Larkspur, California, a historic town once favored by 19th-century San Franciscans, is now a sought-after community for Bay Area commuters. Nestled between Mount Tamalpais and the San Francisco Bay, Larkspur is known for its scenic beauty and proximity to San Francisco, just 16 miles away via Highway 101 or the Larkspur Ferry. The town features a mix of century-old cottages, hillside marvels, and midcentury modern homes, with distinct neighborhoods like Downtown Larkspur, Hillview, and Creekside offering unique housing styles. Downtown Larkspur retains its historic charm with Victorian-style storefronts along Magnolia Avenue, housing boutiques, thrift stores, and eateries like Left Bank and Perry’s. The Lark Theater, an Art Deco cinema, adds to the town's cultural appeal. Nearby, Greenbrae/Larkspur Landing hosts modern amenities such as Mollie Stone’s grocery store and Marin County Market, along with additional shopping plazas along Highway 101.
Larkspur is part of the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District, which is highly rated, serving students from kindergarten through Grade 8. High school students attend the nearby Tamalpais Union High or Redwood High, both of which are highly rated, with Redwood High recognized for its AP programs. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearly year-round sunny weather and access to trails like Madrone Canyon's Dawn Falls Trail and the Baltimore Canyon Preserve. Piper Park, the largest of Larkspur's 11 public parks, offers facilities for soccer, tennis, and volleyball. The town is safer than the national average, with a recent decline in crime reports. For healthcare, MarinHealth Medical Center is the main hospital, and San Francisco International Airport is 27 miles away.
