Ross, California
Nestled in a wooded valley at the base of Mt. Tamalpais, Ross is one of the smallest and most picturesque towns in Marin County. Tree-lined streets wind past grand estates, a historic post office, and the kind of manicured silence that comes with deep roots and careful stewardship. With a population of around 2,500, Ross maintains a village atmosphere while offering easy access to the restaurants, shops, and cultural amenities of the surrounding Ross Valley.
Dining
Ross itself has limited commercial establishments — by design — but the surrounding towns offer exceptional options minutes away.
San Anselmo
- Insalata's — Mediterranean cuisine with a beautiful garden patio, one of Marin's most beloved restaurants
- Comforts Café — Casual all-day dining with creative sandwiches, salads, and house-baked goods
- Cucina — Italian dishes made with local ingredients in a warm neighborhood setting
Larkspur
- Picco — Upscale Italian with a focus on house-made pastas and seasonal ingredients
- Left Bank — French brasserie fare in a lively downtown setting
- Farmshop — Farm-to-table California cuisine at the Marin Country Mart
Kentfield
- Half Day Café — A morning institution serving generous breakfast and brunch plates
Shopping
San Anselmo
San Anselmo Avenue is known for its antique shops, vintage stores, and eclectic boutiques. The town draws collectors from across the Bay Area looking for mid-century furniture, vintage clothing, and one-of-a-kind home décor.
Larkspur
Magnolia Avenue offers a refined shopping experience with clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, and home furnishing shops. The Marin Country Mart anchors the southern end with curated national brands.
Things to Do
Phoenix Lake
Accessible from the Natalie Coffin Greene Park in Ross, Phoenix Lake is a beloved local hiking and running destination. The 2.3-mile loop around the lake is easy and shaded, with connecting trails leading deeper into the Mt. Tamalpais watershed.
Ross Commons
The town's central park hosts community events, picnics, and the annual Fourth of July celebration — one of the most charming small-town Independence Day events in the Bay Area.
Marin Art and Garden Center
Located on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Ross, this 10-acre cultural campus hosts art exhibitions, concerts, a farmers' market, and community classes throughout the year.
Why Ross
Ross offers something increasingly rare — a quiet, beautiful place to live that's still connected to a vibrant surrounding community. The town's deliberate limits on commercial development preserve its residential character while the neighboring towns of San Anselmo, Larkspur, and Kentfield provide everything you need within a few minutes' drive.
Discover the gentle heart of the Ross Valley.