We rode the SMART train into town for fun one day. We didn't have a plan other than to walk around…read more We happened upon Art Works after visiting Riley Street. Both my kiddos are very artistic and were absolutely thrilled to tour this studio/gallery space. The front desk attendant was very welcoming, and we all really enjoyed being surrounded with so much creativity. There was something to see at almost every turn, and even a few interactive pieces. It really was a treat to see my kids soak it all in and to be in their element for a change. It will be our go-to destination on all future jaunts to San Rafael.

On my first visit I found a community of artists ready to invite me into their studios and share…read moretheir meaningful works of art. Barbara, one of the artists there, even gave me a tour of the space, galleries and filled me in on the history and mission of the building and community. As a non-profit organization they work to keep the costs low for renting studio space and allow artists to rent gallery space for exhibitions. And I'm very much looking forward to the next art walk which occurs every 2nd Friday of the month. If you're looking to find an artistic community in Marin County, or just enjoy speaking with passionate artists, then you've found the right spot.

This place is magical! They have a huge selection of Buddhas…read morethat will bring peace to your home or garden!

A Gem!! Routes…read moreGallery has become one of my absolute favorite places--not just to shop, but to be inspired. Nearly every room in my world is touched by the beauty I've found there: my Skin Care Spa is filled with serene Buddha statues, shimmering geodes, and soulful objects that have helped create a sanctuary-like atmosphere for my clients. It's more than decor--it's energy. A feeling of peace, presence, and reverence that people feel the moment they walk through the door. My home and garden are equally graced by their treasures: a majestic Balinese water goddess by the fountain, a large Buddha watching over my deck, and a meditation room filled with meaningful, handpicked items--all from Routes Gallery. What truly makes this place extraordinary is the owner, Richard Routher. Richard is a gem--kind, thoughtful, full of creative ideas, and genuinely loves his work and is always so helpful to me.. He always goes above and beyond, and it shows in every interaction that I have had over the years. Whether you're looking to infuse your space with sacred beauty or searching for that perfect meaningful gift, Routes Gallery is a place of wonder and heart. I'm forever grateful I found it. Dalini

I like this community art gallery. Membership opportunities and studio space is offered at the…read moreMarin Art Society. The gallery offers a gallery with rotating art shows plus members get to display their artwork on dedicated wall space. This gallery is large and austere as you can see from the video. The day I visited the gallery there was a juried show. I had a nice conversation with a volunteer who also has a studio downstairs. Each month the members draw to select their wall space for the following month or quarter. Membership to the Society requires one to sit the gallery and pay regular dues. This location is the best kept secret in Marin. Every time I dove by I made a mental note to stop by. It took me 2 yrs a very sunny day and balloons and flags out front that I finally stopped by. I hope you visit this gallery and enjoy the many talented works from local artisans. I understand the Society takes part in the San Rafael Friday Night Art Walk as well.

Marin Society of Artists has moved from a rental gallery tucked away in Ross to a working…read morestudio/gallery located on third street and participating in the San Rafael second Friday ArtWalks. Shows are both local and national. Please join us, to nosh and enjoy the shows and even consider renting a reasonably priced studio for your own creative pursuits.

Fascinating for history students...rare finds...travel far...in Bay Area...house museum with Maple…read moreLawn building...Elk's Lodge? Downtown San Rafael has a main street with shops and restaurants...like old times...fun...anytime really...it's not hard to visit some parts of outer Bay Area counties...this area has access with the transit center buses that go out of the bridge area...nice adventure...some people are ignorant of buses...sometimes buses are a better to way to transport...house museums are in all directions NWSE...etc...this one is different...it says that the daughter was a polar photographer, geographer, and went on expeditions...related to Canada etc...really wonderful time to visit the history house...quiet community...scholarly...athletic...

MHM has some excellent programs, both over zoom and in person. I attended Jo Haraf's discussion of…read moreher book Murder, Marriage, and Betrayal, set mostly in Marin--Novato, San Rafael, Olompali--and learned so much about the founders of Marin County and it's early history. Marcy's walking tours sound fantastic, and since they are outside, they should be within covid protocols. Now that part of the collection is back in it's beautiful home in downtown San Rafael, it's more accessible. Reach out.

Initially I joined this club because its president was someone in my profession and I wanted to…read morelearn from her. Once there, I thought, "Maybe this will help me learn to talk -- to open my mouth and speak in public instead of hiding behind my preferred form of communication -- writing." I'm still here, years later, because club 1441 is one of hundreds of thousands in a worldwide organization that provides a step-by-step program in speaking and leadership that will take you as far as you want to go -- to develop your skills in the local club, or belong to two or three clubs at once and zoom through the program, or work to attain Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM, the highest-level award) and compete in the international competition for Worldwide Champion of Public Speaking. Our DTM advanced to the international competition (eight of the best speakers in the world) three times, and came in second once. She started with us, branched out, and now serves as our secretary and "raise-the-bar-way-up-high" member and mentor. When she speaks, you see the results of years of hard work and training from all the organization's top coaches. When she presents, I watch and listen so hard, to learn from her, that my eyes and ears hurt! The thing is, everyone finds a place, and from there grows and evolves into astonishingly developed versions of themselves. In fact, Toastmasters was founded by Ralph Smedley, in the early 20th century, as a YMCA self-development program for boys. Some clubs are specific to the employees of a company. Some are for advanced speakers. Ours is a community club, which results in a great diversity of personalities and professions, all cross-pollinating. Serious learning in a party atmosphere among people who become like family -- that might be a shorter way to describe Southern Marin Toastmasters, Club 1441, Mill Valley. And, oh yes, I did learn to speak in public, and to really listen!

I used to be a Toastmaster in the East Bay and was looking for a new group to join when I moved…read morecloser to Marin. I visited a couple of groups and landed in this group. From the moment I entered the room, I could feel lots of great energy. everyone was very friendly and I felt very at home. I've been a member now at this club for about 2 years. Toastmasters is a very safe place to improve my speaking skills, learn new skills and become part of larger organization that has tremendous resources for leadership and professional speaking. I highly recommend Toastmasters to anyone who wants to improve their presentation, speaking and communication skills.

I stumbled onto this glorious complex during a stay in San Rafael and immediately recognized it as…read morea Frank Lloyd Wright as I was driving by. Gorgeous! On a Saturday, the complex was drivable and viewable from the exterior but I didn't get the opportunity to see inside the gates or to wander the grounds up close. Still such an experience to see a FLW of this size and presence. A masterpiece but also not quite timeless in design. It looks like a lot to keep up and I can imagine that the interiors might not be well suited for the computer age or for the demands of the modern workplace. Good for Marin County for doing what they can to maintain the complex. It still looks great!

I had no idea that they did tours at the Marin County Civic Center. The information about Frank…read moreLloyd Wright was very interesting. The tour was very informative. There were areas that I've never seen and the history was fascinating. I highly recommend people take the tour because the history of the building is fascinating. I didn't know that there was a library there it's built in such a way that it absorbs the noise so it's very quiet and peaceful in there.

We visited the Marin Museum of Bicycling because my dad has always loved mountain biking, and it…read morewas such a cool experience to explore a place so connected to the sport's history. The entrance fee was $10/person. The museum is well put together, with vintage bikes, historic posters, and exhibits that highlight how mountain biking was born in Marin County. It felt meaningful to learn about the pioneers of the sport and see the culture celebrated in such a dedicated space. The staff and volunteers were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, taking the time to explain exhibits and share stories that brought everything to life. Even though my dad couldn't join us, visiting in his honor made the experience really special. If you appreciate cycling or know someone who does, this museum is absolutely worth the trip.

Awesome stop in Fairfax! I would definitely recommend! Joe and his wife Connie really know their…read morestuff! If Joe's around definitely ask him about the bikes and all the cool history behind them!!

I don't ever bother going into this library. I enjoy the outside grounds. It is very green on the…read moreproperty where the library sits. Looking thru the windows it kind of appears to be stuffy inside and there doesn't appear it is a comfortable place to study.

Although I didn't attend DU, I came here frequently when I was a college student living in Marin…read moreCounty to study. I was always impressed by how quiet it was- other students and patrons were always respectful and mostly silent. Making everyone check in and present their IDs made me feel safe and secure, which is always appreciated when studying in a public location. I loved the tables that faced outwards because there were some great views to take in while hitting the books. One thing to be aware of if you're not a student- the library does not offer guest WiFi, so plan ahead by setting up a mobile hotspot or preloading things on your device.

On Easter, I was up in the north Bay and looking for a church to celebrate. I drove over to Mission…read moreSan Rafael for the first time when a beautiful church an amazing history. I set a free prayers in the side chapel just after their service they had quite a community buzz going on as they had live music for the service. Just being on the grounds of Mission San Rafael brought a calmness to me. If you be looking for a spectacular place to pray or reflect. I highly recommend visiting Mission San Rafael.

Nice to be back ..church is the last resort haha ...saloon de Jesus ..don't forget ...get outread more