Tucked away in downtown Bolinas, the Bolinas Museum is a cultural gem that most people just breeze right by. Don’t let its small-town vibe fool you—this place punches above its weight. Five quirky galleries wrap around a courtyard, showing off everything from local artists’ work to slices of regional history.
Open only on Friday afternoons and weekends, this hidden treasure brings together photography, ceramics, and even hand-crafted furniture. You’ll enter through an iron gate tucked beside the main road, stepping into a side courtyard where the art adventure kicks off.
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If you’re mapping out your Bolinas visit, you’ll spot the museum right on the main drag. Parking’s just street-side—look for the faded Bolinas highway sign bolted to the building. It’s a little wink to the town’s legendary resistance to crowds, which somehow makes stumbling upon this artsy hideaway feel even more rewarding.
Visiting Bolinas Museum: Essential Information
Bolinas Museum delivers a distinctive art experience smack in the middle of coastal Marin. The setting’s got charm, and the museum captures that offbeat, creative spirit the town’s known for.
Location and Hours
You’ll find the Bolinas Museum at 48 Wharf Road, right in downtown Bolinas, CA 94924. The iron gate leads you into a side courtyard—can’t miss it. Street parking is usually close by.
Museum hours are pretty limited:
- Friday: 1 PM – 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Closed Monday through Thursday
If you want to really soak it in, try to get there at least an hour before closing. The museum’s central spot makes it easy to wander over to other local sights when you’re done.
Admission and Accessibility
Admission? Free. They do appreciate donations, though—it helps keep the programs going. This makes it a good stop for anyone, whether you’re traveling with family, flying solo, or just curious.
The museum spreads across three buildings, all set up for accessibility. Wheelchair access is available at the main entrance and in all exhibit areas.
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Questions before you go? Call them at (415) 868-0330 or check bolinasmuseum.org for the latest on hours or special exhibits.
Exhibitions and Art Programs
Exhibits rotate pretty often, with a mix of contemporary and historical art—most of it focused on coastal Marin themes and artists. The three buildings each have their own vibe, so you’ll find everything from sculpture and ceramics to paintings and photography.
Recent shows have included funky furniture made by locals, ceramic lamps, and photo series that really capture the wild edge of this region.
The museum doesn’t just hang art on walls. They run workshops, artist talks, and community events throughout the year. It’s a place that cares about keeping the area’s creative energy alive and kicking.
Exploring Bolinas and Nearby Attractions
Bolinas is a fantastic launchpad for exploring western Marin’s wild landscapes and laid-back culture. You’re never far from a beach walk, a mountain trail, or a quirky local shop.
Bolinas: Local Culture and Places to Eat
Bolinas has a reputation for doing things its own way—locals are famous for tearing down road signs to keep the place off the map. The town center’s a mashup of weathered buildings, small shops, and art spaces.
For food, Coast Cafe is your go-to for seafood and organic eats. Their fish tacos? Pretty solid, especially when the catch is local. If you want picnic supplies, the Bolinas People’s Store has organic groceries and ready-to-eat options.
The Bolinas Community Center often puts on live music and cultural events—worth checking the schedule if you’re around.
A lot of artists have studios in town, and now and then, they open their doors to the public, especially during art festivals or community days.
Stinson Beach and Coast Cafe
About ten minutes north, Stinson Beach is a three-mile stretch of classic California sand. In summer, lifeguards are on duty, so it’s good for a swim.
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Parkside Cafe is a favorite for breakfast or lunch, especially if you like eating outside. Their pastries and coffee are a great way to kick off a beach day.
Coast Cafe serves both towns and is known for fresh seafood—clam chowder, fish sandwiches, you name it. Perfect after a morning poking around tide pools.
If you’re into hiking, trails link Stinson Beach to Mount Tamalpais. The Matt Davis Trail climbs up from town and gives you some jaw-dropping views of the coast.
Surfers, take note: Bolinas is great for beginners, while Stinson can get bigger waves that suit more experienced riders.
Muir Woods National Monument
Roughly half an hour from Bolinas, Muir Woods is all about those ancient redwoods. Some trees stretch over 250 feet and have been around for 800 years or more.
Heads up: You’ll need to book parking or a shuttle ahead of time at gomuirwoods.com, especially during busy weekends.
The main trail is a flat, easy one-mile loop—super accessible. If you want a workout, there are longer trails that connect into Mount Tamalpais State Park.
The best time to visit? Early morning, before the crowds roll in. The forest is chilly even on sunny days, so bring a jacket.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais rises 2,571 feet above Marin and has more than 50 miles of hiking trails. You get huge views of the Bay Area and the Pacific from up top.
The East Peak Visitor Center is a good place to start. For an easy stroll, the Verna Dunshee Trail circles the summit with big views and not much effort.
The Steep Ravine Trail is a moderate two-mile hike—think ferns, a wooden ladder, and a few creek crossings. You can link it to Stinson Beach if you want a longer trek.
In spring and summer, the Mountain Theater hosts outdoor shows in a natural stone amphitheater. If you’re around between May and September, check what’s on.
There are also free monthly astronomy nights at the Rock Springs parking area—bring a jacket and look through telescopes at the stars.
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