Tiburon

The Basics

The Tiburon waterfront is directly across from San Francisco, with impressive views of the bay and rolling hills of the Marin Headlands. Tiburon is an ideal shopping destination. On Main Street, you'll discover boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and historic Ark Row. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are nearby hikes and numerous bike trails.

Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is the perfect way to end up in Tiburon; bike rental is available in San Francisco, and many vendors will even suggest a route for you. Bay cruises are also a great option, and some offer dinner or drinks. If you opt for a cruise, you'll need to find your own way into Tiburon, as most cruises do a loop, beginning and ending in San Francisco.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The ferry from San Francisco to Tiburon does not run on weekends and holidays.

• Weather can change quickly in the Bay Area, so bring a sweater, and expect winds gusting off the bay.

• Enjoy a picnic and watch the sailboats at Tiburon's Shoreline Park.

How to Get There

One of the best features of Tiburon is its accessibility by ferry. During weekdays, cruise across the bay from downtown San Francisco via the Blue & Gold Fleet Tiburon Ferry. You may find skip-the-line tickets if you purchase in advance. On weekends and holidays, opt to drive. Tiburn is accessible on Highway 131 via Highway 101.

When to Get There

Though Tiburon has an inviting climate year-round, spring has mild weather and minimal rain, and fall tends to be warmest. On weekends, Tiburon's Main Street is bustling, so arrive early to check out the boutiques and cafés. The town is sleepy during the week, so expect fewer people and some shops to be closed.

Old St. Hilary’s Open Space Preserve

If you're looking for Tiburon's hidden gem and spectacular views, be sure to visit Old St. Hilary’s Open Space Preserve. With over 100 acres of protected land at the end of the Tiburon Peninsula, the site offers unparalleled bay views with the San Francisco skyline in the distance. It's a quick hike from the ferry terminal—and downtown parking lots—so be sure to wear comfy shoes.

Is Tiburon or Sausalito better?

Both Tiburon and Sausalito are nice places, but many people prefer Sausalito, especially as a day-trip destination. Tiburon is smaller and while it’s less touristy—which some people may consider a positive—there are also fewer places to eat and drink than in Sausalito. However, both have good views of San Francisco.

What is Tiburon known for?

The seaside suburb of Tiburon is known for its wonderful views of San Francisco and for being an upmarket, quiet place. It has tennis and yacht clubs and is a good place to hike, bike, have a picnic, watch the boats, or visit on a day trip from San Francisco.

Why is Tiburon, California, called Tiburon?

The name Tiburon derives from the Spanish word tiburon, which means shark. The area was probably named this because leopard sharks are native to the waters around the peninsula, and still are often seen in the bay. They have an attractive leopard-like pattern on their skin, but aren’t generally dangerous.

Is Tiburon nice?

Yes, Tiburon is a very nice town in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a good place to visit on or to stay overnight. It’s been called one of the nicest places to live in California. There are great views of San Francisco from Tiburon, as well as nice outdoor activities.

Which celebrities live in Tiburon?

Chilean-American author Isabel Allende, former skier and TV presenter Jonny Mosely, musician Carlos Santana, and the late comedian Robin Williams live (or recently lived) in and around Tiburon. Tiburon is an upmarket part of San Francisco, so it’s no surprise that wealthy celebrities choose to live there.

Does Tiburon have a downtown?

Yes, although Tiburon is a small suburb in the San Francisco Bay Area, it has a downtown. Downtown Tiburon features plenty of eateries and boutique shops, and Shoreline Park is adjacent to it. Some of the best views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen from the park.