Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Bolinas, California Bolinas is known for its fiercely independent residents, who embrace quiet living, environmental stewardship, and a strong local arts scene. The town features a few unmarked roads, community-run bookstores, and a volunteer-run museum celebrating its unique character. Outdoor lovers can explore tidepools, hike in nearby state parks, or surf the gentle waves off Bolinas Beach. In Bolinas, every experience feels authentic, personal, and grounded in place. Top areas to stay at in Bolinas, California Downtown Bolinas Downtown Bolinas offers the town’s few but beloved shops, cafés, and community spaces, all within a few walkable blocks. Rentals in Bolinas include vintage cottages, rustic artist homes, and quirky studios with lots of charm. Staying downtown means being near the museum, community center, and local grocery co-op. Bolinas Beachfront The Bolinas Beachfront area places you steps from the sand and surf, offering peaceful ocean views and salty sea air. Vacation rentals range from retro surf shacks to upscale homes with floor-to-ceiling windows and firepits. Guests can enjoy long walks on the beach, beachcombing, and early morning surf sessions. This area is ideal for those seeking relaxation right on the water. Horseshoe Hill Road A more secluded and wooded part of town, Horseshoe Hill Road is dotted with homes nestled in trees and surrounded by wild gardens. Rentals in Horseshoe Hill Road include secluded cabins, family homes with views, and creative Airbnbs full of books, art, and cozy nooks. Writers, retreat seekers, and those craving peace and privacy will find this ideal. Horseshoe Hill Road is the quiet heart of Bolinas. Big Mesa Area Perched above downtown, the Big Mesa Area offers ocean views, open skies, and access to nature trails and biking routes. Vacation homes in Big Mesa Area include architect-designed residences, bungalows with decks, and pet-friendly Airbnbs. This spot is ideal for both sunset enthusiasts and outdoor explorers. Big Mesa is Bolinas’ breezy and open horizon. Olema-Bolinas Road Vicinity Located on the road into town, the Olema-Bolinas Road Vicinity is ideal for those who want a bit of distance while staying close to everything. Rentals include eco-lodges, small homes with gardens, and budget-friendly Airbnbs tucked into the hills. Travelers exploring Bolinas and the wider Point Reyes region will find this an excellent option. This zone balances convenience with a rustic feel. Must-visit places and attractions in Bolinas, California Bolinas Beach Tucked between the lagoon and the Pacific, Bolinas Beach is a favorite for gentle surfing, beachcombing, and quiet walks. Visitors often find themselves sharing the sand with locals and the occasional seal. The beach is clean, peaceful, and rarely crowded. Bolinas Museum The Bolinas Museum is a small, community-driven institution showcasing local history, coastal ecology, and regional art. Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibitions, outdoor sculpture installations, and talks by area artists. The museum is a cultural hub that reflects Bolinas’ love for art and activism. Agate Beach and Duxbury Reef Just south of town, Agate Beach and Duxbury Reef offer dramatic cliffs, tidepools, and one of the largest shale reefs on the West Coast. Visitors can spot starfish, anemones, and crabs while walking at low tide. The site is also part of the Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary. Gospel Flat Farm Stand A beloved roadside attraction, Gospel Flat Farm Stand is an honor-system organic market offering local produce, flowers, and homemade goods. The farm opens every day, featuring unique decorations like hand-painted signs and whimsical rural artwork. Visitors can stroll the garden paths and support Bolinas' sustainable lifestyle. Bolinas Lagoon Bordering the town, the Bolinas Lagoon is a vital estuary known for birdwatching, kayaking, and its protected natural habitat. Guests can observe herons, egrets, harbor seals, and migratory species year-round. The area is calm and meditative, great for nature lovers and photographers. Bolinas Lagoon adds ecological richness to your stay. Palomarin Trailhead / Point Reyes Trails At the southern edge of Point Reyes National Seashore, the Palomarin Trailhead leads to stunning hikes with coastal views, waterfalls, and forested ridgelines. The trails are well-maintained and suited for both beginners and serious hikers. Visitors often spot wildlife and wildflowers along the way. Commonweal Garden and Retreat Center This holistic retreat space focuses on health, sustainability, and environmental healing. Commonweal Garden offers guided walks, meditation spaces, and community events set in serene natural surroundings. The center is dedicated to personal and planetary wellness. Smile’s Beach Club (Historic Site) Although no longer in operation, Smile’s Beach Club remains a fond memory for many Bolinas locals. Once a dance hall and social hotspot, its story lives on in town lore and oral history. It symbolizes the town’s golden era of bohemian music and rebellion. Where to find a vacation rental near Bolinas Fort Bragg, California Farther up the Pacific coast, Fort Bragg is a rugged seaside town known for its dramatic cliffs, Glass Beach, and the historic Skunk Train. Vacation rentals include oceanfront cottages, redwood cabins, and lodges with panoramic coastal views. Visitors can explore botanical gardens or enjoy fresh seafood at harborfront restaurants. For a wild and breezy retreat, settle into a house in Fort Bragg, where sea spray and wooded paths set the mood. Ojai, California Located inland in Ventura County, Ojai is a peaceful valley town filled with art galleries, yoga retreats, and Mediterranean vibes. Rentals include casitas, mission-style homes, and desert garden cottages. Guests can browse indie bookstores, hike to meditation spots, or sample organic cuisine. For a soulful and serene visit, relax in a vacation rental in Ojai, where healing hills and creative energy invite reflection. Monterey, California A few hours south along the coast, Monterey is a world-famous marine city offering the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and cliffside drives. Vacation homes include classic seaside cottages, downtown condos, and historic residences near Fisherman’s Wharf. Visitors can whale-watch, dine on fresh seafood, or drive the scenic 17-Mile Drive. For ocean learning and luxury, stay in an apartment in Monterey, where history and marine life meet at your doorstep. Ensenada, Baja California Just across the border in Mexico, Ensenada blends Baja beach life with culinary flair and vibrant culture. Rentals range from ocean-view villas to colorful homes in downtown neighborhoods. Guests can enjoy wine tasting in the Valle de Guadalupe or stroll the malecón. For a flavorful coastal retreat, book a vacation rental in Ensenada, where beaches and tacos share the horizon Inverness, California Just across the lagoon from Bolinas, Inverness is a tranquil Point Reyes village with forest cabins, waterfront homes, and foggy charm. Guests can hike Tomales Bay trails, kayak near tule marshes, or explore the shipwreck on the beach. For a misty, meditative escape, stay in a house in Inverness, where tidepools and tall trees create a quiet rhythm. Explore stunning coastal towns and embrace nature across the United States. Located on the scenic Californian coast, this destination offers breathtaking ocean views and vibrant artistic culture. Extend your coastal journey by exploring the charming streets and waterfronts of vacation rentals in Bellingham, where Fairhaven's historic district awaits. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll find a variety of Sausalito airbnb options, offering picturesque views of the bay and easy access to unique boutiques. For a touch of tranquility, consider Bayfield vacation stays along Lake Superior, renowned for its stunning lakeshore and maritime history. Or, venture to the shores of Lake Michigan by exploring rentals in Manistee, with its beautiful beaches and Victorian charm. Nature enthusiasts will find this destination a gateway to abundant natural wonders. Discover the rugged expanses of Broken Bow holiday let's, where the nearby Nebraska National Forest promises serene outdoor moments. The beauty continues in vacation homes in Sheridan, WY, nestled in the Bighorn Mountains, ideal for hiking and exploring the American West. Adventure further to airbnb Sandy in Utah to marvel at the vibrant landscapes of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Lastly, book a stay in Fairbanks, Alaska, where the northern lights and midnight sun provide a truly unique natural spectacle.