OUT & ABOUT
The Larkspur Guide
There’s a reason Larkspur feels like the heartbeat of Marin. It’s effortlessly charming — redwood-lined streets, a walkable downtown straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie, and a social scene centered around oat lattes and oysters. It’s small enough to know your neighbors, yet stylish enough to be named “The Coolest Place in Marin” by the San Francisco Standard. From lazy Saturdays at the Marin Country Mart to trails that lead straight to Mount Tam, Larkspur delivers that California dream life — minus the pretense.
The Vibe
Larkspur’s residents are a mix of long-time locals and young families who traded city chaos for open space and farmers’ markets. You’ll spot commuters catching the ferry, cyclists over Camino Alto and toddlers sharing croissants at Emporio Rulli. From the redwood canopies of Madrone Canyon to the family-friendly streets of Murray Park and Heather Gardens, the sunny hills of Palm Hill, the modern waterfront homes of Larkspur Marina, and the charming, walkable core of Downtown Larkspur, each pocket has its own distinct rhythm — but they all share that same easy, quietly elevated Marin energy that makes Larkspur feel like home.
You’ll love living here if: you like your mornings slow, your community tight-knit, and your weekends planned around hikes, coffee, and home projects.
Real Estate Snapshot: Homes in Larkspur blend classic California Craftsman charm with remodeled homes and new builds. Demand stays high, inventory low. Walkability and proximity to both Highway 101 and the ferry make it a Marin favorite.
Local Lore
Larkspur was named in the late 1800s by the wife of a town founder who mistook the local lupine flowers for larkspur — a happy accident that stuck. Its downtown, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, still feels like a walk through another era, with perfectly preserved brick buildings and the beloved Lark Theater — a restored 1940s art deco cinema that anchors the town’s charm.
Eat + Drink
Restaurant Picco — California cuisine, wood-fired pizza, and great wine. Secret menu item: Bourbon Slush, try it — you’ll like it.
Left Bank Brasserie — French comfort food and sidewalk seating under the trees.
Farmshop Marin — Farm fresh, ingredient-driven dining at the Country Mart with good vibes and great cocktails.
Rustic Bakery — Classic Marin café for sandwiches, salads and baked goods. A weekend brunch favorite.
Boichik Bagels — A taste of New York in Marin.
Perry’s — A sports bar with iconic comfort food where everybody knows your name.
Hog Island Oyster Co. — Fresh oysters, crisp sauvignon blanc and coastal energy with Mount Tam views.
Keiko Fish — Sushi and sake in a minimalist, modern setting.
Buvette — Cozy, European-inspired café and wine bar.
Backstage — Intimate lounge for wine, live music, and low lighting.
Internos Wine Café — Neighborhood wine bar with heart.
Mag’s Local Yogurt — A local institution where kids go after school for frozen yogurt (and parents sneak a bite too).
Photo: Shoppe Amber Interiors
Where to Shop
Downtown Larkspur
Pavillion — Effortless home and lifestyle pieces.
Margeaux — Chic fashion and accessories.
Citrine — Modern apothecary and skincare destination.
Coquelicot — French-inspired boutique with timeless flair.
Nicolette — Modern classics with edge.
Marin Country Mart
Larkspur’s social hub — part open-air market, part lifestyle destination. On Saturdays, it’s strollers, fresh farm produce, guilt-free pastries and strong coffee.
The Great. — California-cool clothing with a timeless edge.
Shoppe Amber Interiors — Elevated, layered design in signature Amber style.
Clic — Editorial-style home and fashion curation.
Hudson Grace — Classic entertaining pieces and home staples.
Goop — Luxe essentials and clean beauty.
La Ligne — Polished stripes and elevated wardrobe staples.
Doen — Feminine, vintage-inspired California fashion.
Toy Crazy — The coolest kids toy store. Need an easy birthday gift? This is your spot.
Where to Learn
Larkspur is part of the esteemed Larkspur-Corte Madera School District, which serves students from both towns. Local families attend Neil Cummins Elementary in Larkspur or The Cove School in neighboring Corte Madera — both known for strong academics, engaged parent communities, and warm, neighborhood energy. Students feed into Hall Middle School, a standout in Marin for its creative programs and community feel.
For high school, families attend Redwood High School, part of the Tamalpais Union High School District — consistently one of the top-rated public high schools in Northern California, offering a wide range of AP classes, athletic programs, and arts opportunities.
Private options nearby include Marin Primary & Middle School, Marin Montessori School, and Marin Country Day School, all just a short drive away and known for their progressive education and strong emphasis on outdoor learning. Right in town, St. Patrick School offers TK–8 education with an excellent reputation for academics, values, and close-knit community — a first choice for many local families.
For preschoolers, Larkspur families love Little Steps Preschool, Pine Grove Montessori, and Old Firehouse School, each offering a nurturing, play-based start within the community.
Wellness + Movement
Love Story Yoga — Bright, design-forward studio with an inclusive feel.
International Orange — Spa-meets-sanctuary experience.
The Daily Method — Barre-based workouts with a devoted local following.
Mighty Pilates — Reformer classes with a view.
Creekside Path — Gentle morning bike rides or sunset walks.
Piper Park — Tennis, soccer, and open-air yoga mornings.
Where to Get Outside
Between Mount Tam’s trails, waterfront paths, and leafy parks, outdoor time isn’t optional here — it’s just what you do. Favorites include Baltimore Canyon Trail, Creekside Path, and Piper Park. Locals also love Dolliver Park — better known as Dark Park — where the redwoods are so tall and dense they create their own twilight. It’s a rite of passage for Larkspur kids, and a beloved spot for weekend strolls, playdates, and a dose of that “into the woods” magic. Bike riders, meanwhile, love the easy route along Magnolia to the Cal Park Hill Tunnel connecting to San Rafael and the ferry terminal.
Events + Happenings
Larkspur Wine Stroll — Magnolia Avenue turns into a tasting room.
Fourth of July Parade — Small-town Americana, big community spirit.
Holiday Tree Lighting — Cocoa, carols, and twinkle lights.
Farmers Market at Marin Country Mart — Every Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., with local produce, live music, and family activities.
Sunday Lunch at the Food Trucks — Live music, picnic tables, and bay views.
Friday Movie Nights — Classic films under the tent with dinner and blankets encouraged.
Seasonal Events at the Mart — From holiday markets to outdoor concerts, there’s always something happening at the Country Mart.
Why We Love It
Because Larkspur lets you move at your own pace — coffee, community, design, and nature all within a five-minute radius. You can hike beneath redwoods, eat oysters by the bay, and still make school pickup. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and quietly confident — the kind of town that doesn’t need to try too hard, because it already has everything.