Go completely off the grid in bohemian Bolinas
Perched on Bolinas Bay north of San Francisco, Bolinas defies expectations in notoriously posh Marin County. Famously hard to find thanks to a lack of signage, the town has a reclusive air by choice. It's no surprise that it's long been home to artistic types and counter-culture figures. The drive into town past organic farm stands and eucalyptus groves dotting picturesque Bolinas Lagoon brings you to quaint streets of laid-back cafes, eateries, and surf shops. Formerly a quail refuge, you'll still find the birds roaming among the flowers as surfers head to the shore to catch the perfect wave.
From small-town charm to big-city hustle
There's plenty to do without leaving town. Stop and smell the flowers at the Marin-Bolinas Botanical Gardens, or take in some fine art at the Bolinas Museum. Architecture buffs will want to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center. Head south from your Bolinas vacation rental and you'll eventually hit the Golden Gate Bridge and all the sights of San Francisco beyond. Driving northeast for just over an hour will take you past the towering redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument to the world-renowned wine country of Sonoma County and Napa Valley.
You shoul definitely go chasing waterfalls
Picture-perfect cascades are within reach at a Bolinas vacation rental. Hike through the woods to find Cataract Falls, or walk the beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore to get to stunning Alamere Falls, one of two waterfalls in the country that cascade directly onto the beach and into the Pacific Ocean. Plenty of other beaches are also nearby for those who want to hang ten or work on their tans. You can also swim in the tidal pools of Agate Beach, which are chock-full of marine life. Bolinas Lagoon is great for kayaking and canoeing.
Where the weather's as relaxed as the vibe
The mild year-round temperatures might explain the laid-back attitude of Bolinas. With fluctuations of only 20 to 30 degrees year round, you'll never have to worry about extremes. Summers are pleasant, with high temps usually in the 70s and low 80s from June to September, though nights can get chilly, so be sure to pack a light sweater when you're heading to your Bolinas vacation rental. Winter highs are only slightly lower, dropping down to the 50s in the coldest months of December to February. And like any good Northern California coastal town, you'll occasionally see those famous Pacific fogs.
Leave the American continent without leaving the country
Very few towns exist west of the infamous San Andreas Fault, but Bolinas is one of them, making it technically part of the Pacific plate. Once a quail refuge, you'll still see plenty of the birds around today. Enveloped on three sides by water thanks to the Pacific Ocean, Bolinas Bay, and Bolinas Lagoon, you'll be surrounded by ample marine life and fragrant eucalyptus groves in the many conservation areas. Marin County is home to everything from waterfalls, to redwood forests, to vineyards, plus the sandy beaches and surf waves California is famous for.
Transportation to and around Bolinas
The nearest airport is in San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), located 26 mi (41.9 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could also fly into Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK), which is 29.2 mi (47 km) away.
