Golden Gate, Bay and Richmond-San Rafael bridges all at once.
To get to the island, you’ll take the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry right from Main Street, Tiburon’s city center. The journey takes approximately 12 minutes each way and includes a little history of the area. The round-trip ferry tickets (about $19 per adult) also include your state park admission. To hike to Mount Livermore, take the two-mile trek via the North Ridge Trail up — this portion includes about 144 wooden steps — and then climb back down via the Sunset Trail. The entire five-mile hike should take about two hours, not including the time spent marveling at the view while at its peak.
If hiking to the top isn’t your idea of a good time, consider the island’s other adventures. You can rent bikes, take a historical tour of the U.S. Immigration Station and Civil War-era Camp Reynolds, picnic in Ayala Cove, fish from a pier or even camp overnight.
Cuisine on the coast
The deck of Sam’s Anchor Cafe awaits the weekend brunch crowd in Tiburon. It is the best place to enjoy a feast of American seafood and cocktails while looking out at the slips. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)
Lobster Pot Pie with whole Maine lobster, truffle-lobster bisque & root vegetables is served at the Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina in Tiburon. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The upstairs salon features a pool tables and vintage music photographs on the walls at the Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina in Tiburon. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
A fine dining establishment overlooking the bay and dubbed a “community clubhouse,” the Bungalow Kitchen in Tiburon provides a social dining experience and an eclectic menu brimming with sushi, steaks, seafood and more. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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The deck of Sam’s Anchor Cafe awaits the weekend brunch crowd in Tiburon. It is the best place to enjoy a feast of American seafood and cocktails while looking out at the slips. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)
Tiburon is also hailed as a foodie city with big-name chefs and restaurateurs calling it home — or at least home base.
Sam’s Anchor Cafe — with a history that dates back to 1963 — is perhaps the most famous. Located steps from Waters Edge, it boasts views of Angel Island while you dine and a public dock, where you may launch your own kayak. The back patio is the best place to enjoy a feast of American seafood and cocktails while looking out at the slips.
The seafood here is fresh. With options like fried calamari served with a togarashi aioli ($24), buttery garlic prawns accentuated with a pinch of chili ($22) and hibachi-steak sauce and fennel spooned over crab cakes ($25), you’ll be jonesing to come back before you even leave. Half-shell oysters are especially popular, and if you came with your crew, you could order up a party-size cocktail to share.
The Bungalow Kitchen comes from masterminds Michael Mina and Brent Bolthouse. A fine dining establishment overlooking the bay and dubbed a “community clubhouse,” it provides a social dining experience and an eclectic menu brimming with sushi, steaks, seafood and more. In addition to a raw bar and caviar service, it also offers off-the-wall combinations such as the Sea Urchin “Carbonara” ($67) made with squid ink linguine and garlic streusel.
Another Main Street gem is Caffe Acri, just steps from Ferry’s Landing. You can stop by for a quick breakfast of hot coffee and fresh pastries or load up on items perfect for your picnic basket. The corner spot also serves a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus artisanal wines and gelato. On Friday and Saturday nights, it transforms into one of the few nighttime entertainment options, bringing in musicians from 6-9 p.m., some of whom tickle the ivories on the resident grand piano.
A second breakfast and lunch option is on Tiburon Boulevard, still walking distance from the main square (so if you didn’t bring a car, you won’t need to find one). Rustic Bakery serves light to hearty daytime delights in a bright and modern space with a back patio that feels romantic. Choose between flaky croissants and granola parfaits — and don’t forget the fresh-squeezed juice.
Move without purpose
A jogger runs past a building at historic Ark Row in Tiburon on April 24, 2023. This home is two 1906 arks stacked on top of each other in the year 1975. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
A pedestrian walks along the sidewalk in front of historic Ark Row in Tiburon on April 24, 2023. Buildings in this row are former ark boats. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
A railroad crossing sign stands next to the Old Rail Trail at Blackie’s Pasture in Tiburon on July 23, 2020. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)
Take a stroll along the Paradise Drive walking path, which runs adjacent to Paradise Beach Park. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)
Regina Bedrosian of Tiburon strolls through Paradise Beach Park with her 3-year-old son Roy in Tiburon on June 21, 2023. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)
A porpoise surfaces briefly near kayakers in San Francisco Bay near Tiburon on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)
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A jogger runs past a building at historic Ark Row in Tiburon on April 24, 2023. This home is two 1906 arks stacked on top of each other in the year 1975. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
When you’ve ticked off the must-dos, remember to take time to relax. Part of the charm of Tiburon is its slow pace. Main Street houses several boutiques and art galleries, and many of the points of interest are located in old houseboats along Ark Row. Meandering through each one is a convenient way to spend a lazy afternoon, all without leaving Tiburon’s main drag.
And those with an interest in history can visit the Railroad and Ferry Depot Museum to learn about the town’s roots as a transportation hub.
Regardless of how you decide to spend your time, the focus should be on taking it slow and drinking in the view. Tiburon is picturesque with big blue skies and plenty of sunny days. Its mild temperature makes it an easy escape from the heat for many Bay Area dwellers as well as a haven for outdoor adventurers.
If you go
Waters Edge Hotel: 25 Main St., Tiburon, 415-789-5999; watersedgehotel.com
Sam’s Anchor Cafe: Open noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-9:30 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, 27 Main St., Tiburon, 415-435-4527; samscafe.com
The Bungalow Kitchen: Open 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 5-8 p.m. Sundays and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 5 Main St., Tiburon, 415-366-4088; bungalowkitchen.com
Caffe Acri: Open 6:15 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays, 6:15 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 6:15 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays, 1 Main St., Tiburon, 415-435-8515; caffeacri.com
Rustic Bakery: Open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, 1550 Tiburon Blvd., Belvedere Tiburon, 415-797-6123; rusticbakery.com
Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum: Open 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 1920 Paradise Drive, Tiburon, 415-435-1853; landmarkssociety.com/landmarks/railroad-ferry-museum