Perched on Tiburon’s waterfront at 1920 Paradise Drive, the Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum offers a rare window into the Bay Area’s transportation past. You’ll find a working model railway layout of the Tiburon rail yard as it looked in 1909, and you can even compare the old landscape with today’s view through the museum windows. This 19th-century Carpenter Gothic building stands out as a landmark all over Tiburon.
If you’re planning a Marin County adventure, the museum opens Wednesday through Sunday, 1 PM to 4 PM, and closes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Exploring here gives you priceless views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island from its Shoreline Park setting. Honestly, even if you’re not a history buff, those vistas alone are worth the stop.
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Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum Overview
The Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum keeps alive the transportation history of this waterfront town, spotlighting its maritime and railroad roots.
History and Significance
The museum sits in the original Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot right on the waterfront at 1920 Paradise Drive. This historic building once played a huge role connecting Tiburon to San Francisco Bay and beyond.
Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Tiburon was a true railroad town. The Northwestern Pacific Railroad ran its southern terminus here. Trains rolled in, and freight got transferred to ferries crossing San Francisco Bay.
When the railroad arrived, Tiburon transformed from a sleepy settlement into a bustling transportation center. That shift shaped the town’s identity and economic growth for decades.
Now, this building is one of the few surviving railroad depots in the Bay Area—a rare, tangible link to a pivotal era in California’s transportation story.
Notable Exhibits and Artifacts
Inside, the museum brings Tiburon’s railroad and maritime history to life. You’ll spot detailed model trains showing off the Northwestern Pacific Railroad’s operations that once dominated the area.
Original artifacts like railroad equipment, old photographs, and real ferry memorabilia are on display. It’s wild to realize how people and goods moved through the Bay before highways and bridges changed everything.
The restored stationmaster’s office is a highlight—almost untouched since the depot’s working days. There are also maps and diagrams showing how rail and ferry lines once connected Tiburon to the rest of the region.
Interactive displays make it easier to grasp the daily workings of the railroad and ferry systems. Transportation fans, or anyone curious about how infrastructure shapes communities, will find plenty to dig into.
Facilities and Accessibility
You can’t beat the museum’s spot right on the Tiburon waterfront. The views of San Francisco Bay are a bonus while you wander the exhibits.
Accessibility’s solid:
- Wheelchair access to main exhibits
- Clear walkways
- Easy-to-read signage
- Restrooms on site
The museum keeps pretty limited hours, usually weekends and some weekdays. Best to check their current schedule before heading over.
Admission’s reasonable (actually, it’s free, but donations help keep the place going). Friendly volunteer docents are often around to answer questions or share stories about Tiburon’s transportation past.
Downtown Tiburon is just steps away, with waterfront restaurants and shops—so you can easily make a day of it.
Planning Your Visit
To really get the most out of the Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum, plan ahead. The place is packed with local history, but hours are seasonal and a little quirky.
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Location and Directions
The museum sits at the end of Tiburon Boulevard in Shoreline Park, with killer views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island.
From San Francisco, you can hop a ferry or drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Coming from elsewhere in the Bay Area? Take Highway 101 to the Tiburon Boulevard exit, then head east to the water.
There’s parking in downtown Tiburon, just a short stroll from the museum along Main Street. Here’s the address:
Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum
1920 Paradise Drive
Tiburon, CA 94920
Phone: (415) 435-1853
Museum Hours and Admission
The museum runs seasonally from April to October, open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Hours of Operation:
- Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Admission is free, though donations are always welcome. The museum closes during winter and on major holidays.
Definitely check the website before you go—hours can shift depending on volunteers or special events.
Guided Tours and Events
Guided tours add a lot, giving you background on the building’s railroad and ferry days. They usually run about 30-45 minutes.
Tour #2 of the Tiburon Walking Tours includes the Depot Museum. These happen most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April through October.
Special events pop up all season, like:
- History talks
- Model railway demos
- Heritage Days
- Community gatherings
Got a group of 10 or more? You can book a private tour if you call ahead.
Visitor Tips
The museum fits perfectly into a Tiburon day trip. You’ll want about 45-60 minutes to see everything, including that cool model railway from 1909.
Pair your visit with lunch at a Main Street restaurant or a walk along the waterfront. There are plenty of shops and beautiful views nearby.
Don’t forget your camera—the museum’s location at the tip of the peninsula is a dream for snapping photos of San Francisco and the Bay.
If you’re joining a walking tour or wandering the area, wear comfy shoes. And consider the weather; Tiburon gets breezy, so a light jacket comes in handy, even on sunny days.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
While you’re at the Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum, there’s lots more to explore nearby. Tiburon’s got easy access to nature, great food, and a mix of Marin County adventures.
Angel Island State Park and Ferry
Angel Island State Park is just a short ferry ride from downtown Tiburon. The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry runs daily and only takes about 10 minutes to reach this gorgeous state park.
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Once you’re there, hike up Mount Livermore for wild 360-degree views of the Bay, the city, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The 5-mile perimeter road is perfect for walking or biking, and you can rent bikes by the ferry dock.
History buffs will want to check out the Immigration Station, where thousands of mostly Chinese immigrants were processed. There’s plenty of military history too, with old army buildings scattered around.
You’ll want at least half a day for Angel Island. Bring water and snacks, though there’s a small café by the ferry landing for basics.
Dining and Waterfront Restaurants
Tiburon’s waterfront means you get great food with even better views. Sam’s Anchor Cafe is a classic, with a sunny deck—perfect for watching boats and digging into seafood and drinks.
Don Antonio Trattoria serves up cozy Italian just steps from Main Street. Their pastas and wood-fired pizzas are seriously good.
For something special, The Waterfront Restaurant has panoramic bay views and fresh California cuisine. You’ll probably want a reservation, especially at sunset.
Most of Tiburon’s restaurants are an easy walk from the Depot Museum. Main Street and Ark Row are dotted with cafés and ice cream shops for a quick bite.
Exploring Tiburon and Surrounding Areas
Tiburon’s got a few gems of its own. Blackie’s Pasture features a life-size statue of a famous old horse, and the nearby path has awesome bay views.
Paradise Beach Park is just a short drive away. It’s a quiet spot with picnic tables and fishing.
Nature lovers might want to swing over to Mill Valley—just 15 minutes by car—for redwoods. Muir Woods National Monument is a must for ancient trees and some peace and quiet.
Marin County’s diverse landscapes are all within reach from Tiburon. In less than an hour, you can hit the coast, the Russian River, wineries, and small towns.
And if you’re itching for a San Francisco day trip, just hop the ferry from downtown Tiburon. The 20-minute ride has unbeatable city views and saves you the headache of city parking.
Travel Connections Across the Bay
The Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum is a testament to Tiburon’s past as a bustling transportation hub. From here, travelers once hopped ferries and trains to San Francisco and beyond.
Ferry Routes to San Francisco
Today’s ferry service from Tiburon to San Francisco keeps that tradition alive. The Blue & Gold Fleet runs regular trips between Tiburon and the Ferry Building downtown. Ferries run several times a day, with more during commute hours.
The 30-minute ride gives you killer views of Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. It’s way more relaxing than driving over the Golden Gate Bridge—no traffic, just scenery.
Current Ferry Schedule (2025):
- Weekdays: Departures every 60-90 minutes from 5:30am to 8:30pm
- Weekends: Fewer runs, about every 2 hours
- Cost: $13.50 one-way for adults, with discounts for seniors and kids
Landmarks Along the Bay
Honestly, the ferry ride itself is a mini Bay Area tour. As you leave Tiburon, you’ll see colorful hillside homes and the historic Corinthian Yacht Club.
Out on the bay, Angel Island pops up on your right—a former immigration station and now a state park. To the left, you’ll spot Alcatraz and its infamous prison.
The Golden Gate Bridge stands tall to the west, and the Bay Bridge stretches east. Both frame the bay and remind you just how unique San Francisco’s geography is.
As you approach the city, the Ferry Building and its old clock tower come into view, welcoming you as it has travelers since 1898.
Traveling Beyond Marin County
From the San Francisco Ferry Building, you’ve got a pretty straightforward path into the Bay Area’s wider transit web. BART trains zip over to Oakland, Berkeley, and a bunch of East Bay neighborhoods.
Muni buses and light rail lines crisscross San Francisco, so getting to places like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, or Golden Gate Park doesn’t take much effort.
If you’re heading out even further, San Francisco’s main transit hubs connect you to:
- Caltrain for Silicon Valley and San Jose
- Amtrak if Sacramento or farther is on your radar
- SFO and Oakland airports for national/international flights
Clipper Cards work on all these systems, which honestly makes life easier. You can grab one at the Tiburon Ferry terminal before you set off—definitely saves some hassle when you’re bouncing between trains and buses.
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