Guidebook for San Anselmo

Jo
Guidebook for San Anselmo

Parks & Nature

At about 15-20 mins drive, this is our nearest beach. Originally a Chinese shrimp fishing community, now a state park centering on a small beach and picnic area and historic buildings. Its very calm and scenic. A great place for a picnic and photo op. There are also trails shared with mountain bikes. Fun for mountain bikes not so much for those on foot. Small daily use state park fee.
87 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Estadual China Camp
101 Peacock Gap Trail
87 moradores locais recomendam
At about 15-20 mins drive, this is our nearest beach. Originally a Chinese shrimp fishing community, now a state park centering on a small beach and picnic area and historic buildings. Its very calm and scenic. A great place for a picnic and photo op. There are also trails shared with mountain bikes. Fun for mountain bikes not so much for those on foot. Small daily use state park fee.
People come here from all over the world to marvel at the costal redwoods, the tallest variety of tree on earth. The trees are stunning and there is a nice boardwalk around them and other longer walks in the surrounding hills. However, it can get exceedingly busy, so much so that they may be changing rules in future to restrict visitors. If you plan on driving arrive before 10am even on a midweek off season day, or better still take the park-and-ride shuttle bus. Check website for details. Tip: Take a jacket, it can be cool under the trees.
660 moradores locais recomendam
Monumento Nacional Muir Woods
660 moradores locais recomendam
People come here from all over the world to marvel at the costal redwoods, the tallest variety of tree on earth. The trees are stunning and there is a nice boardwalk around them and other longer walks in the surrounding hills. However, it can get exceedingly busy, so much so that they may be changing rules in future to restrict visitors. If you plan on driving arrive before 10am even on a midweek off season day, or better still take the park-and-ride shuttle bus. Check website for details. Tip: Take a jacket, it can be cool under the trees.
Just 5 mins walk up the street from your garden gate and you are in Sorich Ranch Park. At the top of the road is a car park and flat area, there is also a little walk through a small redwood grove by a stream bed. If you walk through the car park you hit the main trail head which takes you uphill to a dirt firewood at the top. Great panoramic views of the bay, the civic center, Mount Tam, etc. You can follow the main path and eventually come out into the neighborhoods above our street (Tomahawk Rd) and walk back down completing the loop. This should take about an hour. There are other walks possible too.
9 moradores locais recomendam
Sorich Ranch Park
9 moradores locais recomendam
Just 5 mins walk up the street from your garden gate and you are in Sorich Ranch Park. At the top of the road is a car park and flat area, there is also a little walk through a small redwood grove by a stream bed. If you walk through the car park you hit the main trail head which takes you uphill to a dirt firewood at the top. Great panoramic views of the bay, the civic center, Mount Tam, etc. You can follow the main path and eventually come out into the neighborhoods above our street (Tomahawk Rd) and walk back down completing the loop. This should take about an hour. There are other walks possible too.
A small wooded hill where I often walk my dog. Again, a circular walk is possible including Memorial Park and taking about 40 mins. Note, its quite a steep walk up neighborhood streets to get to this one.
Faude Park
A small wooded hill where I often walk my dog. Again, a circular walk is possible including Memorial Park and taking about 40 mins. Note, its quite a steep walk up neighborhood streets to get to this one.
The local sewage treatment plant! Bear with me: The treatment water has been converted into a series of pools with reeds and islands for birds. Birdwatchers flock (excuse the pun) here. See swans, egrets, herons, pelicans, too many species of duck to mention, flocks of red winged blackbirds, marsh harriers, and more.
Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
300 Smith Ranch Rd
The local sewage treatment plant! Bear with me: The treatment water has been converted into a series of pools with reeds and islands for birds. Birdwatchers flock (excuse the pun) here. See swans, egrets, herons, pelicans, too many species of duck to mention, flocks of red winged blackbirds, marsh harriers, and more.
Nice small sandy beach and costal walks. Combine with a visit to Muir Woods, or the Pelican Inn.
170 moradores locais recomendam
Muir Beach
170 moradores locais recomendam
Nice small sandy beach and costal walks. Combine with a visit to Muir Woods, or the Pelican Inn.
Long sandy beach popular with tourists and surfers. Windy road to get here with scenic views.
363 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Stinson
363 moradores locais recomendam
Long sandy beach popular with tourists and surfers. Windy road to get here with scenic views.
You can see Mount Tam from our house. You can drive to the top on a winding road. You can also walk to the top (strenuous, it’s a mountain) or along the miles of fire roads in the watershed area.
226 moradores locais recomendam
Mount Tamalpais
226 moradores locais recomendam
You can see Mount Tam from our house. You can drive to the top on a winding road. You can also walk to the top (strenuous, it’s a mountain) or along the miles of fire roads in the watershed area.

Food Scene

Local coffee shop. After drinking at Peet's you will never want to go to another coffee chain again.
18 moradores locais recomendam
Peet's Coffee
402 3rd St
18 moradores locais recomendam
Local coffee shop. After drinking at Peet's you will never want to go to another coffee chain again.
There are several decent coffee shops in San Anselmo. This has nice table to sit outside on a sunny day and lunch snacks.
15 moradores locais recomendam
The Coffee Roastery
701 San Anselmo Ave
15 moradores locais recomendam
There are several decent coffee shops in San Anselmo. This has nice table to sit outside on a sunny day and lunch snacks.
Best tasting coffee in San Anselmo and so much choice.
15 moradores locais recomendam
Marin Coffee Roasters
546 San Anselmo Ave
15 moradores locais recomendam
Best tasting coffee in San Anselmo and so much choice.
10-15 Minutes walk or 5-8 mins in the car, just the other side of Redhill Shopping Center. Eat in or takeout. I like the Duck Red Curry or the claypot seafood.
Auryn Thai Cuisine
810 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
10-15 Minutes walk or 5-8 mins in the car, just the other side of Redhill Shopping Center. Eat in or takeout. I like the Duck Red Curry or the claypot seafood.
Take out Chinese food. Hot plate combos and cook to order specials. Solid rather than gourmet. You get a lot for your money.
Hot Wok Chinese Food
898 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Take out Chinese food. Hot plate combos and cook to order specials. Solid rather than gourmet. You get a lot for your money.
Porto Rican food. Eat in or take out also do delivery services. Probably the most popular restaurant in San Rafael. There is always a line around the block.
226 moradores locais recomendam
Sol Food
903 Lincoln Ave
226 moradores locais recomendam
Porto Rican food. Eat in or take out also do delivery services. Probably the most popular restaurant in San Rafael. There is always a line around the block.
Seafood restaurant in a great spot. Some tables have great views. If like me you are allergic to gluten, there is a separate gluten free menu. White table cloths and good service. A nice place for a treat. Reservations recommended.
27 moradores locais recomendam
Scoma's of Sausalito
588 Bridgeway
27 moradores locais recomendam
Seafood restaurant in a great spot. Some tables have great views. If like me you are allergic to gluten, there is a separate gluten free menu. White table cloths and good service. A nice place for a treat. Reservations recommended.
I love Sushi. I have several recommendations for sushi restaurants, but this is the best (also the most expensive). Can be noisy and busy and booking a must, but great sushi.
114 moradores locais recomendam
Sushi Ran
107 Caledonia St
114 moradores locais recomendam
I love Sushi. I have several recommendations for sushi restaurants, but this is the best (also the most expensive). Can be noisy and busy and booking a must, but great sushi.
Another Sausalito restaurant recommendation. We don't eat out much, but when we have guests we often take them to lunch in Susalito.
45 moradores locais recomendam
Barrel House Tavern
660 Bridgeway
45 moradores locais recomendam
Another Sausalito restaurant recommendation. We don't eat out much, but when we have guests we often take them to lunch in Susalito.
Good popular local restaurant for lunch or dinner within walking distance.
46 moradores locais recomendam
Insalata's
120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
46 moradores locais recomendam
Good popular local restaurant for lunch or dinner within walking distance.
Highly recommended Mexican restaurant. Everyone I asked for their food scene recommendations mentioned this place.
44 moradores locais recomendam
Marinitas
218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
44 moradores locais recomendam
Highly recommended Mexican restaurant. Everyone I asked for their food scene recommendations mentioned this place.
Fine dining Italian for a special occasion or treat.
10 moradores locais recomendam
Valenti & Co. Ristorante
337 San Anselmo Ave
10 moradores locais recomendam
Fine dining Italian for a special occasion or treat.
Cafe/bakery/deli. Eat in, eat out on the patio, or takeaway, breakfast, lunch or coffee and snack, they do it all. Recommended for salad counter - everyone loves the Chinese chicken salad.
53 moradores locais recomendam
Comforts
335 San Anselmo Ave
53 moradores locais recomendam
Cafe/bakery/deli. Eat in, eat out on the patio, or takeaway, breakfast, lunch or coffee and snack, they do it all. Recommended for salad counter - everyone loves the Chinese chicken salad.

Sightseeing

This small park with grass and benches in the center of San Anselmo was donated by George Lucas of Star Wars Fame, a local resident. Go here to hang our and see the bronze statues of Yoda and Indiana Jones.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Imagination Park
541 4th St
12 moradores locais recomendam
This small park with grass and benches in the center of San Anselmo was donated by George Lucas of Star Wars Fame, a local resident. Go here to hang our and see the bronze statues of Yoda and Indiana Jones.

Essentials

In the Redhill shopping center, just 10 minutes walk thru Memorial Park. Go here because its within walking distance only.
17 moradores locais recomendam
Safeway
838 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
17 moradores locais recomendam
In the Redhill shopping center, just 10 minutes walk thru Memorial Park. Go here because its within walking distance only.
Where we shop most often. A good balance of quality, choice and price and good service.
31 moradores locais recomendam
United Markets
515 3rd St
31 moradores locais recomendam
Where we shop most often. A good balance of quality, choice and price and good service.
Great selection of organic, free-trade, sustainable and local foods. Some speciality items can be expensive, but the bulk buy stuff and seasonal fruits and veggies aren't. Try their grade B maple syrup darker richer and better imho, or the honey in a big warm vat, or their store made pizzas.
192 moradores locais recomendam
Good Earth Natural Foods
720 Center Blvd
192 moradores locais recomendam
Great selection of organic, free-trade, sustainable and local foods. Some speciality items can be expensive, but the bulk buy stuff and seasonal fruits and veggies aren't. Try their grade B maple syrup darker richer and better imho, or the honey in a big warm vat, or their store made pizzas.
Large high quality grocery store with great range of goodies. Don't expect it to be cheap. Do expect to find more things to buy than were on your shopping list. Located in the Bon Air Center, which includes cafes and eateries and is located near to Corte Madera Creek, with picturesque creek walk.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Mollie Stone's Markets
270 Bon Air Center
19 moradores locais recomendam
Large high quality grocery store with great range of goodies. Don't expect it to be cheap. Do expect to find more things to buy than were on your shopping list. Located in the Bon Air Center, which includes cafes and eateries and is located near to Corte Madera Creek, with picturesque creek walk.

Shopping

Local new bookstore in the center of San Anselmo Ave
Town Books
411 San Anselmo Ave
Local new bookstore in the center of San Anselmo Ave
Sells flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Sample the different flavors and ask for flavor combination suggestions for dressings. Make great gifts.
Amphora Nueva San Anselmo Olive Oil Works
429 San Anselmo Ave
Sells flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Sample the different flavors and ask for flavor combination suggestions for dressings. Make great gifts.
Range of shops and eateries. Nice bookshop and upmarket clothes and gift stores.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Larkspur Landing Circle
Larkspur Landing Circle
19 moradores locais recomendam
Range of shops and eateries. Nice bookshop and upmarket clothes and gift stores.
San Anselmo's main street is lined with shops and eateries. Great place to get coffee or pick up a gift.
6 moradores locais recomendam
San Anselmo Avenue
San Anselmo Avenue
6 moradores locais recomendam
San Anselmo's main street is lined with shops and eateries. Great place to get coffee or pick up a gift.
Large shopping mall: Nordstroms, Macys, Apple Store, Sundance, Lucky Jeans, Gap, Banana Republic, etc.
56 moradores locais recomendam
The Village at Corte Madera
1618 Redwood Hwy
56 moradores locais recomendam
Large shopping mall: Nordstroms, Macys, Apple Store, Sundance, Lucky Jeans, Gap, Banana Republic, etc.

Everything Else

Corte Madera Town Center is actually a shopping area with ample parking, shops and eateries. Shops include Barnes & Noble, Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table, Pottery Barn, REI, Eddie Bauer, etc. Plus a few coffee shops and lunch place.
66 moradores locais recomendam
Town Center Corte Madera
100 Corte Madera Town Center
66 moradores locais recomendam
Corte Madera Town Center is actually a shopping area with ample parking, shops and eateries. Shops include Barnes & Noble, Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table, Pottery Barn, REI, Eddie Bauer, etc. Plus a few coffee shops and lunch place.
Nothing says The Bay Area like the Golden Gate Bridge. If you plan to walk or cycle across it take a jacket, it can get chilly on the bridge.
1321 moradores locais recomendam
Ponte Golden Gate
Golden Gate Bridge
1321 moradores locais recomendam
Nothing says The Bay Area like the Golden Gate Bridge. If you plan to walk or cycle across it take a jacket, it can get chilly on the bridge.

Arts & Culture

Has a small museum with irregular opening hours in its basement. Even when its closes you can view the old photos of the town.
San Anselmo Town Hall
525 San Anselmo Ave
Has a small museum with irregular opening hours in its basement. Even when its closes you can view the old photos of the town.
Newly built 7 story modern art museum with a fantastic collection. If you like modern art you can spend all day here and still not see everything. There are iconic Andy Warhols, amazing Chuck Close heads, detailed Jess collages, sculptures and a wall of plants on the terrace.
813 moradores locais recomendam
Museu de Arte Moderna de San Francisco
151 3rd St
813 moradores locais recomendam
Newly built 7 story modern art museum with a fantastic collection. If you like modern art you can spend all day here and still not see everything. There are iconic Andy Warhols, amazing Chuck Close heads, detailed Jess collages, sculptures and a wall of plants on the terrace.