Larkspur

A strong sense of community is felt throughout Larkspur.
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Welcome to Larkspur, California

Larkspur is one of Marin County’s most charming and desirable towns—a place where historic architecture, redwood groves, waterfront pathways and a lively downtown all blend into an effortlessly welcoming atmosphere. Nestled between Mount Tamalpais and the San Francisco Bay, Larkspur offers a walkable lifestyle, exceptional dining, top-rated schools and a warm, community-focused feel. With its blend of natural beauty and small-town sophistication, Larkspur is a gem of the North Bay.

What to Love

Larkspur has a timeless appeal rooted in beauty, convenience and community charm.

Highlights include:

  • A historic, pedestrian-friendly downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places

  • Towering redwoods and scenic creekside paths

  • Excellent restaurants, bakeries and boutiques

  • Access to the Larkspur Ferry for easy trips to San Francisco

  • Family-friendly neighborhoods with welcoming, close-knit vibes

  • Proximity to hiking, biking and waterfront recreation

  • Top-tier public schools

It’s the perfect combination of nature, culture and comfort.

Local Lifestyle in Larkspur

Life in Larkspur is relaxed, active and community-oriented. Residents enjoy morning walks along Magnolia Avenue, afternoons spent hiking in Baltimore Canyon or biking the waterfront trails, and evenings dining at some of Marin’s most beloved restaurants.

Larkspur appeals to:

  • Families seeking great schools and safe neighborhoods

  • Professionals commuting to San Francisco

  • Outdoor enthusiasts

  • Food lovers and boutique shoppers

  • Anyone looking for a warm, picturesque community with easy access to nature

The vibe is friendly, vibrant and unmistakably Marin.

Redwood, Creekside & Village Living

Larkspur’s charm comes from its diverse landscapes and intimate scale.

Residents enjoy:

  • Shaded neighborhoods nestled beneath redwoods

  • Historic homes and buildings with preserved character

  • Waterfront connections via the Bay Trail

  • Lush canyon trails just minutes from town

  • Sunny parks and community gathering spots

Every corner of Larkspur feels inviting and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Things to Do in Larkspur

Though small, Larkspur offers an impressive variety of recreation, dining, shopping and cultural experiences.

Outdoor & Nature Experiences

  • Baltimore Canyon Preserve – breathtaking creekside hiking beneath redwoods

  • King Mountain Loop Trail – panoramic views of Marin

  • Corte Madera Creek Path – ideal for biking, walking, running and strollers

  • Piper Park – sports fields, playgrounds and community space

Downtown Larkspur (Magnolia Avenue)

This charming district offers:

  • Historic storefronts

  • Boutique shops and galleries

  • Cafés and bakeries

  • Outdoor dining patios

  • A cozy, village-like ambiance

Dining & Local Favorites

Larkspur is known for its outstanding restaurants.

Favorites include:

  • Pizzeria Picco – artisan pizza and famous soft-serve

  • Left Bank Brasserie – French dining in a lively, historic space

  • Emporio Rulli – beloved Italian bakery and café

  • El Huarache Loco (nearby in Marin Country Mart) – vibrant Mexican cuisine

  • Farmshop – upscale, farm-to-table dining at the Marin Country Mart

Arts, Shopping & Culture

  • Marin Country Mart – high-end boutiques, outdoor events, food trucks and a weekly farmers market

  • Lark Theater – historic Art Deco cinema featuring indie films and cultural events

  • Local art shows, community gatherings and outdoor concerts

Schools in Larkspur

Larkspur is served by excellent public schools in the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District and the Tamalpais Union High School District.

Schools include:

  • Neil Cummins Elementary School

  • The Cove School

  • Hall Middle School

  • Redwood High School (one of the top high schools in California)

Families choose Larkspur for its strong academics, community involvement and well-rounded programs.

Walkability & Transportation

Larkspur is one of Marin’s most walkable and commuter-friendly towns.

Transportation advantages:

  • Larkspur Ferry Terminal – direct ferry to downtown San Francisco

  • Easy access to Highway 101

  • Extensive bike paths connecting to the Bay Trail

  • Walkable downtown and neighborhood pockets

  • Marin Transit bus routes

  • Close proximity to SMART Train connections (in San Rafael)

It’s an ideal home base for commuters and outdoor lovers alike.

History & Culture

Founded in the late 1800s, Larkspur has preserved much of its original charm, especially in its historic downtown district.

Cultural hallmarks:

  • Victorian and early 20th-century buildings

  • A strong artistic and literary history

  • A tradition of community festivals, parades and events

  • A values-driven emphasis on preservation, sustainability and local pride

Larkspur is a community that celebrates its roots while embracing modern comforts.

Homes in Larkspur

Larkspur offers a mix of architectural styles and settings that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Popular property types include:

Historic Cottages & Craftsman Homes

  • Tree-lined streets

  • Character-rich details

  • Walkability to town

Redwood-Canyon Retreats

  • Homes nestled in forested hillsides

  • Quiet, peaceful settings

  • Decks overlooking creeks and treetops

Modern & Contemporary Residences

  • Open floor plans

  • High-end finishes

  • Indoor-outdoor living spaces

Family-Friendly Suburban Homes

  • Larger lots

  • Flat yards

  • Close to parks and schools

Waterfront Condos & Townhomes

  • Views of the bay or creek

  • Easy access to trails and transit

Housing Market Trends

Larkspur is consistently one of Marin’s strongest real estate markets.

Key trends include:

  • High demand for walkable neighborhoods and redwood canyon homes

  • Limited inventory due to small town size

  • Strong appreciation and long-term value

  • Competitive market for move-in-ready homes

  • Increased interest from San Francisco and Peninsula buyers

Its blend of charm, natural beauty and accessibility keeps it perpetually desirable.

Popular Areas in Larkspur

  • Downtown Larkspur / Magnolia Avenue – historic charm and walkability

  • Baltimore Canyon – redwoods, trails and serene living

  • Murray Park – quiet family-friendly streets

  • Palm Hill – hillside homes with views

  • Creekside neighborhoods along Corte Madera Creek

  • Marin Country Mart area – modern living near shops and ferry

Each neighborhood offers its own version of Larkspur’s relaxed elegance.

Buying or Selling in Larkspur

Larkspur offers a remarkable lifestyle where natural beauty, historic charm and convenience come together in a way few towns can match. Buyers love its walkability, top schools, outdoor access and lively downtown. Sellers benefit from consistently strong demand, limited inventory and the timeless appeal of this beloved Marin community.

Whether you're dreaming of a redwood retreat, a charming craftsman near town or a stylish modern home with easy ferry access, Larkspur delivers a warm, refined and inspiring place to call home.

Overview for Larkspur, CA

12,856 people live in Larkspur, where the median age is 49.9 and the average individual income is $103,235. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

12,856

Total Population

49.9 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$103,235

Average individual Income

Around Larkspur, CA

There's plenty to do around Larkspur, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

74
Very Walkable
Walking Score
85
Very Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Ebb and Flow, Marin Adventure Bootcamp for Women, and Jonathan Pofsky, MFT CMT.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Active 1.96 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.63 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.48 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.97 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.86 miles 40 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.6 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Larkspur, CA

Larkspur has 6,160 households, with an average household size of 2.06. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Larkspur do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 12,856 people call Larkspur home. The population density is 4,286.53 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

12,856

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

49.9

Median Age

46.93 / 53.07%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
6,160

Total Households

2.06

Average Household Size

$103,235

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Larkspur, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Larkspur. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Larkspur

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