Kentfield + Greenbrae
MARIN COUNTY
The Kentfield + Greenbrae Guide
Kentfield and Greenbrae sit side by side in the heart of central Marin -- two unincorporated communities that share schools, trails, and a way of life that most people who live here describe the same way: quiet, beautiful, and easy. Neither has a real downtown. Neither needs one. What they have is Woodlands Market, some of the best public schools in California, direct trail access to Mount Tam, and a tight-knit neighborhood energy that's genuinely hard to find.
The Vibe
Kentfield hugs the base of Mount Tam to the west, all tree-lined streets and afternoon light through the oaks, with Kent Woodlands rising into the hills above it. Greenbrae extends east toward the Bay, with hillside homes offering sweeping views of Mount Tam and the water, and waterfront neighborhoods along the marina that feel like their own quiet world. Together they cover the full Marin spectrum -- from forest to Bay -- with the Larkspur Ferry Terminal just minutes away for an easy city commute when you need it.
Local Lore
Kentfield's story begins with the Kent family, and it's one worth knowing. Albert Kent, a Yale-educated entrepreneur from Chicago, purchased 800 acres here in 1871 and built an estate he called Tamalpais. The small community that grew up around it eventually took the family name.
His son William Kent became one of the most consequential conservationists in American history -- quietly, from right here. In 1908, when a water company threatened to dam Redwood Canyon and log its ancient trees, Kent donated 295 acres to the federal government to save them. He named the land after his friend John Muir, who was a frequent guest at the Kent home in Kentfield. That land became Muir Woods National Monument. Then, as a U.S. Congressman, Kent went further -- he authored and secured passage of the National Park Service Organic Act of 1916, the legislation that created the National Park Service itself and now protects hundreds of millions of acres of American wilderness. He did all of this from a town of a few thousand people, tucked against the base of Mount Tam. The Kent name is everywhere here -- on the schools, the streets, the lake -- and now you know why.
Greenbrae has its own piece of history. In 1891, the Remillard brothers founded a brickworks right here, and Remillard bricks were used to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. The kiln was shut down in 1915, preserved on the National Register of Historic Places, and has housed a restaurant ever since -- one of those only-in-Marin stories where history and dinner share the same building.
The area has a quietly impressive alumni roster too. Gavin Newsom grew up in Kentfield. Jared Goff, quarterback for the Detroit Lions, attended Marin Catholic High School just down the road. And College of Marin, whose main campus sits right in the heart of Kentfield, has the highest transfer acceptance rate to Juilliard of any junior college in the state.
Eat + Drink
Woodlands Market & Café — The beating heart of local life. Coffee, gourmet groceries, deli sandwiches, a carefully curated wine selection, and a patio where mornings turn into afternoons. If you live here, you're here every week.
Half Day Café — Beloved breakfast spot known for warm service and perfectly executed eggs Benedict. A neighborhood institution.
Guesthouse — Refined California comfort food and warm hospitality in nearby Ross. The local favorite for date nights and celebratory dinners.
Gott's Roadside — Elevated burgers and milkshakes with a side of sunshine.
Rio Rock Açaí Café — Post-hike bowls and smoothies that actually hit the spot.
Zee's Deli — Grab-and-go sandwiches and hearty salads for lunch on the move.
SusieCakes — Cult-favorite bakery for classic layer cakes and the kind of frosting that makes people plan ahead.
Victoria Bakery — Old-school Italian pastries and espresso since 1911.
Bon Air Shopping Center — Greenbrae's neighborhood anchor has a rotating cast of cafés, casual spots, and local favorites that residents rely on for everyday life.
Photo: Guesthouse
Where to Shop
Woodlands Market — Beyond groceries, this is the area's unofficial town square. The wine selection alone is worth a dedicated visit.
Bon Air Shopping Center — Greenbrae's gathering place for over 70 years. About 50 shops and restaurants, a bocce ball court, and a genuinely community-focused atmosphere that sets it apart from every other shopping center in Marin.
Marin Country Mart — Just minutes away in Larkspur, with boutiques, a farmers market, and design destinations including Hudson Grace, Shoppe Amber Interiors, and Doen.
The Garage Vintage — Curated furniture, art, and home goods with patina and real personality.
Spruce at Home — Elevated interiors and styling services rooted in timeless design.
Bare Skin Marin — Results-driven skincare in a serene, design-forward setting.
Copperfield's Books — A beloved independent bookstore at the Country Mart. Always worth a stop.
Photo: Woodlands Market
Where to Learn
Both Kentfield and Greenbrae are served by the Kentfield School District, which gives this area one of the most consistently excellent K through 8 experiences in Marin. Bacich Elementary and Kent Middle School are both California Distinguished Schools that rank in the top three percent statewide -- with small class sizes, deeply engaged parent communities, and an academic culture that prepares kids genuinely well.
For high school, the public choice is Redwood High School in Larkspur, one of the top-rated in Northern California. Private options include Marin Catholic High School right in Kentfield, Branson School in Ross, and Marin Academy in San Rafael -- each known for rigorous academics and exceptional arts and athletics.
Right at the center of Kentfield, College of Marin is far more than a community college. Its theater program sends more transfers to Juilliard than any junior college in California, and its campus -- with a performing arts center, open lawns, and a summer concert series under the oaks -- is a genuine community gathering place.
Wellness + Movement
Phoenix Lake — The favorite local loop for morning runs, dog walks, and the kind of quiet that genuinely resets your week.
Crown Road Trailhead — Direct access into the Mount Tam trail network from the Kentfield neighborhood. Locals use this daily.
Corte Madera Creek Path — Greenbrae's waterfront path, ideal for morning bikes, dog walks, and sunset runs with Bay views.
Greenbrae Marina — Kayaking, paddleboarding, and early-morning water access that most people outside the neighborhood don't know about.
YogaSix Greenbrae — Modern, inclusive yoga studio for every level.
Bare Skin Marin — Facial treatments and holistic skincare in a calm, design-forward space.
Woodlands Market Patio — The unofficial morning wellness ritual for half the neighborhood. Coffee, sunlight, and a familiar face. It counts.
Where to Get Outside
These two communities sit at the base of Mount Tam with direct trail access, which means outdoor life isn't something you plan -- it's something you do before breakfast. Phoenix Lake is the local loop of choice -- a peaceful, tree-lined circuit that feels far wilder than it is. The Crown Road Trail connects directly into the Mount Tam network, opening up miles of ridge running and hiking toward the coast.
On the Greenbrae side, the Corte Madera Creek Path winds along the water with views of the Bay and the East Bay hills, connecting all the way to Larkspur. Niven Park is a neighborhood favorite for families, with open lawn, a playground, and that easy weekend energy that makes you glad you live close by. The Greenbrae Boardwalk offers a scenic stroll along the water with marina views, and Greenbrae Marina is the quiet launch point for kayaks, paddleboards, and anyone who wants to start their morning on the water.
Muir Woods -- the forest that William Kent's family saved -- is just a short drive away. Worth remembering every time you go.
Events + Happenings
Woodlands Market Community Barbecue — An annual fall tradition for over two decades, with all proceeds benefiting the Kentfield School District. The kind of event that makes you glad you live somewhere small enough to know your neighbors.
KIK Schools Foundation Events — Community fundraisers that double as genuine social highlights for local families throughout the year.
College of Marin Summer Concerts — Outdoor performances under the oaks on the COM campus. One of the best free summer rituals in Marin.
Marin Country Mart Farmers Market — Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., just minutes away in Larkspur. Live music, oysters, and local produce.
Ross Fourth of July Parade — A timeless small-town celebration shared with the neighboring community.
Saturday mornings at Woodlands Market or Bon Air -- not an event exactly, but a ritual. The whole neighborhood converging in one place. That's the real weekly gathering.
Why We Love It
Because this area has everything -- extraordinary schools, trails from your doorstep, genuine community, and some of the most beautiful everyday scenery in Marin -- and still manages to feel easy. Kentfield gave the world Muir Woods and the National Park Service from right here. Greenbrae has housed the same brickwork kiln through earthquakes, world wars, and decades of change. These communities don't announce themselves. They don't need to.