The Ultimate North Bay Foodie Day Trip
3 ways to eat your way through Marin—all roads lead to hot chicken.
The North Bay isn’t just one road; it’s a web of flavors ranging from the salty coast of Point Reyes to the vine-covered hills of Napa. Instead of trying to cram it all into one marathon drive, we’ve curated three distinct foodie itineraries to help you explore the best food day trip from SF at your own pace.
Whether you’re chasing the ocean breeze, hunting for artisanal cheese, or just need to feed a hungry crew after a beach day, all roads lead to the ultimate comfort food finale: World Famous Hotboys in Novato.
Itinerary 1: The Coastal Cheese & Spice Loop
Best for: Cheese lovers, hikers, and those who want a taste of the ocean.
Stop 1: Cowgirl Creamery (Point Reyes Station) Start your morning in the charming town of Point Reyes Station. Grab a wheel of Mt. Tam (triple-cream perfection) and some crackers for the road. Take a walk around town or head to Point Reyes National Seashore for a quick hike.
Stop 2: Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. ~15 mins north along Hwy 1 Head north to the Giacomini dairy farm. Taste their legendary Original Blue. The views of Tomales Bay from here are unmatched.
Stop 3: The Fiery Finale – World Famous Hotboys (Novato) ~25 mins east via Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Rd After a day of cool coastal air and creamy cheese, you need something to wake up your palate. A Hot Chicken Sando provides the perfect sensory contrast. Novato is the perfect “re-entry” point to Hwy 101.
Itinerary 2: The Dillon Beach Day
Best for: Families, dog owners, and sun seekers.
Stop 1: Dillon Beach One of the few privately owned, dog-friendly beaches in Northern California. Spend the morning on the sand—surf, play fetch, or just nap in the sun.
Stop 2: World Famous Hotboys (Novato) ~35 mins south-east You’re salty, sandy, and starving. This is not the time for a white-tablecloth dinner; this is the time for a tray of tenders. Get a Combo with Mac & Cheese—the ultimate post-beach comfort food.
Itinerary 3: The Valley-to-Valley Tour (Napa to Marin)
Best for: Serious gourmands willing to drive for the hits.
Stop 1: Model Bakery (Napa or St. Helena) Start your day with the world-famous English Muffin. Fried in butter, fluffy as a cloud.
Stop 2: Gott’s Roadside (St. Helena or Napa) Keep it casual for lunch. A California Burger or Ahi Poke Tacos—the gold standard for roadside dining.
Stop 3: World Famous Hotboys (Novato) ~30-40 mins west via Hwy 37 or 12 End the day with a bang. A Hot Sando is the perfect counterpoint to a day of wine country indulgence.
Practical Tips
- Cooler is Key: If doing the Cheese Loop, bring a cooler with ice packs
- Check Hours: Point Reyes Farmstead often requires reservations for farm tours
- Spice Check: If you’ve spent the day in the sun, maybe start with “Mild”—it hits harder when you’re sun-tired!
Whether you’re coming from the coast, the vines, or the sand, World Famous Hotboys in Novato is the delicious crossroads where every great North Bay day trip should end.