The Bolinas Museum documents the history of this tiny, coastal town and hosts exhibits of contemporary art. The permanent collections include a photography gallery and a gallery dedicated to local artists. The Family History room includes a large collection of historical photos, history books and displays, and Mexican-era documents. Hours are Friday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Information: 415.868.0330 or www.bolinasmuseum.org.

China Cabin Maritime Museum is inside the actual drawing room of a passenger and cargo side-wheeler steamer that sailed between San Francisco, Japan and China. It was salvaged in 1886 and barged to the Belvedere Cove Beach in Tiburon. The museum is devoted to maritime artifacts and photos and is open on Sundays and Wednesdays, April through October, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Information: 415.435.1853 or www.landmarks-society.org/landmarks.html

China Camp is a 1,648-acre bayside park just outside of San Rafael that has fifteen miles of trails for hiking and biking, wild-life viewing, swimming, boating, windsurfing, there are twenty-five picnic sites. China Camp acquired its name from a Chinese fishing village that once flourished during the 1880s. Nearly 500 people, originally from Canton, China, lived in this village. In its heyday, there were three general stores, a marine supply store, and a barber shop. Visitors may view a preserved fisherman’s cottage and the China Camp Museum. Located in the original shrimp processing plant, the museum offers self-guided tours showing photos and artifacts from China Camp during its peak operation. The Quan family, descendants of a China Camp settler, owns and operates the remnant shrimp business and a Mom-and-Pop-type storefront called The Acme Cafe that sells cold drinks, sandwiches, shrimp cocktail and frozen sweets, located at the park entrance. The California State Park is open 8:00 a.m. to sunset all year round. The museum is open daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Information: 415.456.0766 or www.parks.ca.gov

The Marian Eakins Archaeological Collection, named after its first curator, is located in the library building of the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. The museum’s major focus is the ancient Near East, the context of the Bible, but also frequently includes displays more contemporary in nature. The museum provides an educational ministry to the seminary family and to the Bay Area community. The Seminary is located in Mill Valley on 117 acres of landscaped and wooded grounds, surrounded by water and panoramic views of the Bay and San Francisco. Admission to the museum is free.

Information: 415.380.1300 or www.ggtbs.edu

The Marin History Museum is located in Boyd House in downtown San Rafael. The house is a beautiful example of high Victorian Gothic architecture, set in a park-like garden, surrounded by a granite and iron fence. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum houses a detailed collection of local historical photos and artifacts. Founded in 1935, the Museum celebrates the traditions of innovation and creativity of the people of Marin County. The Museum’s mission statement: Through exhibitions and educational programs, the Museum inspires honor for the past, an understanding of the present, and an imagination of the future. Open Monday - Wednesday, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Information: 415.454.8538 or www.marinhistory.org.

The Marin Museum of the American Indian, located in Novato’s Miwok Park is nationally known and the only museum in the Bay Area entirely devoted to the Native American culture. The collection holds important art and artifacts and its educational programs on Native American art and culture attract world-famous scholars. The exhibits created by the Museum tour more than a dozen museums throughout the western states. The museum includes gallery exhibitions, education and public programs, a gift shop, and a reference library. Open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m.

Information: 415.897.4064 or www.marinindian.com.

Mission San Rafael Archangel is part of the Saint Raphael parish in downtown San Rafael. It is a 1949 replica of the original Spanish mission, which was constructed in 1817 and was second-to-last in the California mission chain. Original items remaining today at the Mission include three mission bells and a scroll painting of the Archangel which was hung behind the altar in the original Chapel. The landscaped and flower-filled grounds encompass 6.5 acres. The site includes a chapel, museum and gift shop which is open daily, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Mission Chapel is open for visitors Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saint Raphael’s is an active parish serving a diverse community and religious services are held daily in the Mission Chapel and the main parish church. Self-guided, group or docent-led tours are available. Admission is free, donations are welcomed.

Information: 415.456.3016 or www.saintraphael.com/museum.html

The Novato History Museum is located in the restored home of Novato’s first postmaster. The building, which was constructed in 1850 and is believed to be the oldest building in Novato, was originally located on Grant Avenue but moved to its present location of 851 DeLong Avenue. The museum includes historical photos, maps, antiques, toys, tools and exhibits, and a gift shop that sells local arts and crafts. The collection of oral histories is an ongoing project. Admission is free. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, noon to 4:00 p.m. Tours are also available by appointment.

Information: 415.897.4320 or www.cityofnovato.org/prcs/museum.cfm

The San Quentin Museum is located just inside the East Gate at San Quentin State Prison. The prison was built in 1851 and houses 600 condemned prisoners on Death Row. The museum was founded in 1985. Exhibits guide visitors in exploring the relationship of the prison to the history of California and include a model of a prison cell, a miniature gas chamber, and artifacts from the original gallows and “The Dungeon”. Museum visits by appointment only. Call 415.454.1460 and ask for Lieutenant Crittendon.

Tomales Regional History Center is located in the original, although enlarged and remodeled, Tomales High School building built in 1921. The archive includes histories of the twenty-five original grammar school in the district, local family histories, obituary file, historic maps, North Pacific Coast Railroad information, a large collection of photographs from 1870 to the present, and oral history audio and video tapes. The Museum bookstore sells works by local authors.

Information: 707.878.9443 or www.tomaleshistory.com