The Perfect Starting Point for Northern California Adventures
Nestled on the Tiburon Peninsula, Belvedere, California offers a rare blend of waterfront tranquility and remarkable accessibility.
From this scenic island community, residents enjoy easy drives or ferry rides to world-class destinations — redwood forests, wine country estates, coastal retreats, and vibrant cultural centers.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful day outdoors, a gourmet meal among the vines, or a bit of big-city energy, Belvedere’s location makes every kind of experience possible.
Here are ten of the best day trips — all within comfortable reach of home.
From this scenic island community, residents enjoy easy drives or ferry rides to world-class destinations — redwood forests, wine country estates, coastal retreats, and vibrant cultural centers.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful day outdoors, a gourmet meal among the vines, or a bit of big-city energy, Belvedere’s location makes every kind of experience possible.
Here are ten of the best day trips — all within comfortable reach of home.
1. San Francisco
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco offers endless possibilities — from walking the Embarcadero to visiting Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum, or the California Academy of Sciences.
Belvedere residents often take the Tiburon ferry, turning a simple day in the city into a scenic mini-adventure across the Bay. Lunch at the Ferry Building or dinner in North Beach makes the perfect end to the day.
Belvedere residents often take the Tiburon ferry, turning a simple day in the city into a scenic mini-adventure across the Bay. Lunch at the Ferry Building or dinner in North Beach makes the perfect end to the day.
2. Muir Woods National Monument
Only about 30 minutes from Belvedere, Muir Woods is a serene escape into ancient redwood groves. Stroll along shaded trails where sunlight filters through towering trees, or continue into Mount Tamalpais State Park for longer hikes with sweeping views. It’s a timeless favorite for both residents and visitors seeking a quiet moment in nature.
3. Sausalito
Just minutes away, Sausalito is a picturesque waterfront town filled with charm. Walk along Bridgeway, browse art galleries, or enjoy waterfront dining at The Trident or Barrel House Tavern while watching sailboats drift across the Bay.
Locals often pair a morning walk along the water with coffee and people-watching — the perfect low-key Marin outing.
Locals often pair a morning walk along the water with coffee and people-watching — the perfect low-key Marin outing.
4. Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
About an hour from Belvedere, Napa and Sonoma Valleys offer an irresistible combination of world-class wine, food, and scenery.
Napa’s sophisticated tasting rooms and Michelin-starred restaurants provide indulgent escapes, while Sonoma’s relaxed charm and historic plaza invite leisurely exploration.
Many Belvedere residents make weekend traditions of visiting these neighboring valleys — where every vineyard road feels like a postcard.
Napa’s sophisticated tasting rooms and Michelin-starred restaurants provide indulgent escapes, while Sonoma’s relaxed charm and historic plaza invite leisurely exploration.
Many Belvedere residents make weekend traditions of visiting these neighboring valleys — where every vineyard road feels like a postcard.
5. Point Reyes National Seashore
Roughly an hour northwest, Point Reyes rewards the drive with dramatic coastal cliffs, windswept beaches, and wildlife encounters. Hike the Chimney Rock trail, visit the historic lighthouse, or watch elephant seals along Drakes Beach. Stop in Point Reyes Station for local cheeses and picnic supplies before returning home.
6. Mount Tamalpais State Park
Visible from many Belvedere homes, Mount Tamalpais is both a local landmark and a hiker’s paradise.
Climb to the summit for 360-degree views of the Bay, Marin hills, and the Pacific, or take scenic trails like Steep Ravine and Dipsea. Whether for a picnic, bike ride, or sunset hike, Mount Tam is one of Marin’s most beloved destinations — practically in Belvedere’s backyard.
Climb to the summit for 360-degree views of the Bay, Marin hills, and the Pacific, or take scenic trails like Steep Ravine and Dipsea. Whether for a picnic, bike ride, or sunset hike, Mount Tam is one of Marin’s most beloved destinations — practically in Belvedere’s backyard.
7. Half Moon Bay
About 90 minutes south, Half Moon Bay offers wide beaches, coastal trails, and charming local shops.
Belvedere residents often visit for a relaxed seaside day — enjoying lunch overlooking the water or attending the Pumpkin Festival each fall. It’s an easy coastal escape that feels far removed from city life.
Belvedere residents often visit for a relaxed seaside day — enjoying lunch overlooking the water or attending the Pumpkin Festival each fall. It’s an easy coastal escape that feels far removed from city life.
8. Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea
For a longer day or overnight trip, Monterey and Carmel deliver ocean views and cultural treasures.
Explore Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or drive the iconic 17-Mile Drive past Pebble Beach.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy art galleries, white-sand beaches, and candlelit dining — a favorite weekend getaway for many Marin residents.
Explore Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or drive the iconic 17-Mile Drive past Pebble Beach.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy art galleries, white-sand beaches, and candlelit dining — a favorite weekend getaway for many Marin residents.
9. Lake Tahoe
While it’s about four hours away, Lake Tahoe remains a classic Northern California destination for year-round adventure.
Winter brings skiing and snowboarding at world-class resorts; summer means hiking, boating, and paddleboarding on crystal-clear waters.
The drive from Belvedere, through golden foothills and pine forests, is part of the experience.
Winter brings skiing and snowboarding at world-class resorts; summer means hiking, boating, and paddleboarding on crystal-clear waters.
The drive from Belvedere, through golden foothills and pine forests, is part of the experience.
10. Angel Island State Park
Just a short ferry ride from Tiburon, Angel Island is a hidden gem right across the water from Belvedere.
Spend the day hiking the Perimeter Trail, exploring historic sites, or simply enjoying a picnic with views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline. For Belvedere residents, it’s the ultimate “mini vacation” that’s practically next door.
Spend the day hiking the Perimeter Trail, exploring historic sites, or simply enjoying a picnic with views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline. For Belvedere residents, it’s the ultimate “mini vacation” that’s practically next door.
Discover Premier Living in Belvedere
One of the great luxuries of living in Belvedere is how effortlessly you can reach so many remarkable destinations.
From wine country to the redwoods, coastal beaches to world-class culture, Northern California unfolds just beyond your doorstep.
For residents, these outings aren’t simply day trips — they’re a natural extension of the relaxed, refined lifestyle that defines life in Belvedere.
From wine country to the redwoods, coastal beaches to world-class culture, Northern California unfolds just beyond your doorstep.
For residents, these outings aren’t simply day trips — they’re a natural extension of the relaxed, refined lifestyle that defines life in Belvedere.
About Phillipa Criswell
With deep roots in Marin County and years of personal experience building, buying, and selling homes in Belvedere and Tiburon, Phillipa Criswell offers clients an insider’s perspective on one of California’s most desirable coastal regions.
Her understanding of local regulations, architecture, and the nuances of Marin’s micro-communities allows her to guide buyers and sellers with confidence. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and thoughtful approach, Phillipa has earned lasting relationships throughout the area.
To learn more about Belvedere real estate or to explore the area’s distinctive homes, contact Phillipa Criswell for trusted, local expertise.
Her understanding of local regulations, architecture, and the nuances of Marin’s micro-communities allows her to guide buyers and sellers with confidence. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and thoughtful approach, Phillipa has earned lasting relationships throughout the area.
To learn more about Belvedere real estate or to explore the area’s distinctive homes, contact Phillipa Criswell for trusted, local expertise.