Tourism

3501 Civic Center Drive

The Marin County Civic Center was Frank Lloyd Wright's last major commission and is one of the famed architect's most distinctive designs.

The Civic Center, which spans three hills, includes a lush, 11-acre lagoon and a 20-acre park. Also on the grounds of the Civic Center complex is Marin Center, the county's largest performing arts and convention facility.

Buildings are open to the public for self-guided tours during normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteer docents lead a free one-hour tour of the Center by appointment only. Call ahead at (415) 499-7009.

1123 Court Street

Built in 1869, this Victorian Gothic church is noted for its beautiful stained glass Rose Window and redwood interior. The Rose Window was installed in 1895. (415) 456-4842.

North San Pedro Road

One of the more fascinating historic sites in San Rafael, this 1,648-acre bayside park acquired its name from a Chinese fishing village that once flourished there. China Camp has hiking and horseback riding and biking trails with sweeping views of San Pablo Bay to the east, and San Rafael and the San Francisco Bay to the west. Boat launches, fishing piers, windsurfing, and plenty of picnic tables and barbecue pits round out the park's features.

Along the park, San Pedro Road hugs the shores of San Pablo Bay for a breathtaking view of the North Bay panoramas. The road is studded with jutting points with parking, barbecue pits and picnic tables. Remnants of an old pier dating back to the founding of China Camp are off Buckeye Point. People still fish there.

Also visit a preserved fisherman's cottage and the China Camp Museum. Located in the original shrimp processing plant, the museum offers self-guided tours showing photos and tools of China Camp in its heyday. For a map of the area, call the park at (415) 456-0766.

350 Los Ranchitos Road

Guide Dogs are a familiar site on San Rafael's streets, in restaurants, and on buses. That's because San Rafael is home to Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., where dogs are raised and trained to assist blind people.

Free 45-minute tours are available, and include a trip to the kennels, the campus, the student dormitories, grounds, and gift shop. Monthly graduation ceremonies are also a good time to visit. Ceremony schedules are available by calling the organization.

Guide Dogs is an unusual tourist destination, but well worth the trip. Call (415) 499-4000.

550 B Street

Located next  to the San Rafael Community Center, the Marin Bocce Federation manages and operates a beautiful, family oriented, 10 court bocce facility open to the public 7 days a week.The facility and the rose garden are available for private parties, fund raising and corporate team building. Our many amenities can be mixed and matched to provide varied and more flexible rental packages. Ask us how Marin Bocce can help with successful fund raising events and bocce tournament management. Call (415) 485-5583.

1600 Mission Avenue

This co-ed private high school, located on 10 acres, was formerly a military academy built in 1870. It is an austere, Italianate mansion, stripped of most of its original ornamentation. Tours by appointment. (415) 453-4550.

1104 Fifth Avenue

Mission San Rafael Arcangel is a 1949 replica of the original Mission, which was constructed in 1817 and was second to last in the California mission chain. The building has been restored and includes a gift shop and small museum. The small, charming chapel is open to the public daily. (415) 454-8141.

76 Albert Park Lane

This center is a rescue mission for the rehabilitation of native species. Injured animals are treated and returned to their environment.

The Center has an indoor clinic and more than 20 outdoor cages for all types of animals. One-way glass windows allow visitors to observe recovering animals and birds without disturbing them. An indoor exhibit hall features habitat dioramas, hands-on exhibits, games for children, a small nature shop, and wildlife displays. (415) 453-1000.

The Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCVB) is a private 501-c6 organization funded by a Business Improvement District (BID). The MCVB represents nine Marin communities: Corte Madera, Fairfax, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Tiburon, and the West Marin Visitors Bureau. We promote Marin County as an overnight destination through marketing programs, collateral materials, trade missions, and partnership with other industry-related organizations. Our mission is to develop a sustainable visitor base to Marin County, enhance the local economies, and protect the natural resources through responsible promotion.  (415)925-2060.

1408 Mission Avenue

Built in 1888, the former home of Scottish shipping magnate Robert Dollar is typical of the elaborate Queen Anne style.

The 17-room mansion was purchased through public bonds in 1974 to be preserved as a historic and cultural resource. This national landmark is surrounded by 11 acres of formal grounds, natural wooded hillside and a sculpture garden. Falkirk exhibits contemporary art in the upstairs galleries and sponsors events throughout the year with other cultural organizations. Call (415) 485-3328.