Marin French Cheese Co
America's oldest cheese company, offering artisan cheeses, picnic spots, and a charming rural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Marin French Cheese Co
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's oldest cheese company, offering artisan cheeses, picnic spots, and a charming rural escape.
"A delightful little spot for a picnic with the sweetest duckies and funky Golden Gate cheese!"
🧀 Sample Before You Buy
Don't hesitate to ask for samples! Staff are knowledgeable and happy to help you find your perfect cheese.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Grab a sandwich or cheese and enjoy a picnic by the pond. It's a beautiful, calming setting.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 905 reviews
Type
Food Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisan Cheese Tasting
Shop
Sample a wide array of delicious, handmade cheeses, from creamy bries to tangy goat cheeses. Discover your new favorite!
Picturesque Picnic Area
Outdoor grounds
Enjoy a delightful picnic by the duck pond, surrounded by rolling hills. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Seasonal & Specialty Cheeses
Shop
Look out for unique offerings like the ash-coated Petite Boo Brie, perfect for themed gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Picnic Perfect Spot
Taste America's Oldest Cheese
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧀 Sample Before You Buy
Don't hesitate to ask for samples! Staff are knowledgeable and happy to help you find your perfect cheese.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Grab a sandwich or cheese and enjoy a picnic by the pond. It's a beautiful, calming setting.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can fill up, especially on weekends. Arriving earlier ensures a smoother visit.
🎁 Great for Gifts
Their cheeses and pairings make fantastic gifts. Ask about bundle deals!
Tips
from all over the internet
🧀 Sample Before You Buy
Don't hesitate to ask for samples! Staff are knowledgeable and happy to help you find your perfect cheese.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Grab a sandwich or cheese and enjoy a picnic by the pond. It's a beautiful, calming setting.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can fill up, especially on weekends. Arriving earlier ensures a smoother visit.
🎁 Great for Gifts
Their cheeses and pairings make fantastic gifts. Ask about bundle deals!
🦆 Duck Pond Views
The pond area is charming, even on a lightly rainy day. Enjoy the ducks!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Marin French Cheese Co. for its delicious artisan cheeses, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and beautiful picnic grounds. Many highlight the Golden Gate cheese and the charming duck pond as favorite features, making it a highly recommended stop for a relaxed and tasty experience.
"stopped by this cute cheese shop around 5:45pm. the scenery outside is so beautiful and calming surrounded by hills with a little pond to picnic at! they ran out of samples, but with the help of a friendly female staff we got 2 golden gates, 1 breakfast, 1 goat cheese and 1 chocolate soft serve. we are not cheeseheads but i think we are turning ones. we love our golden gates so much!! great to pair with fresh fruits. love this little gem place, love their promotions. definitely will stop by again when we are in the area."
Vivien Zhang
"My sweetie took me here—what a delightful little spot for a picnic. It was even pleasant when it was lightly raining. Lots of sweet duckies. If you don’t have all you need for a picnic—just stop in store. We tried a bunch of different cheeses, I really liked the funky Golden Gate cheese! 🧀 The staff were friendly and excited about cheese. They paired their jams skillfully too, and I’m not normally into cheese with jam! I’m excited for us to go back."
Starflower
"Super knowledgable, friendly and helpful staff. You can sample the cheeses before you buy. Be sure to inquire about add-ons if you're considering buying. Often the more cheese you buy they will throw in an additional cheese or item at no additional cost."
Dan Gaffey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Marin French Cheese Co. is located in Petaluma, Northern California. It's best accessed by car, offering a scenic drive through the countryside. Parking is available on-site, though it can get busy on weekends.
Absolutely! It's a popular stop for road trips in the Point Reyes area, offering a delightful break with cheese tasting and picnic opportunities. 
For larger groups, carpooling is recommended. The location is well-suited for a relaxed afternoon hangout, as suggested by Reddit users looking for outdoor group spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit the shop and grounds. Entry is free, allowing you to browse, sample, and enjoy the picnic areas.
Hours can vary seasonally, but they are typically open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, sampling is highly encouraged! The friendly staff are happy to let you try a variety of their artisan cheeses before you make a purchase. +1
Marin French Cheese Co. often runs promotions, especially around holidays or for bulk purchases. Inquire about add-ons or bundle deals when you visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can sample and purchase a wide variety of artisan cheeses, enjoy a picnic by the duck pond, and explore their charming shop which also offers local beers and wines.
Yes, they have a small sandwich shop, and their picnic area by the pond is perfect for enjoying food you purchase there or bring yourself.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, generally outdoor areas of such establishments are dog-friendly on leash. It's best to confirm their specific policy upon arrival.
Bring a blanket and find a spot near the duck pond. It's a serene setting, perfect for a leisurely lunch or afternoon snack.
The shop also offers local beers, wines, and sometimes jams or other pairings that complement their cheeses.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They have a small shop that offers sandwiches, salads, and of course, a vast selection of their famous artisan cheeses.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy it in their picnic areas by the pond.
The Golden Gate cheese is frequently praised, as is their goat cheese. Their seasonal offerings, like the Petite Boo Brie, are also highly recommended. +1
Some visitors have mentioned trying their chocolate soft serve, which can be a nice treat after sampling cheeses.
The staff are skilled at recommending pairings, including jams and local wines, to enhance the cheese-eating experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The duck pond area with the rolling hills in the background offers beautiful scenic shots. The charming shop exterior and cheese displays are also great for photos.
Yes, the picturesque setting, cute ducks, and artfully arranged cheese boards make it very Instagrammable.
Generally, yes, but be mindful of other customers and staff. Focus on capturing the ambiance and the beautiful cheese displays.
Look out for seasonal decorations, like the Halloween-themed displays, which can add a fun element to your photos.
Late morning or early afternoon often provides good natural light for outdoor photography. Golden hour light can also be magical if you're there towards closing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit