Uncover Rainy Day Gems: 9 Things To Do In Marin County When it Rains
As we post this, we are looking at sunny days for the next couple of weeks. But if you’re visiting Marin County during through March, plan for some rain to be mixed in with our California sun. We love our sunny days! But also yay for the rain because when the skies open up, expect misty Redwood forests, cozy dining, moody windswept coastline, and some top-notch indoor activities. Keep this handy to turn a rainy day into an unexpected adventure!
Rainy Day in the Redwoods
The Redwoods are never more moody and enchanting then when it’s raining. Soak up the vibe while ambling through a Redwood Forest post-shower, or during with an umbrella provided by our staff! Your walk will be a sensory experience: the smell of earth and Redwood needles, drops of rain poised on the branches, the birdsong and possibly a babbling brook depending on your choice of Redwood walk. Mystical!
Select your destination from our Redwood Forests of Marin County Travel Guide.
Coziest Lunch In Mill Valley
Is there anything better than a long lunch on a rainy day in a cozy setting? Here is our number one spot to make that happen for you: Piazza D’Angelo, located on the town square in downtown Mill Valley. The warm and cozy dial is set to 11 in this local’s favorite family-run italian restaurant. Sit by the windows to watch the rain fall on the Redwoods outside or settle in for a leisurely feast in one of the extremely cozy booths. Make Piazza D’Angelo reservations here. Or walk-in! Promise, you will be warmly greeted either way!
Pro-Tip: If you are staying at Mill Valley Inn, Waters Edge Hotel, or Acqua Hotel show your room key for a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Make Art in Sausalito
The ICB Building in Sausalito has been called the Tribeca of Sauslito. This historic building, a few hundred yards from the bay, houses over 100 artist’s studios. One of the biggest and brightest studios belongs to Bibby Gignilliat.
Bibby offers super fun, inspiring, and hands-on mixed media workshops and private and group lessons, it’s the perfect way to inject energy and creativity into a rainy day. Here’s a link to more art workshops and classes in Marin County at the ICB building in Sausalito.
Author Talks in Corte Madera at Book Passage
Fill your head at Book Passage in Corte Madera, a local bookstore with a world-famous reputation. Their roster of author events is robust, here’s the link to the calendar. If you are attending an event at their Ferry Building location in San Francisco, here’s how to get from Marin to the Ferry Building via Ferry (which by the way, talk about moody!).
Marin County Civic Center Tour
Not to brag, but Marin County has the design-iest Civic Center in the country and frankly it is a bit of a hidden gem.The spectacular and iconic building is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s last major projects (1957) and the only government building in his portfolio.
During the behind the scenes, 90-minute docent-led tour, you’ll learn about one of the most important and influential architects of the 20th century and how he made an imprint on the Marin County landscape. Pro-Tip: make sure your phone is charged because the photo opportunities seriously abound.
Tours take place Wednesdays at 1pm and Fridays at 10:30am. Tickets for Civic Center Tour
Heath Ceramics Sausalito Factory Tour
While we’re on the subject of iconic mid-century modern tours, let’s talk about Heath Ceramics in Sausalito! The Sausalito store and factory is the original location for the brand, designed in 1959 and currently employing 40 artisans to craft Heath’s dinnerware on-site. This tour is a must-do for all design lovers. Pair with Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center tour for a one-two design punch!
Tours happen on Friday and Saturday mornings. Book your spot for Heath Ceramics Sausalito Factory Tour.
Visit the Mill Valley Library
Wait we’re not done with mid-century design destinations! Add a visit to the Mill Valley Library to your agenda. This building is nestled in the Redwoods, which you can experience up-close on a thoughtfully designed deck just past the fireplace (!). Back inside you’ll find hand-crafted furniture, original art, and a history room. Plus some pretty great events!
Pro-Tip: book your stay at charming and cozy Mill Valley Inn for extremely close proximity!
Sweetwater Music Hall
While we’re in Mill Valley let’s head over the yet another icon: Sweetwater Music Hall. Legendary is the best word to describe this spot. Check out their calendar and plan to move your body.
Pro-Tip: If you are staying at Mill Valley Inn, Waters Edge Hotel, or Acqua Hotel show your room key for a complimentary glass of house wine or beer.
Pixels Arcade and Tap Room
Warm up your hands and get in the time machine, we’re heading to a video game arcade in downtown San Rafael. Pixels Arcade and Taproom serves up pinball, pints, pizza, and more! Hours for those gamers under 21 are until 8pm, after that it’s 21+, with the exception of Wednesday Family night (all ages). Hours vary, so check the website before you head out.
See you out there!
