Nicasio, California

Tucked into the rolling hills of western Marin County, Nicasio is a tiny pastoral village that feels a world apart from the Bay Area — yet sits just 30 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. With a population measured in hundreds rather than thousands, Nicasio offers open grasslands, a historic square, one of Marin's most celebrated restaurants, and a pace of life that hasn't changed much in decades.

Dining

Rancho Nicasio

The heart of the village, Rancho Nicasio is equal parts restaurant, bar, and community gathering place. The menu features hearty American and Italian dishes, and the outdoor patio fills on warm evenings with locals, cyclists, and visitors who've made the winding drive from San Rafael. Live music on weekends draws crowds from across the county.

Nicasio Valley Cheese Company

Not a restaurant, but a destination for food lovers. This small creamery produces organic artisan cheeses — including their signature Foggy Morning and Nicasio Square — using milk from the surrounding dairy farms. Tastings are available on-site.

Things to Do

Nicasio Reservoir

The largest reservoir in the Marin Municipal Water District, Nicasio Reservoir is surrounded by grassy hills and oak woodlands. While swimming and boating are not permitted, the scenic roads around the reservoir are popular with cyclists and drivers seeking a quiet loop through the countryside.

Cycling

The roads through Nicasio Valley are among the best cycling routes in Marin. The rolling terrain, minimal traffic, and pastoral scenery attract road cyclists from across the Bay Area. A popular loop runs from Fairfax through Nicasio to Point Reyes Station and back.

Nicasio Square

The village center is anchored by a small square with a historic church — St. Mary's, built in 1867 — and a baseball diamond that hosts community games in summer. The square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Horseback Riding

Several ranches in the Nicasio Valley offer trail riding through the surrounding hills, with views of the reservoir and the ridgelines of West Marin.

Getting There

From San Rafael, take Lucas Valley Road west through the hills — a scenic 20-minute drive. From Highway 101, exit at Lucas Valley Road or Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The winding roads are part of the experience, but allow extra time and watch for cyclists.

History

Nicasio Valley was originally home to the Coast Miwok people. The name Nicasio is believed to derive from a Miwok chief. Spanish missionaries established a presence in the early 19th century, and by the mid-1800s the valley was settled by dairy ranchers whose descendants still work the land today.

Visit Nicasio and discover Marin's quietest corner.