Imagine yourself relaxing in a beautiful vacation home in Marin County, California. With stunning natural landscapes and close proximity to San Francisco, Marin County offers a wide array of vacation homes suited for everyone. From cozy cabins to luxurious villas, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Why choose a vacation home in Marin County for your next getaway? Staying in a vacation home can provide a more personal experience, giving you space and comfort like never before. Enjoy the pleasure of having your own private retreat while exploring the wonders of Marin County.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Editor’s Note: It’s impossible for us to list every vacation home available. For an exhaustive list of what’s available, we recommend checking out VRBO. They have the most unique listings out of all the providers.
Click here to check Marin County Vacation Homes availability.
Nick’s Cove Tomales Bay
Discover a charming getaway along the coast at Nick’s Cove on Tomales Bay. This spot combines rustic elegance with modern comfort, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The accommodations include cozy rooms with delightful views, some even offering sea views and warm fireplaces to enhance your stay.
Nick’s Cove features a casual eatery and bar that pays tribute to the coastal history of the area. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Matt Alfus, highlights fresh seafood and seasonal produce for a delightful dining experience. The bar serves a variety of craft cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and a well-selected wine list.
You can enjoy many activities in and around Marshall, such as hiking along scenic trails or exploring nearby local shops. Couples particularly appreciate the homely yet sophisticated atmosphere, making it a great choice for a romantic getaway.
Rating: 4.3 (1500 reviews)
Location: 23240 CA-1, Marshall, CA 94940
Contact: (415) 663-1033
Website: Visit Website
The Quail’s Nest Retreat
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape in Marin County, The Quail’s Nest Retreat is a great option. Located just outside Point Reyes Station, this quiet home sits on a two-acre property. You are close to nature and have the chance to see wildlife like deer and quail right from your window.
The retreat offers a cozy setting with a full kitchen, dining, and living area. It’s perfect for families or groups, providing three comfortable bedrooms. You can enjoy the charm of stained glass and a patio for outdoor relaxation. It’s just a short drive to the town, beaches, and hiking trails.
Visitors praise the hosts for being responsive and accommodating. However, there are plans to upgrade the kitchen utensils, pots, and pans soon. The location offers an excellent mix of tranquility and easy access to nearby activities.
Rating: 4.7
Location: 15 Campolindo Road, Point Reyes Station, CA
Contact: (415) 448-7398
Website: Visit Website
Bill’s Luxury Oasis
Bill’s Luxury Oasis is a stunning vacation spot in Marin County, perfect for those seeking comfort and relaxation. You will find well-designed interiors that blend elegance with coziness, making your stay both luxurious and warm. The property boasts beautiful views that you can enjoy from nearly every room.
Outside, there is a spacious area that features a pool and a spa, ideal for a refreshing dip or a soothing soak. You’ll also appreciate the lush gardens where you can take a peaceful stroll. These outdoor spaces provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.
The friendly host ensures your stay is smooth from start to finish. Whether you need help with reservations or local recommendations, assistance is just a call away. Your time at Bill’s Luxury Oasis is designed to be memorable and stress-free.
Rating: 5 (49 reviews)
Location: Visit Location
Contact: (855) 578-2787
Website: Visit Website
Terra Linda House
When visiting Terra Linda House, you can enjoy a peaceful getaway in Marin County. This vacation home offers a blend of comfort and convenience. The place is set in a quiet neighborhood, making it perfect for relaxation.
Inside, you will find spacious rooms with modern furniture that give a cozy vibe. The kitchen is fully equipped, allowing you to prepare your own meals easily. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, creating a warm atmosphere.
Outside, there is a backyard where you can enjoy outdoor activities or simply unwind. The nearby trails provide great opportunities for hiking and appreciating nature. It’s a nice spot for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Location: Terra Linda
Website: Visit Website
Tiburon House
When you step into the Tiburon House, you’re greeted by breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. Imagine waking up each morning to the sight of sailboats gliding by as you enjoy your breakfast. It’s a peaceful retreat with all the comforts you need.
The house is spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. There’s a relaxing living room where you can curl up with a book or watch a movie with your loved ones. The kitchen is fully equipped, so you can prepare your favorite meals at home.
Outside, the patio is perfect for soaking up the sunshine. You might even spot a deer wandering by. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring nearby attractions. For those who love outdoor activities, hiking and biking trails are just a short drive away.
Rating: 4.7 (214 reviews)
Location: Tiburon, CA
Contact: +1 415-555-1234
Website: Visit Website
Types of Marin County Vacation Homes
Marin County has a wide range of vacation homes for every taste, budget, and travel style. Whether you want an affordable rental or a splashy estate, you’ll find a comfortable spot to kick back while exploring the region.
Vacation Rentals and Short-Term Stays
Vacation rentals here come in all shapes and sizes—think cozy apartments, entire houses, and everything in between. You’ll spot plenty on Airbnb and VRBO, with starting prices around $244 per night (at least, that’s what recent listings show).
Most Marin properties let you cancel for free if plans go sideways, which is a relief for folks with shifting schedules.
Staying somewhere like Tomales, Dillon Beach, or Muir Beach? Heads up: Owners in unincorporated areas have to collect a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for stays under 30 days.
Many vacation rentals include:
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Free WiFi
- Outdoor spaces
- Pet-friendly options (sometimes, anyway)
- Weekly discounts if you’re sticking around
Click here to check Marin County Vacation Homes availability.
Luxury and Unique Accommodations
In Marin County, luxury vacation homes really make the most of the scenery, with jaw-dropping designs and top-shelf amenities. You’ll find:
Premium Features:
- Views of the Pacific or the Bay
- Private pools and spas
- Chef-style kitchens
- Outdoor entertainment areas
- Designer furnishings
There are some quirky options, too. Picture a converted barn in Nicasio, a cottage right on Stinson Beach, or a hideaway in the Fairfax hills with sweeping views.
If you’re after something extra special, keep an eye out for homes with outdoor hot tubs overlooking Tomales Bay or private beach access in Bolinas. Just a heads up: These places get snapped up months ahead, especially in summer and around the holidays.
Click here to check Marin County Vacation Homes availability.
Top Locations for Vacation Homes
West Marin is home to some of the area’s most coveted properties. Stinson Beach and Bolinas have beachfront homes where you can drift off to the sound of waves and step right onto the sand.
Dillon Beach is a bit easier on the wallet and still offers oceanfront digs, often perched on bluffs with wild views of the Point Reyes Peninsula.
Inland spots like Nicasio and Fairfax are perfect if you want:
- A quiet countryside vibe
- Clear night skies for stargazing
- Easy access to hiking
- Room for bigger family get-togethers
- Lower prices than the coast
Muir Beach vacation homes strike a nice balance—close to the ocean and just a quick 30-minute drive to San Francisco. A lot of these places have big decks for soaking up those coastal views.
Click here to check Marin County Vacation Homes availability.
Booking and Regulatory Requirements
Marin County has its own set of rules for vacation rentals, aimed at keeping things fair for both guests and locals. Knowing these basics will help you avoid headaches.
Licensing and Permits
All short-term rentals (that’s anything 30 days or less) in unincorporated Marin County need an STR license.
Property owners have to show they’re following Chapter 5.41 of the Marin County Code to get licensed. The county recently capped the number of STRs, after the California Coastal Commission signed off.
Rentals with four or more bedrooms need extra approval from an administrator. The idea is to keep bigger properties from overwhelming neighborhoods.
Every rental must list a local contact who can respond within 30 minutes. That way, if something goes wrong during your stay, help isn’t far off.
Click here to check Marin County Vacation Homes availability.
Booking Platforms and Best Practices
For Marin County accommodations, Airbnb and VRBO are the go-to platforms. Just make sure any listing you consider is properly licensed.
Ask for the STR license number and check if it’s up to date. Good hosts won’t hesitate to share this info.
Some neighborhoods have temporary freezes on new vacation rentals, so availability can shift.
Always compare a few listings and read recent reviews—especially about cleanliness and how responsive the host is. Properties with solid feedback usually offer better stays.
If you’re planning a trip during summer or holidays, book early. The top spots often fill up three to six months in advance.
Get your booking details and payment terms in writing before sending any money. Better safe than sorry.
Click here to check Marin County Vacation Homes availability.
Amenities and Activities Near Marin County Vacation Homes
Staying in a Marin County vacation home means you’re close to all kinds of activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural gems. There’s no shortage of things to do nearby.
Golf Courses
Marin’s got some great golf courses if you want to hit the links with a view. McInnis Park Golf Center in San Rafael has a friendly 9-hole course—good for newbies or a quick round. Peacock Gap Country Club ups the ante with well-kept greens and a full-service clubhouse.
San Geronimo Golf Club winds through a gorgeous valley and is definitely worth trying. Stonetree Golf Club in Novato brings championship-level play plus sweeping views of the hills.
If you don’t mind driving a bit, Mill Valley Golf Course is tucked among redwoods and has a classic 9-hole layout. Indian Valley Golf Club tends to be less crowded and offers solid rates.
Nearby State Parks and Natural Attractions
Mount Tamalpais State Park is a local favorite, with over 50 miles of trails and knockout views from its 2,571-foot summit. On a clear day, you might spot the Farallon Islands or even the Sierra Nevada.
Angel Island State Park, which you reach by ferry, has hiking trails and killer views of San Francisco Bay. There’s some cool history here, too—old military posts and an immigration station.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park is all about shady redwoods and Lagunitas Creek, where you might catch salmon spawning if you’re lucky. The easy trails work for all ages.
Tomales Bay State Park offers gentle beaches for swimming and kayaking. It’s calm here, a nice contrast to the wild Pacific just outside the bay.
See our article on Marin County Parks.
Family-Friendly Attractions and Entertainment
The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito is a hit with kids under 10. It’s packed with interactive exhibits, and the Golden Gate Bridge backdrop isn’t too shabby either.
If you have animal lovers in tow, the Oakland Zoo isn’t far. With over 700 animals and a special kids’ zoo, it’s a fun day out.
Traintown in Sonoma is a must for train buffs, with a quarter-scale railroad, tunnels, bridges, a petting zoo, and a carousel—all squeezed onto 10 acres.
If it’s hot, waterparks like Raging Waters in San Jose or local pools in San Rafael and Novato offer a cool escape. Plus, many Marin towns throw summer festivals with stuff for all ages.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Bolinas Museum is small but charming, spotlighting local art and history with changing exhibits. It’s a nice way to get a feel for the area’s quirky culture.
San Francisco, just over the Golden Gate, is packed with world-class museums. The Exploratorium is a hands-on playground for science and art lovers. The California Academy of Sciences crams an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum under one (literally) living roof.
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park lets you hop aboard historic ships and dig into the city’s nautical past along the waterfront.
Back in Marin, towns like Mill Valley, Tiburon, and Sausalito buzz with art galleries and cultural events all year. These spots are known for lively arts scenes, regular exhibits, and festivals.
Click here to read our article on Marin County Museums.
Exploring Nearby Destinations
While you’re staying in Marin County, don’t miss the chance to check out nearby regions. A short drive opens up a bunch of unique day trips—each with its own vibe, flavors, and scenery. Why not make the most of it?
Sonoma County and Napa Valley
Sonoma County and Napa Valley are just north of Marin, making them easy spots for a quick day trip. Depending on where you start in Marin, you’ll get there in about 30 to 60 minutes—traffic willing, of course.
Sonoma County’s vibe is pretty laid-back, with over 425 wineries scattered across all sorts of landscapes. If you love Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, the Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley are kind of a must. But, honestly, the real charm might be in the small towns like Healdsburg and Sebastopol. You’ll find quirky shops, local artists, and some surprisingly good farm-to-table food.
Napa Valley, on the other hand, feels a bit more polished—maybe even a little fancy sometimes. There are around 400 wineries lining Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. Just a heads-up: lots of places want you to book ahead, so don’t count on just dropping in everywhere.
But hey, it’s not all about wine. There’s plenty else going on:
- Catch a hot air balloon ride if you’re up early enough
- Sample olive oils at local producers (it’s more fun than it sounds)
- Wander farmers markets and snack your way through
- Spoil yourself with a spa day at some of the fancier resorts
- Hike through state parks—those redwoods are something else
Honestly, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are probably the nicest times to visit. The weather’s mellow, and the vineyards either burst with new growth or buzz with harvest energy. Can’t really go wrong, though.
Click here to check Marin County Vacation Homes availability.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Marin County Bed & Breakfasts
Marin County Boutique Hotels
Marin County Budget Lodging
Marin County Hotels
Marin County Motels
Marin County Vacation Homes
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
