What happens when you cross the Golden Gate Bridge and just keep going? You land in Marin County—a place that feels like a well-kept secret, even though it’s hiding in plain sight. On the latest episode of Mixtape Travels, I caught up with Adam Cohen, the man behind the wildly entertaining Instagram account @Marin.Dad, who has made it his mission to capture the magic of Marin. We talked about the area’s quirky charm, its insanely beautiful landscapes, its deep-rooted history, and why so many people fall head over heels for this stretch of Northern California coast.
🎧 Click on the above link to listen to the interview or listen on “Mixtape Travels” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Here are a few highlights from our chat:
💫The Spirit of Marin
Adam describes Marin as “Shangri-La”—a place people never want to leave. It’s not just the stunning views or quiet beaches; it’s the feeling of being connected to nature and community. Locals are out hiking, biking, and breathing it all in daily. As Adam says, “You can’t live anywhere else once you’ve been here.”
🚴♀️The Great Outdoors, Amplified
84% of Marin is protected open space. Let that sink in.
From solo hikes in the Marin Headlands to epic views atop Mount Tamalpais, outdoor lovers are spoiled here. If you’re into mountain biking, Fairfax is basically a shrine—it’s home to the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame and a hotbed of wellness culture.
🍽 Foodie Favorites
Marin doesn’t shout about its food scene—it doesn’t have to. Local go-tos include:
Fish (Sausalito): Legendary for a reason
Buckeye Roadhouse (Mill Valley): Truffle fries, martinis, mahogany—enough said
Sam’s Anchor Cafe (Tiburon): Deck dining with a side of mai tais
Ryan Scott Boutique Food Trailer Cafe (San Anselmo): Open Friday - Sunday from 8am-2pm, celebrity chef Ryan Scott offers incredible breakfast & lunch options bursting with local ingredients
Comforts (San Anselmo): The Chinese chicken salad is an absolute must
Village Sake (Fairfax): Excellent sushi, featured in ‘25 Michelin guide
Plus: San Rafael’s farmers market, and plenty of tiny neighborhood gems
🎶 Music, Art & Marin’s Creative Roots
Marin is packed with quiet legends. Otis Redding wrote “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” here. The Grateful Dead rehearsed in a seaplane hangar. Alan Watts and other counterculture icons built Druid Heights near Muir Woods. And these days, everyone from tech founders to former rockstars still quietly call it home.
🐟The Perfect Day in Marin, According to Adam
Adam’s ideal itinerary sounds like the dream day you didn’t know you needed:
Start with Equator Coffee and a surf-shop browse at Proof Lab in Tam Junction
Hike Tennessee Valley to a hidden beach
Cruise up Hwy 1, stopping at Stinson Beach or the Marshall Store for oysters
Watch the elk roam Point Reyes
Grab dinner at Fish in Sausalito or the Guesthouse in Kentfield
End with a legal (!) beach bonfire at Muir Beach under the stars
✨ Magical Marin
Marin has layers. It's both fancy and laid-back, rugged and refined. It’s a short drive from San Francisco, but feels worlds away. And thanks to dedicated locals (shoutout to the folks who stopped the Marinchello development in the '70s), it’s stayed stunningly preserved.
Meet Adam Cohen
Adam Cohen, widely recognized as "The Marin Dad," is a Marin-based content creator and community advocate who has become a local fixture through his humorous and insightful social media presence. Since moving to Marin County in 2019, Adam has built a loyal following on Instagram @marin.dad by capturing the quirks and charm of life in Marin—from early morning bike rides up Mt. Tam to the everyday adventures of parenting. Through his platform, The Marin Dad, he promotes local businesses and events and organizes corporate retreats via his company, Marin Offsite. Beyond his digital persona, Adam is deeply involved in the community, serving on the board of the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce and championing initiatives that enhance local life.Whether spotlighting hidden gems or encouraging newcomers to embrace the "Marin Magic," Adam embodies a spirit of connection, curiosity, and civic pride.
Whether it’s biking the hills, kayaking the bay, hiking in silence, or spotting eagles in West Marin, Adam calls Marin’s outdoor lifestyle an “adventure industry that no one’s branded yet.” And honestly, maybe that’s a good thing.
So pack your hiking shoes, bring a few snacks, and do as Adam does: don’t just look at the views—immerse yourself in them.
Do you have a favorite spot in Marin? Let me know in the comments!
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