Old St. Hilary's Preserve: A Wildflower Haven with Bay Views

Discover breathtaking views and rare wildflowers at Old St. Hilary's Preserve in Tiburon, a historic landmark offering natural beauty and tranquility.

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Old St. Hilary's Preserve

Old St. Hilary's Preserve in Belvedere Tiburon offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area from its rolling grasslands and the historic Old St. Hilary's Church. This 232-acre preserve is known for its diverse wildflower population, including the rare Tiburon jewelflower, making it a beautiful destination for hikers and nature lovers.

A brief summary to Old St. Hilary's Preserve

2000 Vistazo St W, Belvedere Tiburon, Belvedere Tiburon, California, 94920, US
+1415-473-6387
Visit website

Sunday 1 pm-4 pm

Local tips

Visit in the spring to witness the hills blanketed in wildflowers, especially around the church.
Wear appropriate footwear, as trails can be muddy during the rainy season.
Bring water, as there are no restrooms or water fountains on site.
Be respectful of local residents when parking, and avoid blocking streets or driveways.
Stay on marked trails to protect the sensitive ecosystem and avoid trespassing on private property.

Getting There

Walking

From downtown Tiburon, the preserve can be reached by walking uphill along Lyford Drive and then turning onto Vistazo Street West. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 30 minutes. Be prepared for a steep incline.
Public Transport

From the Tiburon Ferry Landing, take Marin Transit Route 219 towards Tiburon hills. Get off at the Tiburon Blvd & Beach Rd stop, then walk along Lyford Drive and turn onto Vistazo Street West. The bus fare is approximately $2.50.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From the Tiburon Ferry Landing, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to the preserve entrance at 2000 Vistazo St W will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on demand and traffic. The ride is about 5-10 minutes.

Discover more about Old St. Hilary's Preserve

Old St. Hilary's Preserve is a captivating natural space located in Belvedere Tiburon, California, offering a blend of scenic beauty, historical significance, and unique biodiversity. This 232-acre preserve features rolling grasslands, rare serpentine soil, and the iconic Old St. Hilary's Church, a Carpenter Gothic structure dating back to 1888. The preserve is renowned for its spectacular views, encompassing the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and more. Visitors can explore the area via hiking trails, including the Heathcliff Fire Road, which leads to panoramic vistas. The preserve connects to the Tiburon Uplands, offering an extended area for exploration. Old St. Hilary's Church, a former Roman Catholic church, adds a historical dimension to the site. Deconsecrated in 1954, the church is now maintained by the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society and serves as a venue for weddings, concerts, and special events. The adjacent John Thomas Howell Wildflower Preserve is home to a diverse array of plant species, including the endangered Tiburon jewelflower, which blooms in mid-May to mid-June. The preserve's unique geology and freshwater springs contribute to its rich ecosystem, supporting a wide variety of native plants and wildlife. In 2024, the preserve expanded by 110 acres, reflecting decades of community advocacy to protect this valuable open space. Today, Old St. Hilary's Preserve stands as a testament to the area's natural beauty and the community's commitment to conservation.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Old St. Hilary's Historic Preserve

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Discover the rich history and breathtaking views at Old St. Hilary's Historic Preserve, a hidden gem in Belvedere Tiburon, California.

Landmarks China Cabin

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Discover the historic elegance of the China Cabin, a unique event venue in Belvedere Tiburon, rich with captivating history and stunning architecture.

Angel Island Immigration Station

2.9 km

Explore the Angel Island Immigration Station: A historic journey through America's immigration narrative with stunning views across the San Francisco Bay.

Angel Island Immigration Museum

3.0 km

Explore the Angel Island Immigration Museum, where history and breathtaking views converge to tell the poignant stories of America's immigrants.

Angel Island State Park

3.0 km

Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Angel Island State Park, a captivating getaway in the San Francisco Bay for nature and history lovers.

Antioch Aired

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Explore Antioch Aired, your gateway to local services and classified ads that connect you with the heart of the community.

Alcatraz Island

6.9 km

Discover the intriguing history and stunning views of Alcatraz Island, a must-visit tourist attraction in San Francisco Bay.

Alcatraz Lighthouse

7.0 km

Discover the historic Alcatraz Lighthouse, the first beacon on the West Coast, offering a glimpse into maritime history and stunning views of San Francisco Bay from the infamous Alcatraz Island.

Golden Gate Bridge

7.4 km

Experience the breathtaking beauty and historical significance of the Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco and a must-see for every traveler.

Richmond Shipyards District (California Historical Landmark No. 1032)

8.2 km

Uncover the legacy of the Richmond Shipyards District, a historical landmark showcasing America's shipbuilding heritage during World War II.

Richmond Shipyards District (California Historical Landmark No. 1032)

The Wave Organ

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Discover the Wave Organ in San Francisco: an acoustic sculpture where the ocean plays music, offering stunning views and a unique sensory experience on the city's waterfront.

Strauss Statue

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Explore the Strauss Statue in San Francisco's Presidio—a tribute to the visionary behind the Golden Gate Bridge, blending history, art, and stunning views.

Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point

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Experience stunning panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge at the Vista Point in San Francisco, a must-visit for any traveler.

Black Point

8.7 km

Experience the historical allure and stunning vistas of Black Point, a premier tourist attraction in San Francisco's Fort Mason.

Marina Airfield Historical Marker

8.7 km

Discover San Francisco's aviation history at the Marina Airfield Historical Marker, a tribute to early airmail and helicopter innovation along the scenic San Francisco Bay Trail.

Unmissable attractions to see

Tiburon Uplands

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Paradise Beach Park

1.0 km

Escape to Paradise Beach Park in Tiburon for stunning bay views, peaceful picnics, and a relaxing coastal experience, just minutes from downtown with easy access to Angel Island.

Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum

1.3 km

Discover the captivating history of Tiburon's transportation legacy at the Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum, where history meets the bay.

Livermore Wine Trolley

3.0 km

Explore Livermore Wine Trolley for a scenic journey through California's stunning vineyards and indulging in fine wine tastings.

Angel Island

3.2 km

Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of Angel Island, a historic gem in San Francisco Bay with stunning views and outdoor adventures.

Summit of Mt. Livermore

3.2 km

Hike to the top of Angel Island's Mt. Livermore for unmatched panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and a serene escape into nature and history.

Sausalito Historical Society Museum

3.7 km

Discover the captivating history of Sausalito at the Sausalito Historical Society Museum, where local stories and maritime heritage come to life.

Viña del Mar Park

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Sausalito house boats

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Sausalito

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Sausalito Boardwalk

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Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour

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Waldo Point Harbor

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Discover the vibrant flavors of New American cuisine at Street Restaurant and Bar in San Francisco's Polk Gulch—where every dish tells a story.

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Interval at Long Now

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Luau Lounge

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Players Sports Grill & Arcade

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Experience the ultimate blend of food, drinks, and arcade fun at Players Sports Grill & Arcade in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco.

The Socialite Crafthouse & Kitchen

9.1 km

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Hard Rock Cafe

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Savor classic American cuisine amidst iconic rock music memorabilia at Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco, a vibrant dining experience at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Northpoint Craft Cocktails - Local Brews

9.3 km

Experience the best of San Francisco's cocktail culture at Northpoint Craft Cocktails, featuring local brews and inventive mixology in a cozy setting.

Northpoint Craft Cocktails - Local Brews

Red Jack Saloon

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Discover the lively bar scene at Red Jack Saloon, a Fisherman's Wharf gem offering great drinks and a vibrant atmosphere in San Francisco.

Sweetie's Art Bar

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Experience the artistic vibe and creative cocktails at Sweetie's Art Bar, a beloved local bar in the heart of San Francisco's North Beach.

Bodega North Beach

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Bar Iris

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Discover the vibrant fusion of cocktails and Japanese cuisine at Bar Iris, a must-visit culinary gem in San Francisco's Polk Gulch.

Tony Nik's CAFE

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Gino & Carlo

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Maggie McGarry's

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The Showdown

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The Saloon

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Old St. Hilary's Preserve: A Wildflower Haven with Bay Views

A brief summary to Old St. Hilary's Preserve

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Unlock the Best of Old St. Hilary's Preserve

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Old St. Hilary's Preserve

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Old St. Hilary's Historic Preserve

Landmarks China Cabin

Angel Island Immigration Station

Angel Island Immigration Museum

Angel Island State Park

Antioch Aired

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Lighthouse

Golden Gate Bridge

Richmond Shipyards District (California Historical Landmark No. 1032)

The Wave Organ

Strauss Statue

Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point

Black Point

Marina Airfield Historical Marker

Unmissable attractions to see

Tiburon Uplands

Paradise Beach Park

Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum

Livermore Wine Trolley

Angel Island

Summit of Mt. Livermore

Sausalito Historical Society Museum

Viña del Mar Park

Sausalito house boats

Sausalito

Sausalito Boardwalk

Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour

Waldo Point Harbor

Essential places to dine

Capurro's Restaurant

Cioppino's

Franciscan Crab Restaurant

The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House

Pier Market Seafood Restaurant

Crab House at Pier 39

Surisan

Gary Danko

Fog Harbor Fish House

Wipeout Bar & Grill

Eagle Cafe

Fior d'Italia

Atelier Crenn

Original Joe's

Street Restaurant and Bar

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Ground

Shop the City

Ess Eff Gift Shop (Inside)

Frank's Fisherman

Safe Harbor

Enlightenment

Solve It! Think out of the box

I Love SF

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience

Lola of North Beach

Fairy Tales

The Cable Car Store

Under the Golden Gate

Only In San Francisco

Route 66

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Interval at Long Now

Luau Lounge

Players Sports Grill & Arcade

The Socialite Crafthouse & Kitchen

Hard Rock Cafe