Welcome to Larkspur
A perfect mix of urban and suburban life in northern California.
Between the San Francisco Bay and the mountainous canyon preserves, an enchanting piece of small-town charm exists in the close-knit community of Larkspur. This quiet suburban community benefits from a number of urban conveniences like locally centered markets and eateries, and small-batch wineries and breweries. A cozy downtown district situated beneath the tall trees of the Baltimore Canyon Preserve (active link?)has helped to make Larkspur the picture-perfect realization of modern American life.
Larkspur enjoys a perfectly balanced location situated between the Baltimore Canyon Preserve and San Francisco Bay. The community is home to Golden Gate Transit’s Larkspur Landing, the main ferry terminal for those sailing to the San Francisco Peninsula. Trips out of the neighborhood are not always necessary though - the region is home to countless beautiful trails, restaurants, and scenic farms, all of which provide an ample amount of produce for area restaurants, to push the community forward in today's competitive culinary scene.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Larkspur residents enjoy a traditional, rustic, country lifestyle accompanied by several modern amenities. Marin Country Mart, an eclectic assembly of locally owned businesses, is the home of Marin Brewing Company and the Marin Country Mart Farmers’ Market. The Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday throughout the year, rain or shine. In addition to the eclectic shopping opportunities, children’s activities and live music can also be found at the weekly market.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Overall, Larkspur locals enjoy an elevated cultural lifestyle. Several restaurants specialize in luxurious American and Californian staples, while many others have honed in on their Italian and French roots. No matter what, locals are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a spot to celebrate both simple and special events.
Guest House specializes in wood-grilled cuisine and timeless cocktails inspired by California's local ingredients. The micro-seasonal menu showcases only the finest ingredients available, offering an array of well-loved classics. Their perfectly dressed crab cakes pair well with cocktails like “the optimist,” “a better old-fashioned,” and others.
Perry’s on Magnolia Avenue has brought new meaning to the word “sandwich.” The lamb shank burger, filet mignon sandwich, and ahi tuna are all new-fangled editions of the all-American favorites, served in the company of Larkspur’s towering, ancient treetops.
Special occasions can be celebrated at Picco. Located in historic downtown, Picco is an intimate, cozy site specializing in fresh California cuisine. Avocado bruschetta, tuna tartare, Dungeness crab, and olive oil ice cream have dazzled the community since 2005.
Some of the region’s most elegant French cuisine is enjoyed at Left Bank Brasserie, featuring local ingredients served under the most strict standards. French onion soup, escargot, steak frites, and oysters are just a few of the best-selling dishes offered at one of Larkspur’s favorite dining establishments.
Emprorio Rulli, a classic Italian pastry cafe, and wine shop, situated in Larkspur’s historic downtown, has offered a historic and authentic Italian experience to locals for over three decades. Their handcrafted bread, cakes, and other pastries are some of Larkspur’s go-to options for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special orders.
Things To Do
One of the world’s most vibrant and artistic regions is also a haven for independent plays, films, and festivals celebrating this seemingly lost art. The Lark Theater is a single-screen art-deco theater in the center of town. First built over a horseshoe pit in 1936, the theater initially seated just over 400 guests. Today, several wildly popular ballet and opera shows are performed on-site like The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and others. Other natural beauty is appreciated at the Larkspur Flower & Food Festival. For over 20 years, a portion of downtown has been closed for those on foot to celebrate local arts, crafts, and other specialty areas.
Schools
One of California’s most traditional, small communities is also home to some of the best-performing schools nearby. A few options include:
- Marin Primary and Middle School, preschool-8th grade; in addition to mastery of basic academic skills, students learn important intellectual skills, social awareness, and emotional courage
- St. Patrick School, kindergarten-8th grade; a traditional yet innovative curriculum is based upon rigorous academic standards, and a strong Catholic faith
- Larkspur-Corte Madera School District, kindergarten-8th grade; the district is home to many California Distinguished School Award recipients, a California Gold Ribbon School Award, and a National Blue Ribbon School Award
- Tamalpais Union High School District, grades 9-12; one of the highest-rated school districts in California consists of California Distinguished School campuses which have also won National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards
Check Out Other Neighborhoods
Our premier Marin County real estate agents also service the following neighborhoods:
