Most of Hwy 1 in Marin is inland, with a short stretch of ocean views near Stinson Beach. Inland doesn't mean it's straight and flat, though. In fact, Hwy 1 in southern Marin County is more corkscrew-like than along the Big Sur coast. Expect to average 20 to 25 miles per hour.
Points of Interest
In order from south to north.
Stinson Beach is a nice, 3-mile long beach park.
Bolinas Lagoon is a tidal estuary that attracts over 60 species of water and shore birds. On the west side, the town of Bolinas is best-known for residents' attempts to keep outsiders from finding them, which include taking down highway signs as soon as they go up.
Point Reyes Station has the most shops and places to eat on the Marin coast, and the only gas station. Tomales Bay Foods on 4th Street sells Cowgirl Creamery cheese and other picnic goodies.
Tomales Bay an estuary about a mile wide and 20 miles long, the mirrored twin of Bolinas Lagoon, extends north. Near the shoreline town of Marshall, the Tomales Bay produces some of California's best oysters.
Side Trips
To reach the Marin Headlands, exit US 101 at Alexander Avenue. Turn west onto Conzelman Road for dramatic Golden Gate Bridge and city views, especially pretty near sunset. Continue west to see the Point Bonita Lighthouse and Rodeo Beach or leave this exploration for another trip.
To reach the town of Sausalito, exit US 101 at Alexander Avenue and go downhill. You'll end up on Bridgeway Blvd., lined with shops and places to eat. Continue north and turn right on Gate 5 Road just before Bridgeway merges with US 101 to see the town's largest houseboat marina, an eclectic collection of floating homes. Merge onto US Hwy 101 north and exit at CA Hwy 1 to continue north.
Muir Woods is about 10 miles off Hwy 1 via a well-marked road.
Point Reyes National Seashore has a scenic lighthouse, several excellent beaches and much to see. It's lovely, but big, the most interesting portions far off the highway. It takes at least 3 hours to see even a small part of it.
Dillon Beach is a privately-owned family beach at the north end of Tomales Bay, a nice place to stretch your legs. Turn west onto Dillon Beach Road in the town of Tomales.
Primary Needs
Get gasoline in Sausalito or Mill Valley going north or in Point Reyes Station going south. For almost 30 miles in between, there are no gas stations. Humans can fuel up in several places, including Stinson Beach, Olema and Point Reyes Station.