Why you'd want to live in Bolinas

Bolinas is a seaside community that the locals have worked hard to keep secret. With only about 1,500 residents as of 2020, this hidden gem is one of the oldest coastal communities in Marin County. While it may be located only about 13 miles northwest of San Francisco, you’ll have to take the scenic route to get there. Currently, the community is only accessible via unmarked roads, and you won’t find any directional signs along State Road 1. The town itself offers a well-preserved blast from the past. Visitors may enjoy a trip to the Bolinas Museum to learn more about the area, and the small downtown region is a great place to shop, walk, and people watch. There is a small, public access beach near the downtown area, and local Agate Beach contains tide pools protected by the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Historically, Bolinas residents have been known as quite private, but the community is friendly and welcoming. If you’re interested in living off the beaten path in a quirky community, Bolinas is definitely worth checking out.