Touring * Historic *

From U.S. 101 heading north from central San Rafael or south from Novato, exit at North San Pedro Road and take the first left to reach the county offices, where parking can be found along most of the streets on the Civic Center grounds.

On a beautiful day, you may be able forgive the poor condition of the pavement around the lake as you visit Marin County's government seat. The path is pretty awful near the pond, and it may be covered with debris, but you should consider a short skate trip here anyway if only to see the work of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed the Marin Civic Center building. The bike path doesn't completely encircle the pond, but there's more to explore on the grounds and parking lots of the civic center. This location offers an excellent opportunity to get a bit of fresh air and exercise while you critique Wright's design. As you picnic at the lakeside, the local seagulls are happy to put on an air show, and ducks and geese go about life on the surface of their pond (with the help of children who feed them bread crumbs). The surrounding hills make lovely scenery, and they also serve as a sound buffer against the highway's roar.