The Ross Valley

The Ross Valley is the geographic and cultural heart of central Marin County. Stretching from the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais to the shores of Corte Madera Creek, the valley encompasses the towns of San Anselmo, Fairfax, Ross, Kentfield, and Greenbrae — each with its own personality, but all sharing a walkable, community-oriented way of life that makes this one of the most desirable places to live in the Bay Area.

The Towns

San Anselmo

The social hub of the Ross Valley, San Anselmo's downtown strip along San Anselmo Avenue buzzes with restaurants, antique shops, and cafés. The town hosts a beloved Christmas parade, a summer concert series, and a weekend farmers' market.

Fairfax

The most bohemian town in Marin, Fairfax has a counter-culture streak that sets it apart. Independent bookstores, music venues, health food co-ops, and craft breweries line the compact downtown. Fairfax is also the gateway to the Mt. Tamalpais watershed lakes.

Ross

Quiet, wooded, and residential, Ross is one of the wealthiest small towns in America. Its cultural contribution to the valley includes the Marin Art and Garden Center, a 10-acre campus hosting exhibitions, concerts, and community events.

Kentfield

Home to College of Marin and some of the best public schools in California, Kentfield is a family-oriented community with excellent access to both Highway 101 and the watershed trails.

Greenbrae

A primarily residential community with convenient shopping at Bon Air Center and close proximity to Larkspur Landing and the ferry terminal.

Dining Highlights

• Insalata's — San Anselmo's Mediterranean gem with a garden patio
• Iron Springs Pub — Fairfax brewpub with house-made ales and hearty food
• Comforts Café — Beloved all-day café in San Anselmo
• Cucina — Neighborhood Italian in San Anselmo
• 2AM Club — Fairfax dive bar and late-night institution

Outdoor Recreation

• Phoenix Lake — Easy loop hike through oak woodland, accessible from Ross
• Bon Tempe & Lagunitas Lakes — Scenic reservoir hikes accessed through the Sky Oaks trailhead above Fairfax
• Deer Park — Family-friendly trail system with creek access in Fairfax
• Baltimore Canyon — A hidden redwood canyon between Larkspur and Kentfield with a seasonal waterfall

Getting Around

The Ross Valley is compact enough to bike between towns. Sir Francis Drake Boulevard runs through the center, connecting all five communities. The Larkspur Ferry provides a scenic commute to San Francisco, and Highway 101 is minutes away from Greenbrae and Kentfield.

Explore the valley that locals never want to leave.