• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sweet Cs Designs
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Eggs
    • Ground Beef
    • Burgers & Sandwiches
    • Candy & Sweets
    • Cookies
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
      • Moonshine
    • keto
    • Main Dishes
    • One Pot
    • paleo
    • Pasta
    • Salads
    • Slow Cooker
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegan
  • By Ingredient
    • Beans
      • Chickpeas
    • Beef
      • Steak
    • Beer
    • Cheese
    • Chicken
      • chicken breasts
      • Chicken Drumsticks
      • Chicken Thighs
      • chicken wings
    • Chocolate
    • Coffee
    • Fruit
      • Apples
      • Bananas
      • Cranberries
      • Figs
      • Grapefruit
      • Orange
      • Peaches
      • Pears
      • Raspberries
      • Strawberries
      • Tomatoes
    • Jello
    • Lamb
    • Liquor
      • Gin
      • Rum
      • Tequila
      • Vodka
      • Whiskey
    • Nuts
      • Pecans
    • Pork
      • Bacon
      • Pork Chops
      • Pork Loin
      • Pork Tenderloin
      • Ribs
    • Potatoes
    • Duck
    • Turkey
    • Rice
    • Seafood
      • Lobster
      • Salmon
      • Shrimp
    • Vegetables
      • Asparagus
      • Beets
      • Broccoli
      • Brussels sprouts
      • Carrots
      • Cauliflower
      • corn
      • Eggplant
      • Green Beans
      • kale
      • mushrooms
      • Peppers
      • squash
        • Pumpkin
        • zucchini
    • Wine
  • Traveling
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Europe
      • Italy
    • Mexico
    • Cruising
    • How To Fly Free
  • DIY
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Marin County California Foodie Tour

May 13, 2022 by Courtney ODell 1 Comment

11 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Marin County is the perfect place to start a foodie journey through Northern California – the county just north of San Fransisco is nestled between misty waves of fog, the churning Pacific, rolling hills, and San Fransisco Bay – it is home to world-renowned seafood, wine, cheese, olive oil, and so much more!

picture of the entrance to marin french cheese store
picture of oysters on a metal plate with ice at the marshall store restaurant
picture of patio at mcevoy ranch petaluma california
picture of burrata salat with brussels sprouts and figs at farmshop marin
picture of a glass of mead at heidrun meadery
picture of oysters rockefeller on a metal plate from marshall store

I recently partnered with Visit California to tour three of my favorite gourmet destinations – Marin County, Napa, and Gilroy – for a dream foodie trip for anyone who loves garlic, wine, and cheese! This post is sponsored by Visit California. All opinions are my own.

For more fabulous California vacation ideas, be sure to check out the California Now podcast – it is jam-packed with ideas on the best places to eat, amazing stories and voices from California – and so much more! Be sure to click here to listen to the episode I was a guest on, where I talked about the Southern California Taco Tour I took with Visit California! And read all about our SoCal Taco Tour here, as well as our Top 15 Must Eat SoCal Tacos!

We’re starting in Marin, since it’s the gateway to Sonoma and Napa County from the city, and easy to get to from San Fransisco and Oakland International Airports.

On day one, we’re going to head to Marin (hot tip: pronounce the county “like a local” and say it more like “muh-rin” than “mare-in”) from the city in the morning – traffic flows into the city in mornings, so you can head out to Marin County against the flow of traffic without having to worry about many slowdowns as you head to the gorgeous rolling hills, pristine coastline, and soaring redwoods of Marin County.

What to Pack:

Knowing what to pack is essential for a successful, stress-free trip through Northern California.

  • Waterproof shoes/boots
  • Change of socks
  • Rain jacket/pants
  • Umbrella
  • Hiking pants/shorts
  • Sweater/sweatshirt
  • Camera, charger, SD cards

Since Marin County is up against the Pacific, it can be common to have dramatic shifts in temperature throughout the day, so pack layers, and be sure to plan ahead for wicking fabrics that dry if it rains or is foggy. I was there during torrential rains (which is not really normal, but can happen, so plan for some rain to be safe), and I was glad I had tall boots with me, so I didn’t care that my jeans got a little wet.

You might find yourself getting hot in the middle of the day when the fog and mist burns off, so layers really are essential!

Hot tip: while in Point Reyes, Petaluma, and many of the more rural spots of Marin County, I had little if any cell phone service – however, most locations had wifi you can use. Cell phone service was abundant near the freeway in Larkspur. Similarly, if you forget a charger or need a memory card you might find yourself driving 15-20 minutes from Point Reyes to San Rafael or Larkspur on windy roads to get to a bigger store if you need something specific from Walmart, etc.

There are lots of really cool independent stores and shops with amazing local goods you’ll want to shop at, so be sure to leave some extra room in your suitcase, too! We will be making note of some of our favorite spots to buy items in the itinerary stops below.

Day One – Cheese, Oysters, Mead, & Farm-Fresh Favorites

  • Nicasio Valley Farmstead Cheese, 5300 Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio
  • The Marshall Store, 19225 Highway 1, Marshall
  • Heidrun Meadery, 11925 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station
  • Station House Cafe, 11180 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station
  • Due West Tavern, 10021 Coastal Highway 1, Olema, CA 94950
  • Olema House, 10021 Coastal Highway 1, Olema, CA 94950
picture of cheese wheels

Nicasio Valley Farmstead Cheese
5300 Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio

Nicasio Valley Cheese started when Fredolino Lafranchi immigrated to America from Switzerland in 1919, hoping to bring his Swiss-style cheese to his own dairy in Marin. To this day, his great-grandchildren still work as cheesemakers and bring his dream to hungry eaters along the California Cheese Trail (hello… my kind of road trip trail!!)

Nicasio Valley has a small cheese shop selling crackers, locally made goods, chocolates, and everything you need for a delicious picnic – including small cheese coolers, cheese knives, and more.

Be sure to give yourself enough time to watch the cheesemakers at work when you visit – there is a large glass window so you can see them making cheese as you shop! The family-run

We had visited just after they had a pumpkin patch in fall, which looked absolutely adorable!

picture of oysters in a dish

The Marshall Store
19225 Highway 1, Marshall

The Marshall Store’s delicious Pacific Oysters are fresh from their family farm, Tomales Bay Oyster Company! The store is currently serving raw oysters and grilled oysters, including BBQ, Rockefeller and Kilpatrick. Established in 1909, Tomales Bay Oyster Company, California’s oldest continuously run shellfish farm. 

picture of bottle of cider at marshall store restaurant california
picture of marshall store oysters on a metal plate with ice
picture of toma truffle cheese in a metal plate at marshall store
picture of oysters rockefeller on a metal plate from marshall store
picture of bbq oysters on a metal plate
picture of pulled pork sandwich at marshall store restaurant

The Marshall Store has adapted well to expand outdoor seating, so you can enjoy oysters from their spot along the ocean. On rainy days, like when we visited, there are heaters running and curtains down, to keep the sea spray and rain from soaking you – but wear shoes that won’t get soaked!

See our web story review of the Marshall Store here.

picture of a glass of mead on a table

 Heidrun Meadery
11925 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station

Heidrun Meadery produces naturally sparkling varietal meads – wine made from honey rather than grapes. Heidrun uses the traditional French Methode Champenoise (the method French use to make Champagne, including riddling racks, where yeast settles and then is pulled from wine before corking) to make their mead, which is less sweet than some meads, and has lots of rich, delicious flavors that showcase California’s diverse wildflower honey!

The meadery is located on a former dairy farm which they’ve transformed into a bee forage oasis. The pastures, gardens and greenhouse are cultivated with flowering plants to provide healthy, natural, year-long foraging for the honey bee colonies.

picture of mead in a champagne flute at heidrun meadery
picture of plant on a wall
picture of heidrun meadery champagne corks
picture of heidrun meadery tasting menu
picture of bee hive boxes
picture of honey for sale on a table

Heidrun has a gorgeous tasting room and the winery is on amazing farmland with a great setup for picnics – families are welcome, and the winery is known for impeccably charming events. Inside, they sell numerous local goods like fresh fall apples, candles, flowers, linens, honey, and so much more!

Want to try Heidrun’s head at home yourself? They ship to a large number of states (depending on the rules where you live), so you can try them at home!

See our Web Story review of Heidrun Meadery here.

picture of clam pasta in a white bowl

Station House Cafe
11180 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station

Station House Cafe sources organic, fresh and local foods to create everything from their classic breakfasts to favorite burgers to fresh local fish and oysters.

The restaurant proudly supports local farms, producers and food artisans.

picture of grits, greens, and a poached egg in a bowl
picture of clam pasta in a bowl
picture of a sugar rimmed cocktail in a glass

Be sure to try the knockout cocktails – they were simple, delicious, and full of creative, fresh flavor!

I also loved the enormous fiddle leaf figs in the restaurant – they had amazing plants indoors which is always a favorite of mine to help create a cozy California natural atmosphere.

picture of a slice of cheesecake on a blue plate

 Due West Tavern

10021 Coastal Highway 1, Olema, CA 94950

Located adjacent to Olema House, Due West is a sophisticated modern tavern housed in a cozily refurbished, circa-1865 building. Due West Tavern serves fresh West Marin fare and houses a vibrant, recently remodeled market  featuring house-baked items made fresh daily and signature on-the-go picnic staples.

Due West is cozy, dimly lit, welcoming, and serves up killer food and drinks – we grabbed a slice of cheesecake and some old fashioneds that were so delicious, I could have jarred them up and smuggled them home with me.

Be sure to ask the bartender if they have anything special they are working on – we got to sample some drinks they were trying out that weren’t even on the menu yet!

picture of olema house

Olema House Point Reyes

10021 Coastal Highway 1, Olema, CA 94950

Olema House is seriously dreamy – oozing with Instagram worthy charm in every corner, with boutique decor, romantic lighting, cozy fireplaces, and gorgeous views over the river and forest – you can snuggle up in bed and watch the fog roll in and be perfectly content doing nothing at all – or use the hotel as the perfect base to explore Marin’s wild wonders.

I was greeted with a gourmet setup in my room thanks to the fabulous market Olema House runs in Due West – they can arrange all sorts of snacks, foods, and other items to be delivered to your room. I was really excited that they prioritized spotlighting local artisan brands, like a craft canned cocktail, local ground coffee, local jerky and snacks, and of course plenty of treats from Due West!

picture of fuzzy stool in hotel lobby
picture of wooden stools
picture of forest in moonlight
picture of olema house bed

I stayed in the River View Suite, and let me tell you, it was a knockout. I can’t wait to bring my husband back someday – it was the epitome of romantic cozy hotels. There isn’t very good cell reception or a TV in your room here (though there was great wifi) – you check in to Olema House to check out from the world. Turn on the fire, open the balcony door, listen to the river run by, watch the fog roll in, and realize you have everything on earth you need, right there.

Hot tip: wake up to a picture-perfect view with the remote-controlled shade on the picture window across from the bed, with views out over the Point Reyes National Seashore National Park Wilderness area. I didn’t stay in the family cottage, but it looks absolutely adorable – my room would be a bit tricky with kids (it had very steep stairs to get to the bed loft), but the family room looked beyond adorable!

See our web story review of Olema House, Due West Tavern, and Due West Market here.

Day 2 – Coffee, National Seashore, Cheese, Olive Oil, Marin County Mart

  • Due West Market, 10021 Coastal Highway 1, Olema, CA 94950
  • Bear Valley Visitors Center, Point Reyes National Seashore
  • Marin French Cheese Company, 7510 Point Reyes Petaluma Road, Petaluma and Novato
  • McEvoy Ranch, 5935 Redhill Road, Petaluma
  • Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Larkspur Landing, 2500 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur
picture of due west market and tavern olema california

Due West Market

Due West has a variety of muffins, cookies, frittatas, omelets, sandwiches, salads, and other meals and grab-and-go snacks you can eat at the hotel, out on the grounds, or at a picnic table, or take with you to go and explore around Marin County.

Due West also has an adorable market absolutely packed with clothing, gifts, and other goods you’ll want to snap up – I could have bought everything.

picture of due west market goods for sale
picture of blue outhouse
picture of bottles for sale in store
picture of frittata in paper takeout box

Hot tip: you can order your meal to your room, eat at the market in one of the small tables outside, or take your breakfast on the go like I did – I had them box it up so I could head out to Point Reyes National Seashore and eat my brunch with a scenic view! They had lots of different hot sauce packets to grab with your meal, a special touch I appreciate.

picture of trees along a road

Point Reyes National Seashore

1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

The visitor center is the perfect spot to learn about this unique National Park space – the National Seashore isn’t just oceanside, it also encompasses the Phillip Burton Wilderness, and features extensive trails through grassland, firs and pine forest, and up to the peak of Mount Wittenberg.

picture of marin french cheese logo on a building

Marin French Cheese Company

7510 Point Reyes Petaluma Road, Petaluma and Novato

Marin French Cheese has been operating in Northern California since 1865 – making them the oldest continuously operating cheesemaker in the United States.

The flavor of Marin French Cheeses is unparalleled – light, creamy, delicious bries – rich and indulgent goat cheese – quirky, squeaky breakfast cheese – there are just so many options here, even the biggest fan of all things dairy will be jumping for joy.

Hot tip: head to Marin French Cheese with a full wallet and a picnic blanket, and leave with a full stomach. They have everything else you could need – the store is loaded with clothes, decor, wine, beer, home goods, cookbooks, foods, and more.

picture of goat cheese balls in display case
picture of old marin french cheese logo painted on wall

My favorite is the breakfast cheese – I LOVE it so much, I order it directly from them once a month. They ship quickly, and it is the best way to get Marin French Cheeses (as well as other local producers they carry) if you don’t live locally. You’ll also see Marin French Cheese at a lot of Costcos and some Kroger and other grocery stores nationwide!

See our web story review of Marin French Cheese Here.

picture of mcevoy ranch wine bottle in wooden rack

McEvoy Ranch
5935 Redhill Road, Petaluma

McEvoy Ranch is a 550-acre working, organic ranch, committed to sustainable farming practices and specializing in certified organic olive oils, small-lot wines and culinary products – as well as a new CBD organic skincare line.

McEvoy is a labor of love from Nan McEvoy, who bought the former dairy in 1990 when she was retired – with a dream to grow the best olives and make the best olive oil, wines, and food. Her family is protecting her vision of bringing the best to fans of their 550 acre organic ranch – with amazingly delicious olive oils, great wines, and fabulously luxurious beauty products with essential oils from fresh herbs and organic CBD.

picture of wine glass in front of a pumpkin
picture of patio with teak furniture
picture of linens rolled up
picture of vegan wrap sandwich

McEvoy is an amazing place to spend an afternoon – the patio is so cozy, and divine to sit and watch the fog roll in and out as you sample foods. While we visited, McEvoy was offering an Oktoberfest pretzel and mustard sampling (the pretzel was delicious, but I’m very oddly allergic to mustard, so I didn’t dip into it – my husband was so jealous he wasn’t with me this trip!), and I grabbed a vegan wrap that was so delicious!

Be sure to leave plenty of time when visiting to browse the store at McEvoy – their store is truly worth visiting all on it’s own.

See our web story review of McEvoy Ranch here.

picture of marin country mart sign

Marin Country Mart

2257 Larkspur Landing, Larkspur

The ferry to San Fransisco lands at the Marin Country Mart, so you can pop into the city and time your trip to head back for dinner, to shop, and stay back in Larkspur for a quieter, cozier evening a bit away from the buzz.

Look for fresh oysters, California classics like Johnny’s donuts, and luxury shopping in this premier outdoor shopping destination.

picture of burrata salad on a plate

Farmshop

2257 Larkspur Landing, Larkspur

Farmshop is not only delicious – the creative farm-fresh California cuisine centers around impeccably presented, playful, gorgeous dishes that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.

Every time a plate appeared at our table, my friend and I squealed a bit – each dish was so delicious, I just about had to roll across the street to my hotel room.

picture of avocado hummus in a bowl
picture of pickled vegetables in a bowl
picture of burrata salad on a plate
picture of braised octopus in a dish

See our web story review of Farmshop Marin here.

picture of a tree with changing leaves

Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Larkspur Landing
2500 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur

The Marriott Courtyard in Larkspur Landing is a major hidden gem in Marin County – it is tucked into a tiny area in Larkspur that feels small-town, though it is just across the bay from the city. You can take the ferry into San Fransisco just steps from the hotel – and yet, you can park in the hotel’s parking lot for free, without any problem.

The Courtyard has a great, large outdoor pool in the center of the hotel, and many rooms look directly out onto the pool, perfect for families looking to balance a bit of downtime from the city while visiting Northern California – while still being close to all the action. There is a large lobby with hot breakfast in the morning, and the hotel is literally across the street from the Marin Country Mart, so you can be just a few steps from Farmshop, Hog Island Oysters, Diptyque, Cosbar, Intermix, Shake Shack, Johnny Donuts, Miette, and so so so much more!

Filed Under: California, City Guides, Food Finds, Travel, United States

About Courtney ODell

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style. Courtney writes the popular creative lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs- a site devoted to delicious everyday recipes, home decor, crafts, DIY inspiration, and photography tips to help make your every day extraordinary.
Advertising, media and other inquiries- please contact hello@sweetcsdesigns.com

free email series

Fridge to Fork
in 30 Minutes or Less

My “GO-TO” recipes to make dinnertime delicious & stress-free

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ivory

    February 1, 2022 at 8:16 pm

    What great pictures, and the food??? Wow, it looks amazing. I can almost taste it. Thanks for sharing
    Happy 2022

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

About Courtney

Hi- I'm Courtney O'Dell, the writer and photographer behind Sweet C's. I’m a travel obsessed foodie and mom of two sharing the best recipes, tips ... more about me!

  • Keto Recipes
  • Appetizers
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • Drinks
  • Desserts
  • Instant Pot
  • Air Fryer
  • Web Stories
  • Travel
broiled lobster tails on a baking sheet with lemon slices next to them
smoked meatloaf on a plate
lobster tails seasoned with paprika and butter on a white plate with chopped parsley on top with lemons on the plate next to it
roasted prime rib sliced on a wood cutting board
air fried french fries in a glass jar
sliced pork tenderloin on aluminum foil in a garlic butter sauce with parsley on top

free email series

My “GO-TO” recipes to make dinnertime stress-free

Trending Travel

Boating Killarney, Ireland

More Travel

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates
  • Sponsor the Sweet C's newsletter here.

Contact

  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.