Bolinas

The oldest town in coastal Marin, Bolinas has been described as eccentric, artistic and off the beaten path, and those who call it home embrace the characterizations almost as much as they do their privacy, serenity and surroundings. Thisseaside community, bordering Bolinas Lagoon to the northeast, Point Reyes National Seashore to the northwest, and Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area to the west, offers one of the most unique lifestyles in all of Northern California.

If you don’t know where you’re going, you might not be able to find Bolinas, which is the way the locals like it; residents have repeatedly rejected growth and development dating back to the 1960s, even forcing a ballot measure to ensure no more directional signs would be placed along State Route 1 pointing toward town. As such, homes in Bolinas are limited, but if you happen to find one, you’ll experience a welcoming spirit and small-town charm in coastal Marin unlike any other.

Activities in dog-friendly Bolinas include bird watching, hiking, playing tennis at County Park, eating locally grown, organic food and spending time on the two public access beaches. The newest amenity is walking and biking paths that connect the mesa to the area’s historic downtown, which includes a circa-1851 saloon, a grocery store dating back to 1906, a community center, a library, the Bolinas Museum, three community parks, and local shops featuring art and artisan goods.