Marin County offers every kind of gracious living: from slow paced small town friendliness to innovative sophistication; from extreme privacy on the rugged shoreline to the beauty and commanding presence of Mt. Tamalpais (2,600 ft). Marin County is proud of its dedicated open space land, as well as its parks and recreation systems it has created to keep Marin a beautiful place to live and a wondrous and exciting place to visit.

Cities are nestled in valleys between mountainous ridges and each community has its own personality, history and beauty. Marin enjoys a well educated population known for its enthusiastic support of the arts and nature. Creative minds are drawn to the area for its tranquil beauty and close proximity to a cosmopolitan city. Premier events include the open-air Mountain Play, Mill Valley Film Festival and Sausalito Arts Festival! The award-winning Marin County Fair and Exposition was the first fair, nationwide, to go on-line. But Marin's strengths lie not only in its entrepreneurs, but also in its unique environmental setting.

History: Initially, Marin County was occupied by the Miwok Indians. In June of 1579, Sir Francis Drake sailed into Marin County (or San Francisco Bay) on the "Golden Hinde". The Spanish influence began only in 1769, when the land explorers moved into the area. The Yankees finally came to Marin but treated the Indians so badly that they were nearly wiped out. Ferry slips and rail lines were built, which caused the area to explode with growth. Almost immediately, Marin County became a haven of relief from the hustle and bustle of the city across the Bay. In 1937 the now famous Golden Gate Bridge was opened, linking Marin County with San Francisco. The Golden Gate National Recreational Area was developed into the largest park in California.

Climate: The weather is described as delightful, but if you live west of Mt. Tamalpais, during the summer the wind blows and the fog swirls. In the inland regions, summer nights are cool and days are warm with low humidity. Day-time temperature rarely exceeds 88°. With the exception of a few blustery and rainy days, the weather is balmy from January through December.

Diversity is the name of the game: Oceans, mountains, views, fish, flora and fauna. Marin County is well known for its beauty, comfort, convenience and sophistication. Choose Marin and you'll choose well!

Marin County is geographically divided into four distinct sections: