Tiburon sits on a small peninsula in Marin County, with Angel Island directly offshore and San Francisco framing the horizon. The shoreline paths follow former railroad lines. Kayaks cut across the glassy surface of Richardson Bay just steps from downtown. Ferries leave from Main Street. Trails lead up to wildflower-covered ridgelines with views that stretch across the Bay.
Outdoor life here isn't an amenity — it's the daily rhythm. Here's what that looks like.
Bike the Old Rail Trail to Blackie’s Pasture
The Old Rail Trail runs 2.5 miles along a former railroad line, connecting downtown to Blackie's Pasture — a waterfront park named for a retired cavalry horse who became a beloved Tiburon fixture. The paved path is flat, accessible, and well-traveled by walkers, joggers, and cyclists who've made it part of their morning routine. Along the way, there are uninterrupted views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline, plus a bronze statue of Blackie himself at trail's end.
Kayak in Richardson Bay
Richardson Bay's calm, shallow waters make it one of the more approachable places to paddle in the Bay Area. The bay is federally protected, which keeps motorized traffic minimal and wildlife abundant. Expect to spot seabirds, sea lions, and harbor seals. Local outfitters like Sea Trek Kayak SUP and Sausalito Boat Rentals offer rentals and guided tours. Access points are in Sausalito, about 30 minutes from Tiburon.
Take a Ferry to Angel Island State Park
Speaking of Angel Island — this is a classic Tiburon experience not to be missed. With an area of about one square mile, the island is one of California’s smallest state parks but also one of the most versatile. To reach the island, you take a short ferry ride (just 12 minutes) from the Tiburon Ferry Terminal. History buffs are encouraged to check out the Immigration Station. At the same time, intrepid visitors can hike or bike the island’s network of trails leading up to Mount Livermore, the island’s highest point. With views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline, it’s a beautiful place to sit down for a picnic.
Play a Round of Golf
Tiburon is near Mill Valley Golf Course, a high-quality public golf course. About a 30-minute drive away, residents and visitors can enjoy Indian Valley Golf Club. The former is a nine-hole course in the shadow of Mount Tamalpais. It’s ideal for casual play and costs just $25 for non-residents plus an extra $10 to replay the course. Further north, Indian Valley Golf Club in Marin County is one of the best links in the Bay Area. Guests rave about the rolling hills and caution that the greens can be tricky. Players can enjoy a post-round meal with drinks at the 19th Hole Bar & Grill.
Birdwatch at Richardson Bay Audubon Center
Perched at the northern extremity of the namesake bay, the Richardson Bay Audubon Center is a haven for birding. Avian populations here fluctuate with the seasons, with the greatest number of waterbirds present during winter (October through March) due to the annual Pacific Herring spawn. Visitors are invited to wander the hillside path that meanders through oak woodlands adjacent to unspoiled shore. You can spot ducks, geese, shorebirds, grebes, loons, egrets, and great blue herons, among other species.
Morning Walks Along Shoreline Park
Shoreline Park in Tiburon stretches along Paradise Drive and offers a flat, paved path with uninterrupted views of San Francisco, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The trail begins near the Tiburon Ferry Terminal. It runs east toward Mar West Street, with landscaped green space, sculptures, and interpretive signs highlighting the area's maritime and railroad history. Early mornings along this path are especially peaceful, with clear skies and minimal foot traffic, making it ideal for a relaxed walk or light jog.
The park is well-maintained and features several benches positioned at scenic points. These allow walkers to pause and take in sailboats drifting across Richardson Bay or watch ferries make their way toward the city. The proximity to downtown Tiburon means you can easily grab coffee from Caffè Acri or a pastry from Sweet Bella before starting your walk. On weekends, locals often combine their visit to Shoreline Park with the farmers market or brunch at nearby waterfront restaurants.
The park is well-maintained and features several benches positioned at scenic points. These allow walkers to pause and take in sailboats drifting across Richardson Bay or watch ferries make their way toward the city. The proximity to downtown Tiburon means you can easily grab coffee from Caffè Acri or a pastry from Sweet Bella before starting your walk. On weekends, locals often combine their visit to Shoreline Park with the farmers market or brunch at nearby waterfront restaurants.
Hike Ring Mountain
The uplands of the Tiburon Peninsula lead to Ring Mountain Preserve and its exposed ridgelines, open grasslands, and serpentine rock outcrops. Like elsewhere in Tiburon, the views are a significant draw; hikers can see across Marin County, the bay, and even San Francisco on clear days.
The Preserve is unique for its rare plant life, most notably the Tiburon Mariposa Lily, which only blooms here. You might encounter amateur botanists during wildflower season, typically from March through June. Ring Mountain is also home to ancient Coast Miwok petroglyphs etched into boulders.
The preserve includes multiple trailheads, the most popular of which is at Taylor Road and Paradise Drive. The Phyllis Ellman Trail, a favorite route, consists of a manageable loop with moderate inclines and expansive summit views. Hikers should stay on marked paths and wear footgear suitable for steep grades.
The Preserve is unique for its rare plant life, most notably the Tiburon Mariposa Lily, which only blooms here. You might encounter amateur botanists during wildflower season, typically from March through June. Ring Mountain is also home to ancient Coast Miwok petroglyphs etched into boulders.
The preserve includes multiple trailheads, the most popular of which is at Taylor Road and Paradise Drive. The Phyllis Ellman Trail, a favorite route, consists of a manageable loop with moderate inclines and expansive summit views. Hikers should stay on marked paths and wear footgear suitable for steep grades.
Moving to Tiburon?
For those considering making Tiburon their home, the abundance of outdoor recreation adds to the town’s appeal. The scenic beauty, waterfront activities, and a welcoming community make it an ideal place to live. With a variety of homes for sale in Tiburon, finding the perfect residence to enjoy this unparalleled lifestyle is within reach.
No one understands that better than Tracy Curtis — a local real estate agent whose love of nature leads to hiking and biking throughout the Tiburon area. With a background as an Olympic gymnast and an accomplished Hollywood talent agent, Tracy brings unparalleled energy and finesse to assist first-time buyers and luxury clients.
Contact Tracy today as the next step toward achieving your real estate goals in Tiburon.
No one understands that better than Tracy Curtis — a local real estate agent whose love of nature leads to hiking and biking throughout the Tiburon area. With a background as an Olympic gymnast and an accomplished Hollywood talent agent, Tracy brings unparalleled energy and finesse to assist first-time buyers and luxury clients.
Contact Tracy today as the next step toward achieving your real estate goals in Tiburon.
