Marin Towns

• Corte Madera
  Corte Madera is located in central Marin. Incorporated in 1916, the town extends from San Francisco Bay on the east side of Highway 101 to Mt. Tamalpais on the west. Home options include low-lying, level properties close to the water and fabulous outdoor malls, hillside properties overlooking the bay, or hillside homes tucked in amongst the many trees; all have access to a fabulous network of biking trails and excellent hiking nearby. Corte Madera occupies an area of four square miles of land, plus surrounding water tidelands. This small vital town of nearly 9,425 residents, located 12 miles north of San Francisco, enjoys plenty of sunshine, even while fog may shroud close by Mt. Tamalpais. It is within hiking, biking and driving distance of some of the most beautiful vistas in the western United States.   The Town reflects the easy, outdoor lifestyle long associated with California, with open space, and parks in every direction. In Corte Madera you will find a magical blend of contrasts, from its rural, sprawling hillsides and bordering waterways to its cosmopolitan, fashionable homes and businesses.
• Greenbrae
  Greenbrae is a small, though well-traveled area of Marin County, California. Located adjacent to U.S. Highway 101 at the opening of Ross Valley, this address encompasses parts of the City of Larkspur, as well as some unincorporated county land. Predominantly composed of either hillside or waterfront terrain, its homes and offices are known for their views of San Francisco Bay, Corte Madera Creek, and Mount Tamalpais. Greenbrae's neighborhoods are bordered by Downtown Larkspur to the south, Larkspur Landing to the east, the unincorporated area of Kentfield to the west, and the City of San Rafael to the north. Straddling Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, its most frequented points of interest include Marin General Hospital, Bon Air Shopping Center, and the Marin Rowing Association Boathouse.
• Kentfield
  Because the town of Kentfield is unincorporated, it is governed by the Marin County Board of Supervisors, who are known to pay close attention to the wishes of the residents, especially concerning development. An upper middle class to wealthy community, Kentfield is nestled at the base of Mt. Tam, bordered by Larkspur and Ross. The name "Kentfield" is taken from the family of Albert Kent, a Chicago meat packer who, along with his wife Adaline, settled in the area in 1872. Adaline donated twenty-three acres of land for a community recreation center; which later became the site for the College of Marin, which is part of the California Community College system. Albert and Adaline's son William, who became a U.S. congressman and an ardent conservationist, donated Muir Woods as a national park. The homes in this area are generally set well back from the streets which meander among pine, redwood and manzanita. The low-profile roofs of these spacious homes, mostly set on large lots, are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and offer a wooded, country feeling.
• Larkspur
  The wife of a major developer, Charles Wright, named this beautiful area for the lupine she found there, mistakenly identifying it as Larkspur. The downtown / Magnolia Avenue area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as an irreplaceable American "turn of the century home town." Larkspur residents have been quite successful in preserving the small-town ambience. A medley of specialty shops, boutiques, Queen Anne Victorians, cafes and first-class restaurants can be enjoyed by taking a relaxing stroll down Magnolia Avenue. Not to be missed is the Escalle Winery, built in the 1890's by the young Frenchman, Jean Escalle, who planted the northern hillsides of Larkspur with wine grapes; and the exquisite Murphy mansion, constructed in 1888 and now home to the world famous restaurant, the Lark Creek Inn. Larkspur extends north to the unincorporated area of Greenbrae, home to the Bon Air Shopping Center, which offers boutiques, restaurants and gift shops. Greenbrae is well known for its tastefully landscaped custom homes, many of which have views of the bay, Corte Madera Creek and lowlands, and Mt. Tamalpais. A special effort was made during the development of this area to preserve the hundreds of majestic oak trees that grace the hillsides. Greenbrae residents enjoy a one minute drive to the freeway and two minutes to the Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal.
• Mill Valley
  The history of Mill Valley began with John Reed. Subsequent to the acquisition of a large land grant in 1834, Reed built a sawmill in 1836 on Cascade Creek to provide wood for the construction of his house. The mill, which gave Mill Valley its name, is now restored and stands among the towering redwoods in Old Mill Park, a few blocks from downtown. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais, only ten miles from San Francisco, Mill Valley became a favorite vacation spot for wealthy city dwellers. In1896 a mountain railway, nicknamed "The Crookedest Railroad in the World," carried passengers from town to the mountain's summit and to Muir Woods. Although the tracks were removed in 1930, the Old Railroad Grade is currently very popular with hikers and bikers. Shortly after the town was incorporated in 1900 two town traditions began. The Outdoor Art Club was founded in 1902, a group whose purpose was, and still is, to preserve the beauties of Mill Valley. The Dipsea Race was first run in 1905 and has been held almost every year since. It is the second oldest race in the country, behind the Boston Marathon. The race is 7.1 miles long, from Lytton Square in Mill Valley over Mt. Tam to Stinson Beach. The Fall Arts Festival is one of the cultural events that occur in Mill Valley each year. It is the longest running festival in the County, celebrating its 41st year in 1997. The Mill Valley Film Festival, also held in the fall, draws thousands of film enthusiasts and artists from around the world. Bordered on three sides by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, Mt. Tamalpais State Park and watershed, Mill Valley offers spectacular recreational opportunities. But this is only part of its attractions. The people that have chosen to live here, from rock stars, artists, and nationally known authors, to business executives and political radicals; all are part of the eclectic mixture of talented folks who came for the pleasure of normalcy and anonymity to live in this incredibly beautiful and charming town.
• Ross
  In 1857 a Scotsman from San Francisco, James Ross, bought a large Mexican land grant named Rancho Punta de Quentin, which extended from what is now Corte Madera to Red Hill in San Anselmo. In the town that bears his name, Ross built his home on the property that is now the Marin Art & Garden Center; a beautiful ten-acre site that, in addition to housing several non-profit community groups, also offers many classes and activities. Shaded roads and lanes enhance this lovely town of grand estates and luxury custom homes. Large properties in park-like settings often have accommodations for horses, as well as tennis courts and swimming pools. Centered around the Ross Common is a small, very quaint commercial area featuring restaurants and shops. One enterprise, the Ross Grocery, has been operated by the same family since WWII. Residents are universally proud of, and offer support to, the local elementary school. In 1991, Child Magazine named Ross Elementary School as one of the top ten schools in the nation. The academic ranking is in the 99th percentile, the highest any school can achieve. Ross, often characterized as the suburban ideal, can easily be portrayed as a bastion of gracious living.
• San Anselmo
  San Anselmo is a charming community of older homes amid diverse architectural styles, on shady, tree-lined streets. The downtown area is very "small town" in appearance, but offers a variety of shops and restaurants. In the 1870's, what is now known as The Hub in San Anselmo was the spot where a spur track to San Rafael was added to the Sausalito-Tomales run of the Pacific Coast Railroad. San Anselmo was incorporated in 1907. The most visible landmark in town, a beautiful stone castle that overlooks San Anselmo, is actually the San Francisco Theological Seminary, established in 1892 to train Presbyterian clergy. From the ivy covered chapel with its enchanting bell tolling the hours, to the turrets and towers, this beautiful facility has an ethereal, fairy tale look. San Anselmo Avenue, the town's main shopping area, is a curving boulevard of awning-shaded shops, cafes, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Known as the "Antique Capital of Northern California," there are, within a half-mile radius of downtown, more than 150 antique dealers who attract collectors from all over the West Coast. Love of family and a sense of community are common bonds shared by those in the more affluent areas as well as by those in the more modest homes at the west end of town. The Annual Art and Wine Festival, the Antique Dealers Fair, and the Country Fair Day, are all very well attended by local citizens. San Anselmo also boasts one of the County's most successful community volunteer programs.
• San Rafael
  Mission San Rafael Arcangel was established on Dec. 14, 1817, by Father Prefect Vicente Francisco de Sarria, three other friars, and an escort of soldiers. The mission is on 5th Avenue between Court and B Streets. Although the buildings are replicas, a treasure trove of historical artifacts can be seen in the museum. Marin's premier city San Rafael, is the oldest and largest city in the County and it is also the seat of County Government. Marin's second most popular tourist spot (after Muir Woods), the Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center, was the last major structure and the only government building designed by the world famous architect. It is now a national historic landmark. Other notable places to visit are China Camp State Park, which rims a picture perfect shoreline and is wonderfully secluded, yet only minutes from town; the lovely Dominican College campus, founded in 1888; and the Falkirk Cultural Center, a handsomely preserved, 17-room Victorian mansion that is set on 11 acres of formal grounds just a block from downtown. San Rafael offers a wide assortment of housing; from Peacock Gap's Golf and Country Club contemporary homes and condominiums overlooking the Bay, to spacious traditional homes in the prestigious Dominican section. San Rafael has 14 parks, yacht clubs, outstanding docking and launching facilities, tennis / swim clubs and bicycle trails. It is truly a community where families can enjoy an active lifestyle and partake of a rich historical and cultural heritage.
• Sausalito
  Beautiful and unique homes ornament wooded hills that fall steeply to Richardson Bay. Condominium apartments offer marvelous views of San Francisco and the Bay. Regular ferry service from San Francisco makes the town easily accessible for both commuters and tourists. Located on the southeastern tip of Marin, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Sausalito was first settled in the mid-19th century and incorporated in 1893, making it one of the oldest established communities in the North Bay region. Early Spanish explorers named the area "Saucelito" for the "little willow trees" they found growing along its streams and underground springs. The Sausalito of today, a colorful waterfront town framed by steeply ascending hills, reminds many of a Mediterranean fishing village. Bounded on three sides by Richardson Bay and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it has grown little over the years, still occupying a land area of just 2-1/4 square miles. This unique urban village has long been a popular visitor destination, known worldwide for its natural beauty, its incomparable arts community, the variety of unique shops and restaurants, and its easy accessibility from San Francisco by bridge and ferry. It is also a prized residential and business location, boasting temperate climate, old world charm, and some of the region's most spectacular views.
• Tiburon
  What is now the Tiburon peninsula was, in the beginning, home to at least fifty Indian villages. Shell mounds, petroglyphs on the rock face of Ring Mountain, and the occasional find of mortars and cooking stones are testimony to this portion of Tiburon's history. John Reed established his rancho on the lands where Mill Valley, Belvedere, Tiburon, San Quentin, and Corte Madera are now. In addition to his thriving cattle herds, Reed also established salt yards, a brickyard, and a stone quarry. In the 1880s, the coming of the broad-gauge railroad transformed the peninsula. The town was created as a result of the railroad, and a long line of ferries carrying passengers and rail cars the six miles across the bay to San Francisco. The first elegant homes were built, mostly by wealthy San Franciscans, as summer retreats. Main Street Tiburon was rebuilt twice after being laid waste by fire. Incorporated in 1964, Tiburon is now a beautiful enclave of historical landmarks, parks, world-class restaurants and shopping areas. The residential architecture is a mix of small cottages, many of them beautifully remodeled, contemporary showplaces located in the hills with spectacular views, and sensational examples of engineering that jut out over the water. The San Francisco and Corinthian Yacht Clubs provide berths for hundreds of sailboats for local yachtsmen; public and private tennis and swimming facilities are also available to residents.