tourist club

It's a new year, and with it brings new goals and resolutions.  Why not, make getting outside a priority this year?

Although we don't have a car, that doesn't stop us from getting outside and enjoying all the Bay Area has to offer.  With the help of Transit and Trails, a website and app that Ryan helped develop, we planned a trip to Marin.  I know I'm a bit biased, but this is such a great site that connects users to open spaces using public transit and ride sharing programs.

We kicked off our trip by taking Muni to the Ferry Building.  While we waited for our ferry to Sausalito, we hit up the Saturday Farmer's Market for some trail snacks.  My favorite stand is the flavored almonds.  So delicious and such a variety of tastes, but definitely a splurge.  One bag of almonds is $10.

Orange flavored almonds

 

Even though I take the ferry to work daily, it never gets old.  It offers a different perspective on the city, and a chance to spot some aquatic wildlife.  This particular day was quite foggy and cold in the city and on the bay, but sunshine and warmer temperatures awaited us in Marin.  

Sausalito Ferry

The plan was to take the Marin Stagecoach into the headlands for a hike.  We had some time to kill before the bus left, so we ducked in to the Sausalito Visitor's Center.  It's a small building adjacent to the ferry terminal, but such a treat.  There was a lot of great information, old photographs, and artifacts.  

After the visitor's center, we hopped on the stagecoach and, 20 minutes later, we were in the headlands.  We hiked down an old fire road through redwood trees and down into Muir Woods.  Muir Woods is such an asset, but dealing with parking and crowds can be brutal.  Taking Transit and Trails, and hiking in, allowed us to miss out on the stress of Muir Woods, and we just able to enjoy the scenery.  

At this point, we were hungry and ready for a post-hike beer.  We headed back up the hill and over to the Tourist Club.  This is a great spot to grab a beer, play a board game, and hang with friends, all while sitting outside and enjoying a breathtaking view of the redwoods.  We paired our beers with our flavored almonds and farmer's market carrots.

Post beer break, Ryan and I hiked back to Mill Valley to catch our return bus via the Dipsea Trail.  It's a series of staircases and pathways through the steep neighborhoods. 

Although one of our more costly Transit and Trails trips (thanks to the beers), this hike had it all.  A bit of urban flavor at the ferry building, a taste of state parks at Muir woods, a lively bar atmosphere at the Tourist Club, and the storybook majesty of the famous Dipsea Trail. 

Muni for two: $8 round trip

Trail snacks: $15

Ferry for two: $9 one way (with a clipper card)

Stagecoach for two: $4

Beers: $10
Return bus for 2: $5

Total:  $51 for two