East of Hwy 101 is the hulking mass of San Quentin, California’s oldest and most notorious prison, founded in 1852. Johnny Cash recorded an album here in 1969 after scoring a big hit with his live album At Folsom Prison a year earlier. Call ahead to check museum and gift-shop hours.
San Quentin State Prison
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.81 MILES
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Nearby attractions
1. Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary
3.2 MILES
This beautiful 10.5-acre waterfront nature reserve is centered around a magnificent lemon-yellow 1876 Victorian mansion. The reserve is home to a huge…
2. Mission San Rafael Arcángel
3.24 MILES
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Several blocks west of downtown is Old Mill Park, perfect for a picnic. Here you’ll also find a replica of the town’s namesake sawmill, and a small…
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4.58 MILES
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4.59 MILES
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