Bolinas, California
Bolinas is a small coastal town, nestled along Marin County’s rugged coastline. Although it feels remote, it is only 1 hour from San Francisco.
1. Restaurants, Shopping, and Activities
There are a few shops and restaurants in the small downtown. Smiley’s Saloon, which has been in business for over 150 years, has a bar, a restaurant, a hotel, and hosts live music a few times per week. Try some pizza, salad, and wine at Eleven . Bolinas Hardware carries “almost everything”, including building supplies, housewares, as well as gifts and toys.
As far as activities go, Bolinas Beach has a great surf spot. It’s also a nice place to just hang out and relax. If you feel like a hike, walk out to Bass Lake along the Palomarin Trail. If it’s warm enough, it is a great lake for swimming.
Smiley’s Saloon, Hotel, and Kitchen
2. Schools
Kids living in Bolinas attend the Bolinas-Stinson School. The Bolinas-Stinson School has two campuses. TK-1st grade students attend the Stinson Campus. The Stinson campus also houses a free preschool program for residents of Stinson and Bolinas. The Bolinas campus serves students in grades 2nd - 8th. Most students living in Bolinas attend Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley after graduating from 8th grade.
3. History
The Coastal Miwok once lived on the land now known as Bolinas. Bolinas, and its neighboring town of Stinson, were then turned into a Mexican Land Grant, given to Gregorio Briones in 1846. During the Gold Rush, redwood tree logging began in Bolinas due to the Bolinas lagoon’s proximity to San Francisco ports. Smiley’s, which is still in operation today, is rumored to have opened its doors in 1851. Bolinas welcomed an influx of free spirits in the 1970’s and became a haven for artistic, environmentally active citizens.
