Marin

Breathtaking views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco’s skyline await you at the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point of Sausalito.

We capped off a road trip with a stop at this vista point. Blink and you miss the exit! Read more here.

After crossing Golden Gate Bridge heading North on the 101, exit immediately to park and some of the best views of the Bay!

Just after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge heading North on the 101 in Marin County, you’ll pass through a rainbow archway and tunnel named in honor of the Bay Area’s own "Rainbow Randolph" Robin Williams.

Our kids always love to see the rainbow on our way home after adventures on the road. Read more about The Bay's beloved comedian here.

At the base of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin lies the former military installation: Fort Baker. Within the picturesque site lies the Bay Area Discovery Museum!

An award-winning hands-on full sensory experience for your youngsters to explore the Bay at its best. Our kids have been visiting this unique children’s museum since they were both toddlers. There is something for each age group with both exhibits inside and outside. Be ready for active play at the BADM!

They encourage interacting with each exhibit full of sensory experience for a multitude of ages. The Tot Spot features a full wall of locks and door knobs to try out and places to climb for the tiniest of the kiddos.

Find the Goblins as you walk a short hike up the Stump Trail for scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. Don’t forget to ring the bell at the top of the hill!

Be sure to climb aboard Faith in Lookout Cove which is a restored salmon fishing boat the kids love to explore every single nook, cranny. If your kids enjoy the seafood industry, head inside the Bay Hall for more fun and there’s even a huge train table!

There’s even a mud kitchen to perfect those squishy creations.

We love their themed events ranging from a kid-friendly Fall Event and annual fund raiser: Goblin Jamboree. Usually there’s a fun slime area, great fall crafting and a hay maze to explore! Don your costume for a family-centered adventure!

You’ll find the Bean Sprout Cafe onsite for some healthy snack and lunch options. Of course they serve coffee.

There are bathrooms throughout the campus in almost every building. A map for your reference is here.

Our kiddos enjoy art-themed events like Big Art Weekend. Especially when they can paint a statue or car. Check out their upcoming events here.

The museum offers hands-on experiences. So, be sure to bring a change of clothes for when the fun is over. Between water tables, mud kitchens, painting and crafts, your little will play their way to a fun mess.

Bubbles are always flying and the kids are full of laughter and joy at this Bay Area can’t miss stop for the kids.

Check out their current exhibits here!

Nestled in the hillside of San Rafael along the 101 lies blue-roofed buildings with a spire connecting across the hills. This unique architecture was made responsible by none other than one of America’s most renowned architects: Frank Lloyd Wright.

You are welcome to roam and explore the beauty and unique vision of this iconic artist. Marin County Civic Center was Frank Lloyd Wright’s last commission and one of his largest.

The Civic Center’s futuristic build was featured in films such as “Gattaca” and inspired Bay Area’s own filmmakers like George Lucas’s “THX 1138” . Read more about Lucas’s architectural references here.

Before visiting the extensive Marin County Civic Center, download the App for more information here.

A self-guided tour is highly recommended for casually exploring this expansive space on your own time. More information is listed here. If you’d prefer a docent-led tour, they offer reservations and more information here.

We opted for the self-guided tour and made our way to the public parking off Civic Center Drive. After parking, locate one of the entrances and admire the shapes and almost effervescent quality to the design touches you’re greeted into the space.

Don't miss the circular USPS location, Frank Lloyd Wright's "only commission for a national U.S. government facility."

The escalator was intended to carry employees for a “compression and release” per Wright for accessing the mall spaces of Administration Building and the Hall of Justice. In the evenings, the escalator is reversed for employees to descend at the end of serving the public for their commute home.

Near the escalator and gates, don’t miss the Living Wall. This green-scaping adds not only color to the space, but a soft essence to offset the harder and more defined aspects to the space.

Not far from the Living Wall, you’ll locate Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic red square. When viewing the model on the first floor, you’ll note a second red square.

After ascending to the first floor, view the model as the Civic Center as Frank Lloyd Wright intended.

Room 233 houses the cafeteria and access to the pool and spire for an up-close view of the iconic exclamation point in Frank Lloyd Wright’s design, the spire.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s smallest commission, now owed by the County of Marin, is also housed in Room 233: a doghouse.

The flowing water, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature design features, bubbles and flows creating a natural decompression zone during your workday. Including a waterfall, the pool uses recycled water.

Admire the arched rooftop meant to distract the eye as an optical illusion as you view the two buildings crossing the hills obscuring any imperfections. The blue color was originally intended to be gold.

Per the Official County of Marin:

Don’t miss the Civic Center Library on the fourth floor which even features a vinyl listening area under its domed ceiling. The librarians are also helpful if you have any questions or need directions.

At the end of the Administration Building on the fourth floor, you’ll find the water conservation garden where Frank Lloyd Wright stood and had his original vision. Visit the Marin County Civic Center to literally walk in the footsteps of one of America's most iconic architects.

Reservations are required to visit. However, it’s well worth forgoing the hassle of parking to revel in the Redwoods of Marin County by making a shuttle reservation here.

Take your time to explore the quiet beauty of The Giants. Muir Woods has a handy trail chart for you to #findyourtrail

Be sure to check out the conditions before heading out here.