The Ultimate Guide to Tiburon
Quaint and California aren’t two words usually associated, but Tiburon, California proves it to be all true. On the Northern side of San Francisco Bay, Tiburon is a picturesque coastal village with few tourists, perfect for couples and families looking for a quiet getaway with a view.
So let’s get ready for your Northern California getaway to Tiburon! This guide will ensure you know the best places to stay, eat, and things to do in Tiburon, California.
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Getting to Tiburon
Tiburon is approximately an hour’s drive from either SFO or Oakland airport. Uber and Lyft are easily accessible from both airports. The drive is definitely more of a tour, as you’ll cross the Golden Gate bridge and take in views of the famous row houses, the mountains, San Francisco Bay, and Pacific Ocean on your way.
If you’re feeling fancy and want to add more sight-seeing on your way, consider taking your transportation to Fisherman’s Warf/ Pier 43. You’ll be able to snap a few up-close photos of the Golden Gate bridge before catching the ferry to Tiburon.
What to do in Tiburon
The Ferry
The ferry is right on main Street, so in no time at all you can get to Angel Island or San Francisco. The scenic route gives a view of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz along the way. Keep in mind that you’ll want to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. You can check ferry schedules and purchase tickets ahead of time with the Blue & Gold fleet here. They’re also available for purchase after boarding.
Hippie Tree
It’s my favorite spot, with the absolute BEST view in the San Francisco area. A quick walk from Gilmartin takes you to an enormous old eucalyptus tree. Hanging from this tree you’ll find two swings. The perfect spot #forthegram. For everything you need to know, check out my guide to Hippie Tree here.
HOT TIP: Make a stay in Tiburon part of a bucket list road trip through California! Check out out our detailed guide to the best road trip in the U.S. – California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Enjoy the View
There are lots of beautiful walking paths and hiking trails within reach in Tiburon. From main Street, you’ll find an easy coastal path that leads you right next to San Francisco Bay. It’s the perfect spot to catch a sunrise, watch the sailboats, and start your day.
Where to stay
When heading to Tiburon for a getaway, you’ll want to stay near Main Street. This will not only keep you within walking distance to all the adorable shops and restaurants, but also put you within steps of the ferry.
I have personally stayed at Waters Edge Hotel and highly recommend it. It’s located right on the picturesque Main Street, with the San Francisco Bay in it’s back yard. There’s a nice deck with a great view of the sailboats drifting around the Bay. Made-to-order room service for breakfast, happy hour wine and cheese, and evening cookies are all included with your stay. And if you need any more reasons, the staff is friendly and the rooms are clean and spacious.
Rooms are limited at Waters Edge Hotel, so book ahead. I’ve also had a good experience at The Lodge At Tiburon, although it’s a block away from the Bay and Main Street.
Where to Eat (and Drink) in Tiburon
Breakfast and Brunch
For breakfast, there are two top-notch places I’d recommend. New Morning Cafe is your go-to for filling selections and an extensive menu. Caffe Acri offers lighter breakfast options (best avocado toast I’ve ever had) and excellent coffee or espresso brews. Caffe Acri is right on Main Street near the Bay and ferry station, so it’s the perfect option to sit outside and enjoy a quiet morning.
Lunch
For a midday bite, head over to Sam’s Anchor Cafe on Main Street. It’s nestled right on Main Street with both indoor and outdoor bay view seating. I recommend the Baja Fish Tacos and a Hermosa Picante to drink.
Dinner
There are many excellent options for dinner in Tiburon. Servino Ristorante and Sam’s Anchor Cafe are both outstanding options I would recommend any day. However, the one place I find myself going back to again and again is Luna Blu. Their “Risotto del aia” is the best risotto my husband and I have ever tasted. Luna Blu’s patio offers a beautiful evening view of the bay, great for a sunset dinner.
Late Night Drinks
Tiburon is no party town, so you won’t find any bars open late into the night. Sam’s Anchor Cafe is the latest bar open around Main Street at about 12 pm. You’ll find a more local vibe there after 9 pm and George will likely be behind the bar.
Pricing
Admittedly, Tiburon may be one of the more expensive zip codes to live in the U.S. I’d speculate this is due in part to the number of silicon valley execs the that call their mansions in Tiburon home. That said, I still wouldn’t say you need to be in the 1% to afford this getaway. Generally speaking, prices are on par or below what you’ll find in San Francisco or other major U.S. city destinations. Dinner and a drink will run around $30 per person. (Very nice) hotels run about $225 – $280 /night.
