1. Spend The Day With A Jedi Master And A Famous Archaeologist
Set in the aptly named Imagination Park, in the small town of San Anselmo, bronze statues of Indiana Jones and Yoda stand as gifts to the public from George Lucas.
No, this is not another one of your geek fantasies. These statues actually exist, and George Lucas maybe, probably, stared at them. So, if you stare at them, too, you’re kind of like George Lucas.
2. Explore A Health-Nut’s Paradise Lost
Set on the shore overlooking Angel Island in Tiburon, there is an eerie stone tower that is open to the public. Built by Civil War veteran Dr. Benjamin Lyford, Lyford’s Tower is the sole remnant of his dream to create a health-conscious Utopia. He referred to this vision as “Hygeia” after the Greek goddess of health, and he wanted to build a village where other like-minded people could live.
Unfortunately, Lyford’s fantasy came with rigid rules that turned away many homebuyers. He later went blind, and was unable to carry out his plans. Now, you can visit this tower, his one-time office, to see the land of his dream.
3. Get An Unique View Of The Golden Gate Bridge
Everyone knows about the rest stop on the edge of the Golden Gate Bridge overlooking the city, and you know that a bajillion photos have been taken there. Switch things up by seeing the bridge from Battery Spencer at Fort Baker.
Constructed long before the Golden Gate in 1897, Battery Spencer was used as a highly strategic guarding post that was outfitted with three M1888 12-inch guns. The three guns were removed during the two World Wars, and now this is a place to see history—and to get a great picture.
4. Get A Gods-Eye View Of The Bay Area Without Leaving The Ground
Built by the Army Corps of Engineers at the end of the 1950s, the Bay Model is a quirky way to see your natural surroundings as a whole—or a great way to feel like Godzilla.
This hydraulic scale model of the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta System displays the tides and currents that naturally occur right outside this Sausalito building.
It was originally built to show what would hypothetically happen if the South Bay were dammed, but now it’s a fun way to see tides change about every 15 minutes.
5. Don’t Get Caught Shoplifting At The San Quentin Gift Shop
Outside the gates of the famous San Quentin prison, which is home to notorious criminals and the largest male death row in the country, there is an unexpected building that seems more than a little out of place: a gift shop.
Curious visitors—you’d have to be—can find the usual garb here, like T-shirts and mugs embossed with the prison’s logo, but you can also buy handmade crafts from inmates. So, if you’re in the market for a handcrafted desktop clock or a money clip, you know where to find them.
6. Can’t Make It To Stonehenge, No Problem. Check Out Foam Henge
Referred to as the Rancho Shazam School of Art and Technical Stuff by artist Lee Greenberg, this front yard display in Larkspur/Greenbrae isn’t the average art installation. Filled with colorful pieces that aren’t afraid to raise eyebrows, like a bicycle on a high wire and a bright yellow slide descending from the second-story, this quirky space deserves a close look.
Spend some time admiring Foam Henge, a Stonehenge-esque creation made of green foam pillars, and then say hello to the joint’s very own Tin Man. Or, you know, just do what you gotta do.
7. Take Your Adventure On The rocks In The Marin Headlands
When a full moon is overhead, adventure-seekers can take part in a half-mile trek into the Marin Headlands for a free tour of the Point Bonita Lighthouse. You’ll climb occasionally steep paths and see the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset while you hear about Gold Rush shipwrecks and other fun facts. The best part? Crossing a suspension bridge over perilous cliffs.
8. A Tragic Disaster Frozen In Time
Amongst the brush and trees of Mount Tamalpais above Mill Valley, a haunting reminder of a U.S. Navy plane crash is in plane sight. It’s not a chiseled memorial, but the actual remnants from the November 1944 disaster that claimed eight lives.
You can see the aluminum and rubber wreckage of the crash site, but remember not to touch or remove any of it. Since this is U.S. government property, that’s a serious problem.
9. Shh! Don’t Tell Anyone That You’ve Been To Bolinas
Off nearby Highway 1, this tiny coastal town is known for keeping a tight grasp on its little-known hamlet. In fact, residents are rumored to have ripped down or changed road signs so that no nosy visitor could get a peek at their home.
But when you do find this beachside California oasis, you’ll be rewarded with beckoning waves on the namesake beach, organic beer with fresh seafood, and an artsy atmosphere that’s tough to leave.
10. Be Careful Not To Anger The Volcano Gods When Exploring These Marin County Ruins
In Belvedere Tiburon lies one of the strangest ruins you’re ever likely to explore: the remains of the The Lava House. This unfinished mansion was built by Jerry Ganz who was the original mass marketer of seat belts.
The house was to be made up of largely of imported lava rock, however shortly after construction began it stopped just as suddenly without explanation—leaving behind a network of staircases, subterranean rooms and balconies.
While there is no official explanation for why building was halted, but many blame the ire of volcanic gods. As the story goes, Ganz was illegally importing volcanic rock angering the gods so when workers who began stealing and taking home pieces they would meet grisly ends in freak accidents, making continued construction impossible. Pretty spooky.
11. Dare To Set Foot On A Vanishing Beach
As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, McClures Beach is set in a small, picturesque cove where rare visitors can stroll on white sand and observe pockets of tide pools.
But, this hideaway does have its dangerous drawbacks. Around the beach’s southern corner lies another beach that can only be accessed in the outgoing low tide—so don’t get stuck here at the wrong time.
12. Or Embark On A Thrilling Trek To Set Sights On A Beach Few Have Seen
Wildcat Beach is a hideaway for a reason: it takes a six-mile hike to get here. That is, after you leave behind the Point Reyes National Seashore’s Bear Valley Visitor Center, drive for a while, and reach the Palomarin trailhead. Why is it worth it?
Well, only the strong survive, so you will likely have this place to yourself. And when the tide is low, the views of Alamere Falls cascading near the surf will take your breath away.
13. Experience A Bavarian Rhapsody In The Woods
Hidden by shaded trees in Mill Valley, the Bavarian lodge of the Nature Friends International is an epicenter of outdoor excursions and cultural events that make the most of the area. Meet plenty of international visitors as a member—this place is also a hostel—and come hungry. When summertime festivals occur, the food is plentiful and the beer is cold.
If you don’t want to join the club, you can still come to the festivals. Bring money for admission, and don your best lederhosen.
14. Follow The Fork For An Epicurean Adventure
If you’re in on the secret of the Fork, then you probably already have a ticket to its next event. If you’re not, listen in, and snatch one up for the future.
Adjoining the Giacomini Family Dairy and the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, The Fork is a facility where guests can learn how to become the best in the kitchen. Claim a ticket for a cooking or baking class, sign up for a tour of the property, or snag an event seat to learn from the pros. Past lessons have included artisanal cheese making and wine tastings, so you’re bound to have fun, and leave oh-so-satisfied.
15. A Not So Straight Line To The Past
The famous 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco has left plenty of remnants in the city. However, the “Earthquake Trail” in Point Reyes National Seashore adds another startling viewpoint to that event. The San Andreas Fault lies below this shoreline, and this once-straight picket fence is now a jagged, disorderly line. It’s awe-inspiring to see the powerful forces at work underfoot, even in such a seemly serene setting.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user fabola
Did we miss anything? Tell us your favorite secret spot in Marin County in the comments below! 
