Shopping
Main Street-Tiburon
Tiburon is the last bastion of homegrown stores in Marin. Without a chain in sight, Main Street is a collection of pricey boutiques, eclectic shops and historic buildings. The nicest thing about this neighborhood is how walkable it is. While the beginning of the street is top heavy with restaurants, further down the road are a unique mix of retailers and Tiburon’s Ark Row, a borough that in the 1890’s was a houseboat neighborhood.
Sausalito
Sausalito is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, on the southeastern tip of Marin County. Sausalito was incorporated in 1893, and named by 18th century Spanish explorers for the “little willow” trees (Sausalito) that were found, in abundance, on the banks of its streams. Sausalito covers a mere two and one half miles; a small town of only 7,500 residents boasting spectacular waterfront views. While shopping at the many art galleries, boutiques and cafes in Sausalito, enjoy the sweeping views along the promenade of San Francisco Bay.
The Village at Corte Madera
With Nordstrom’s, Macy’s and a slew of big name retailers, this is the place to go for clothing. Lots of parking and should the window- shopping elevate your appetite at The Cheesecake Factory or Boudin’s. To get there, take Highway 101 north from Mill Valley or Tiburon and get off at the Paradise Drive exit, turn right at the light. The shopping center is on your left.
Strawberry Village
Located just off Highway 101 in Mill Valley. From downtown Mill Valley, take the East Blithedale Ave/Route 131 exit and take the Redwood Highway access to the center. From Tiburon, just take Rte. 131 to Redwood Highway and turn left.
The Town Center
Opposite the Village in Corte Madera, the Town Center has become the place to shop for people looking for ways to improve the home. With Z Gallerie, The Container Store and Sur La Table, as well as more conventional retailers like Radio Shack, The Town Center has become a very busy place. Take Highway 101 north and exit at Paradise. Go left at the signal, crossing over freeway and the stores are on your right.
The Mall at North Gate
Marin’s only indoor mall, North Gate has become a favorite with families because the mall has a 15-screen movie theater, Macy’s, Mervyn’s and over 50 other stores. Take Highway 101 North and take the Freitas Parkway exit in San Rafael and cross the freeway. Follow the signs.
Vintage Oaks Shopping Center
The newest shopping center in Marin, this sprawling mall is known as a discount outlet with Marshall’s Ross and Costco. Chains like Old Navy and Oshman’s are also here and there is lots of parking. The shopping center is straightforward and a good place to go for basics. To get there, take Highway 101 North in to Novato, and get off at the Rowland Ave. exit.
Downtown San Anselmo
If antiques and collectibles are your secret love, then San Anselmo is your paradise. With 130 dealers all within a half-mile walk of each other, this charming berg is a throwback to yesterday. Most stores will ship anywhere you want (there are some obvious limitations in terms of furniture). As shopping can be hard work, there are several great places to stop and enjoy an afternoon’s repast.
4th Street-San Rafael
San Rafael is Marin’s largest city, and 4th Street is the liveliest route in the county. The shopping isn’t the whole attraction. The neighborhood is all about entertainment. With a fully restored movie house (the Rafael) complete with art deco murals and fixtures, and lots of great restaurants (Il Davide is a favorite), two music halls and a pool palace where nobody is named Fast Eddie, 4th Street makes a good late afternoon destination. Do a little shopping, have a bite, catch some tunes or shoot some stick.