At the southeastern edge of Marin County and a short ferry ride across—or a slightly longer drive around—the bay from San Francisco, the twin communities of Tiburon and Belvedere promise waterfront elegance in the heart of the Bay Area.
Today, occupying prime piece of real estate on the Tiburon Peninsula that extends out into San Francisco Bay, they are among Northern California's most coveted residential enclaves, known for their sweeping bay views, stately homes, and an unmistakable sense of refinement.
But looking back into the past reveals a compelling history shaped by railroads, shipyards, immigrants, and artists, and an enduring connection to its natural surroundings, both land and sea. For those currently residing in Marin County or considering settling in this picturesque region, understanding the legacy of Tiburon and Belvedere offers a deeper appreciation of their charm and character. It makes the case for why it remains a sought-after locale to call home.
From Coast Miwok Land to Spanish Ranchos
Long before the gold rush or railroad expansion, the land now known as Tiburon and Belvedere was home to the Coast Miwok people, one of the oldest Indigenous cultures in California. They lived in harmony with the land, fishing from the bay, foraging the hillsides, and trading with neighboring tribes. Spanish colonization in the late 1700s brought change as the area became part of expansive land grants under the Mexican land grant system.
The name "Tiburon" derives from the Spanish word for "shark," likely inspired by the prevalence of leopard sharks in the surrounding waters. The moniker still fits—the peninsula juts into San Francisco Bay, not unlike its namesake, channeling through the sea, surrounded by marine life and open water.
The name "Tiburon" derives from the Spanish word for "shark," likely inspired by the prevalence of leopard sharks in the surrounding waters. The moniker still fits—the peninsula juts into San Francisco Bay, not unlike its namesake, channeling through the sea, surrounded by marine life and open water.
A Boomtown Built on Railroads and Industry
By the late 19th century, Tiburon had transformed into a bustling railhead and ferry terminal. It served as the western terminus of the North Pacific Coast Railroad, connecting Marin's rugged coastal villages to the economic center of San Francisco. Richardson Bay, an extension of San Francisco Bay between the Tiburon Peninsula to the east, Marin Peninsula to the west, and the Raccoon Strait between Tiburon and Angel Island, were busy with whaling and trading vessels. Freight cars loaded with lumber and dairy products rumbled down fresh peninsula tracks while ferries transported goods and passengers across the bay.
This industrial legacy is most evident at Old St. Hilary's Landmark, a preserved Carpenter Gothic church perched on a hillside above downtown Tiburon. Originally built in 1888 to serve railroad workers and their families, it remains one of the town's most beloved landmarks. Today, wildflowers and open space blanket the exterior rather than locomotives and smoke, but its history stands tall.
Remnants of the old railroad still linger around town. You can walk the Tiburon Historical Trail and Old Rail Trail, now a scenic shoreline path, from Blackie's Pasture 2.5 miles south to the Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum—tracing the route once used to power Marin's early economy. Today's hikers and cyclists pass beneath luxury condos overlooking the waterfront.
This industrial legacy is most evident at Old St. Hilary's Landmark, a preserved Carpenter Gothic church perched on a hillside above downtown Tiburon. Originally built in 1888 to serve railroad workers and their families, it remains one of the town's most beloved landmarks. Today, wildflowers and open space blanket the exterior rather than locomotives and smoke, but its history stands tall.
Remnants of the old railroad still linger around town. You can walk the Tiburon Historical Trail and Old Rail Trail, now a scenic shoreline path, from Blackie's Pasture 2.5 miles south to the Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum—tracing the route once used to power Marin's early economy. Today's hikers and cyclists pass beneath luxury condos overlooking the waterfront.
Belvedere: From Summer Retreat to Waterfront Luxury
While Tiburon was industrial and lively in its early days, Belvedere evolved along a different track. In the late 1800s, the Belvedere Land Company subdivided what was then a rugged peninsula into a summer resort community for San Francisco's upper class. Attracted by the dramatic views of the Golden Gate, Angel Island, and Mount Tamalpais, city dwellers built vacation homes that ranged from stately Victorians to quirky summer cottages.
Belvedere's early development was defined by yacht culture. The San Francisco Yacht Club, founded in 1869, and the Corinthian Yacht Club, founded in 1886, remain active today and serve as a reminder of the area's long standing maritime identity. Waterfront homes, private docks, and sailboat regattas have long been part of Belvedere's social fabric. In fact, Belvedere is one of the few residential municipalities in California—there are no commercial districts, just homes, views, and the sound of sails catching the wind.
Unlike its neighboring towns, and thanks to its island setting and three primary access points, Belvedere has always maintained a quieter, more secluded identity. Its planning and zoning ordinances preserve this exclusivity, and to this day, the town offers a uniquely residential lifestyle that prioritizes privacy, beauty, and community tradition.
Belvedere's early development was defined by yacht culture. The San Francisco Yacht Club, founded in 1869, and the Corinthian Yacht Club, founded in 1886, remain active today and serve as a reminder of the area's long standing maritime identity. Waterfront homes, private docks, and sailboat regattas have long been part of Belvedere's social fabric. In fact, Belvedere is one of the few residential municipalities in California—there are no commercial districts, just homes, views, and the sound of sails catching the wind.
Unlike its neighboring towns, and thanks to its island setting and three primary access points, Belvedere has always maintained a quieter, more secluded identity. Its planning and zoning ordinances preserve this exclusivity, and to this day, the town offers a uniquely residential lifestyle that prioritizes privacy, beauty, and community tradition.
A Haven for Artists and Bohemians
While today's Tiburon and Belvedere are synonymous with affluence, they've long held a certain appeal for artists, writers, and cultural outsiders. In the mid-20th century, Marin County became a haven for bohemians seeking refuge from the commercialism and conformity of city life. Artists found inspiration in the fog-draped hills and golden light, and small artist communities sprang up in nearby Mill Valley, Sausalito, and Tiburon.
This creative spirit still threads through the community. Once a private estate, Tiburon's Landmarks Art & Garden Center now hosts exhibitions, performances, and events celebrating the area's history and creativity. Local initiatives like the Belvedere-Tiburon Library Foundation and Tiburon Peninsula Foundation support public art, music, and educational programming that keeps the cultural legacy alive.
This creative spirit still threads through the community. Once a private estate, Tiburon's Landmarks Art & Garden Center now hosts exhibitions, performances, and events celebrating the area's history and creativity. Local initiatives like the Belvedere-Tiburon Library Foundation and Tiburon Peninsula Foundation support public art, music, and educational programming that keeps the cultural legacy alive.
Preservation, Parks, and Modern Life with Historical Foundations
One of the most striking aspects of life in Tiburon and Belvedere is how the natural and built environments blend. Open space is a defining feature here—not just in aesthetics but in planning. Tiburon's Ring Mountain Preserve, home to rare wildflowers and ancient petroglyphs, offers sweeping vistas and hiking trails that have remained untouched for generations. The Richardson Bay Audubon Center is another gem, preserving critical wetlands and offering education programs for families and schools.
Local organizations, such as the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society, have worked tirelessly to maintain both communities' architectural and historical integrity. Their efforts ensure that Tiburon's historic buildings, like China Cabin—once the social saloon of a 19th-century Pacific Mail Steamship—are lovingly preserved and open to the public.
Today, Tiburon and Belvedere are among Northern California's most desirable places to live. From their enviable waterfront properties to top-rated schools and vibrant community life, they offer a rare combination of tranquility, sophistication, and proximity to San Francisco. The history of Tiburon and Belvedere isn't relegated to museums or plaques; it lives on in the architecture, the trails, and the community traditions that make this stretch of Marin so unique.
Local organizations, such as the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society, have worked tirelessly to maintain both communities' architectural and historical integrity. Their efforts ensure that Tiburon's historic buildings, like China Cabin—once the social saloon of a 19th-century Pacific Mail Steamship—are lovingly preserved and open to the public.
Today, Tiburon and Belvedere are among Northern California's most desirable places to live. From their enviable waterfront properties to top-rated schools and vibrant community life, they offer a rare combination of tranquility, sophistication, and proximity to San Francisco. The history of Tiburon and Belvedere isn't relegated to museums or plaques; it lives on in the architecture, the trails, and the community traditions that make this stretch of Marin so unique.
The Marin County Difference
Interested in discovering more about Tiburon-Belvedere or equally phenomenal Marin County communities such as Kentfield and Mill Valley? Contact Tracy Curtis today to discuss the next steps and embark on your Marin County real estate journey.
Our team understands that buying or selling a luxury home here is deeply personal, driven by the distinctive characteristics of each property and the lifestyle it represents. Leveraging our experience, local expertise, careful planning, and eye for detail, we help you navigate Marin County's unique marketplace.
Ultimately, a high-end real estate deal in Marin County isn't just a transaction—it's the beginning of a new chapter for both buyer and seller in one of California's most coveted regions. If you're ready to seek out a Marin County luxury home or are preparing to list, reach out to ensure your future property transaction is satisfying and highly lucrative.
Our team understands that buying or selling a luxury home here is deeply personal, driven by the distinctive characteristics of each property and the lifestyle it represents. Leveraging our experience, local expertise, careful planning, and eye for detail, we help you navigate Marin County's unique marketplace.
Ultimately, a high-end real estate deal in Marin County isn't just a transaction—it's the beginning of a new chapter for both buyer and seller in one of California's most coveted regions. If you're ready to seek out a Marin County luxury home or are preparing to list, reach out to ensure your future property transaction is satisfying and highly lucrative.
