Guidebook for Kentfield

Jennifer
Guidebook for Kentfield

Food Shopping

Grocery stores, farmers markets, bakeries (no eat-in), etc.
One of the great gourmet markets in the Bay Area, walking distance from the property. Excellent deli sandwiches, prepared food, produce, butcher, cheeses. The wine guy is excellent for recommendations. Pricey but worth it. Not the place for your big stock-up grocery shop.
53 locals recommend
Woodlands Market
1550 Tiburon Blvd
53 locals recommend
One of the great gourmet markets in the Bay Area, walking distance from the property. Excellent deli sandwiches, prepared food, produce, butcher, cheeses. The wine guy is excellent for recommendations. Pricey but worth it. Not the place for your big stock-up grocery shop.
Quality grocery store.
19 locals recommend
Mollie Stone's Markets
270 Bon Air Center
19 locals recommend
Quality grocery store.
Because it's Trader Joes! You can get coconut water in bulk!
53 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
337 3rd St
53 locals recommend
Because it's Trader Joes! You can get coconut water in bulk!
Best grocery store in the area, in my opinion. Healthy, high-quality goods; great salad bar and prepared foods. Right across from Trader Joes.
54 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
340 3rd St
54 locals recommend
Best grocery store in the area, in my opinion. Healthy, high-quality goods; great salad bar and prepared foods. Right across from Trader Joes.
Less expensive than Whole Foods or Molly Stones and still good
15 locals recommend
Safeway
700 B St
15 locals recommend
Less expensive than Whole Foods or Molly Stones and still good
Great farmers market on Sundays 8a - 1pm. Often features live music. Come hungry because theres lots of great grazing. I love the booth that sells grilled cheese-and-apple sandwiches.
37 locals recommend
The Sunday Marin Farmers Market
3501 Civic Center Dr
37 locals recommend
Great farmers market on Sundays 8a - 1pm. Often features live music. Come hungry because theres lots of great grazing. I love the booth that sells grilled cheese-and-apple sandwiches.
Smaller farmers market on Saturdays 9a - 2p. Live music 11a-2pm.
45 locals recommend
Marin Country Mart
2257 Larkspur Landing Cir
45 locals recommend
Smaller farmers market on Saturdays 9a - 2p. Live music 11a-2pm.
Delicious cake and cupcakes
20 locals recommend
SusieCakes
2109 Chestnut St
20 locals recommend
Delicious cake and cupcakes

Restaurants and cafes

An excellent small-plates Italian restaurant. Located in the charming small town of Larkspur; fun to take a stroll through town before or after dinner. Make reservations well in advance.
80 locals recommend
Picco Restaurant
320 Magnolia Ave
80 locals recommend
An excellent small-plates Italian restaurant. Located in the charming small town of Larkspur; fun to take a stroll through town before or after dinner. Make reservations well in advance.
Our favorite place for lunch. Try the arugula salad with smoked trout, breakfast sandwich, pork belly sandwich or cheese melt. Delicious! We always pick up a loaf of bread too. Seating around the corner of the restaurant too. We like to follow with a wander around San Anselmo or a hike at Phoenix Lake.
60 locals recommend
M.H.Bread and Butter
101 San Anselmo Ave
60 locals recommend
Our favorite place for lunch. Try the arugula salad with smoked trout, breakfast sandwich, pork belly sandwich or cheese melt. Delicious! We always pick up a loaf of bread too. Seating around the corner of the restaurant too. We like to follow with a wander around San Anselmo or a hike at Phoenix Lake.
Excellent bakery. Great salads, sandwiches, cookies, coffee. This is where the famous Rustic Bakery crackers are made. Can eat in.
77 locals recommend
Rustic Bakery
2017 Larkspur Landing Cir
77 locals recommend
Excellent bakery. Great salads, sandwiches, cookies, coffee. This is where the famous Rustic Bakery crackers are made. Can eat in.
Another location.
77 locals recommend
Rustic Bakery
2017 Larkspur Landing Cir
77 locals recommend
Another location.
New Orleans style brunch! Strictly local and always packed. Get there early or expect to wait - which is fine bc the people watching is so fun :) Located in Fairfax, one of the best towns in Marin - see notes below.
38 locals recommend
The Hummingbird
57 Broadway
38 locals recommend
New Orleans style brunch! Strictly local and always packed. Get there early or expect to wait - which is fine bc the people watching is so fun :) Located in Fairfax, one of the best towns in Marin - see notes below.
Excellent casual seafood restaurant. Lobster rolls, fresh tuna salad, oysters. Eat on picnic tables looking over the bay, doesn't get much better than this :)
126 locals recommend
Fish.
350 Harbor Dr
126 locals recommend
Excellent casual seafood restaurant. Lobster rolls, fresh tuna salad, oysters. Eat on picnic tables looking over the bay, doesn't get much better than this :)
Good restaurant with unique mediterranean cuisine. Also has a take-out counter that we regularly frequent - we love the fattoush salad.
46 locals recommend
Insalata's
120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
46 locals recommend
Good restaurant with unique mediterranean cuisine. Also has a take-out counter that we regularly frequent - we love the fattoush salad.
Good high-end Mexican food. Margaritas to die for. Try the chicken enchiladas, yum!
44 locals recommend
Marinitas
218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
44 locals recommend
Good high-end Mexican food. Margaritas to die for. Try the chicken enchiladas, yum!
A lovely brunch place walking distance from the property. The tortilla scramble, eggs benedict and huevos are great. It's nice to get a table outside, in the garden. Serves lunch too.
28 locals recommend
Half Day Cafe
848 College Ave
28 locals recommend
A lovely brunch place walking distance from the property. The tortilla scramble, eggs benedict and huevos are great. It's nice to get a table outside, in the garden. Serves lunch too.
Best pizza in Marin. Brooklyn-style, thin-crust, great! Try to eat outside in good weather.
24 locals recommend
Pizzeria Picco
316 Magnolia Ave
24 locals recommend
Best pizza in Marin. Brooklyn-style, thin-crust, great! Try to eat outside in good weather.
An upscale diner with all the favorites, burgers, onion rings, tacos etc. A family favorite.
106 locals recommend
Gott's Roadside
644 1st St
106 locals recommend
An upscale diner with all the favorites, burgers, onion rings, tacos etc. A family favorite.
Healthy, fresh juices - I like the Greens and Roots lines. Also, great healthier ice cream with no processed sugar. I love to go here after yoga.
10 locals recommend
Pressed
3901 24th St
10 locals recommend
Healthy, fresh juices - I like the Greens and Roots lines. Also, great healthier ice cream with no processed sugar. I love to go here after yoga.
Wonderful little restaurant on Tomales Bay. Begin or end a Point Reyes hiking or horseback riding day here, with delicious barbequed oysters. Try every kind of oysters they offer, they are all incredible. Not cheap but worth it. No reservations so be prepared to wait.
41 locals recommend
Tomales Bay Oyster Company
15479 CA-1
41 locals recommend
Wonderful little restaurant on Tomales Bay. Begin or end a Point Reyes hiking or horseback riding day here, with delicious barbequed oysters. Try every kind of oysters they offer, they are all incredible. Not cheap but worth it. No reservations so be prepared to wait.
For that truly special meal. A fixed-price meal (usually) by a truly gifted chef. Japanese-inspired cuisine in a very tiny and elegant space. Located in San Anselmo, so fun to begin or end with a walk through town. Make reservations.
8 locals recommend
Madcap
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
8 locals recommend
For that truly special meal. A fixed-price meal (usually) by a truly gifted chef. Japanese-inspired cuisine in a very tiny and elegant space. Located in San Anselmo, so fun to begin or end with a walk through town. Make reservations.
Best ice cream in Marin! Handmade ice cream with all kinds of unique flavors (try the Lavender Vanilla). A must-do when you're in Fairfax.
70 locals recommend
Fairfax Scoop
63 Broadway
70 locals recommend
Best ice cream in Marin! Handmade ice cream with all kinds of unique flavors (try the Lavender Vanilla). A must-do when you're in Fairfax.
Our favorite sushi place in San Francisco. Located in north SF so not far from here. The quality of the food is stellar, tho the space itself it nothing special - we like it that way. Best to ask for "omakase" - chef's choice. If it's just two of you sit at the sushi bar, a wonderful experience.
38 locals recommend
Zushi Puzzle
1910 Lombard St
38 locals recommend
Our favorite sushi place in San Francisco. Located in north SF so not far from here. The quality of the food is stellar, tho the space itself it nothing special - we like it that way. Best to ask for "omakase" - chef's choice. If it's just two of you sit at the sushi bar, a wonderful experience.
A great place for dim sum in the city. In the nothern part of the SF so not that far. Our favorites are the baked pork buns, the soup dumplings and the honey shrimp with walnuts :)
64 locals recommend
Hong Kong Lounge
5322 Geary Blvd
64 locals recommend
A great place for dim sum in the city. In the nothern part of the SF so not that far. Our favorites are the baked pork buns, the soup dumplings and the honey shrimp with walnuts :)
Good local lunch place with both takeout and eat-in.
53 locals recommend
Comforts
335 San Anselmo Ave
53 locals recommend
Good local lunch place with both takeout and eat-in.
Good traditional Italian restaurant. A great place for a dressier meal or to take the grandparents.
34 locals recommend
Il Davide
901 A St
34 locals recommend
Good traditional Italian restaurant. A great place for a dressier meal or to take the grandparents.
Elegant place for lunch with the ladies. Amazing views of Mount Tam. Booked pretty solid so make reservations.
RH Rooftop Restaurant Marin
1750 Redwood Highway
Elegant place for lunch with the ladies. Amazing views of Mount Tam. Booked pretty solid so make reservations.
Just down the street from us! Walking distance, or 5 minute drive. Great upscale local eatery with excellent cocktails!
15 locals recommend
Guesthouse
850 College Ave
15 locals recommend
Just down the street from us! Walking distance, or 5 minute drive. Great upscale local eatery with excellent cocktails!

Shopping

Small, fun local shopping center. Rustic Bakery, Bed Bath and Beyond, a book store, cool clothing shops. Farmers Market with live music (sometimes) Saturdays 9a-2p.
45 locals recommend
Marin Country Mart
2257 Larkspur Landing Cir
45 locals recommend
Small, fun local shopping center. Rustic Bakery, Bed Bath and Beyond, a book store, cool clothing shops. Farmers Market with live music (sometimes) Saturdays 9a-2p.
Biggest mall in Marin. Mostly clothes: J Crew, Anthro, Free People, Nordstrom, Macy's etc. All arranged around a central outdoor plaza - fun to wander.
56 locals recommend
The Village at Corte Madera
1618 Redwood Hwy
56 locals recommend
Biggest mall in Marin. Mostly clothes: J Crew, Anthro, Free People, Nordstrom, Macy's etc. All arranged around a central outdoor plaza - fun to wander.
The "other" mall: just across the highway from the Village. Lots of home stores like Container Store, Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrel. Also Barnes and Noble, REI and others.
66 locals recommend
Town Center Corte Madera
100 Corte Madera Town Center
66 locals recommend
The "other" mall: just across the highway from the Village. Lots of home stores like Container Store, Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrel. Also Barnes and Noble, REI and others.
Our local shopping center. Molly Stones, CVS, Peets Coffee, Jamba Juice, Woodland Pets, UPS, Suzicakes and much more.
13 locals recommend
Bon Air Center
Bon Air Center
13 locals recommend
Our local shopping center. Molly Stones, CVS, Peets Coffee, Jamba Juice, Woodland Pets, UPS, Suzicakes and much more.

Self-Care

Skilled therapists charging reasonable rates.
Bodywise Massage, Inc
1435 4th St
Skilled therapists charging reasonable rates.
Book a drop-in class at The Studio, my favorite yoga studio in Marin.
The Studio
650 E Blithedale Ave
Book a drop-in class at The Studio, my favorite yoga studio in Marin.
For that special spa day? I'd go here. Luxurious, full-service spa with skilled therapists. Massage, facials, meditation pool, nice restaurant.
8 locals recommend
Healing Arts Center & Spa
601 Murray Cir
8 locals recommend
For that special spa day? I'd go here. Luxurious, full-service spa with skilled therapists. Massage, facials, meditation pool, nice restaurant.

Parks & Nature

Marin is one of the best areas in the world for outdoor fun: hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, you name it. Here are some of our favorites outdoor places to go and things to do:
World-class hiking! Download the app AllTrails and you can pick from hundreds of hikes of all lengths and levels. Our favorite is the Dipsea Trail from Pantoll to Stinson Beach. Park at the Pantoll Ranger Station (https://goo.gl/maps/L49Yqua81b62) and walk to Stinson Beach (about 2 hrs). Eat lunch then take the West Marin Stagecoach bus back to Pantoll. An absolutely beautiful hike through redwoods, chaparral and panoramic views of the ocean.
226 locals recommend
Mount Tamalpais
226 locals recommend
World-class hiking! Download the app AllTrails and you can pick from hundreds of hikes of all lengths and levels. Our favorite is the Dipsea Trail from Pantoll to Stinson Beach. Park at the Pantoll Ranger Station (https://goo.gl/maps/L49Yqua81b62) and walk to Stinson Beach (about 2 hrs). Eat lunch then take the West Marin Stagecoach bus back to Pantoll. An absolutely beautiful hike through redwoods, chaparral and panoramic views of the ocean.
This a short, 1-hour hike known only to the locals. It’s a 5 minute drive away, has pretty views, and I do it maybe twice a week. You can extend to 2 hours with an upper loop. Directions: Navigate to the Crown Road Trailhead via Google Maps (https://goo.gl/maps/iFkQnbQR1Qx). Walk up the Southern Marin Fire Road until you get to the first steep narrow trail off to the right, the Hoo-Koo E-Koo Trail. Take this trail up all the way to the Blithedale Ridge Road at the top of the ridge. You’ll have gorgeous views of the East Bay, the City, and Mt. Tam from up here. Here you have a choice. You could either 1) go left down the fire road and do the 1-hour hike, or 2) cross the fire road and add the extra loop to your hike. ♣ 1) 1-hour option: This is mostly a gentle downhill on a fire road for the rest of the hike. Go left and down the fire road. Keep going left at every possible intersection, including very sharp lefts, until you are back on the original Southern Marin Line Fire Road. This will take you back to the Crown Road trailhead and your car. ♣ 2) 2-hour option: This adds a loop that climbs uphill to gorgeous, big views of the city and bay, then back down. Cross the Blithedale Ridge Rd (go a tiny bit up the road) and continue on the Hoo-koo E-Koo Trail. Walk until it runs again into a further part of the Blithesdale Ridge Road, and take a right. Come all the way back down around to where you started this loop. Then follow the directions for the 1-hour option, taking every possible left until you arrive back at the trailhead. You could also stick to the Southern Marin Fire Road the whole time and do gentle, flat there-and-back hike. Lots of options.
Crown Road
Crown Road
This a short, 1-hour hike known only to the locals. It’s a 5 minute drive away, has pretty views, and I do it maybe twice a week. You can extend to 2 hours with an upper loop. Directions: Navigate to the Crown Road Trailhead via Google Maps (https://goo.gl/maps/iFkQnbQR1Qx). Walk up the Southern Marin Fire Road until you get to the first steep narrow trail off to the right, the Hoo-Koo E-Koo Trail. Take this trail up all the way to the Blithedale Ridge Road at the top of the ridge. You’ll have gorgeous views of the East Bay, the City, and Mt. Tam from up here. Here you have a choice. You could either 1) go left down the fire road and do the 1-hour hike, or 2) cross the fire road and add the extra loop to your hike. ♣ 1) 1-hour option: This is mostly a gentle downhill on a fire road for the rest of the hike. Go left and down the fire road. Keep going left at every possible intersection, including very sharp lefts, until you are back on the original Southern Marin Line Fire Road. This will take you back to the Crown Road trailhead and your car. ♣ 2) 2-hour option: This adds a loop that climbs uphill to gorgeous, big views of the city and bay, then back down. Cross the Blithedale Ridge Rd (go a tiny bit up the road) and continue on the Hoo-koo E-Koo Trail. Walk until it runs again into a further part of the Blithesdale Ridge Road, and take a right. Come all the way back down around to where you started this loop. Then follow the directions for the 1-hour option, taking every possible left until you arrive back at the trailhead. You could also stick to the Southern Marin Fire Road the whole time and do gentle, flat there-and-back hike. Lots of options.
Another lovely local hike. It takes about an hour to circle the lake. Start at Natalie Green Park (https://goo.gl/maps/TQV7aH6YNXr) , there's a parking area there. Best on weekdays as the lot is small and can fill on weekends. Early or late is best for the same reason. We like a 5pm hike before dinner.
25 locals recommend
Phoenix Lake
25 locals recommend
Another lovely local hike. It takes about an hour to circle the lake. Start at Natalie Green Park (https://goo.gl/maps/TQV7aH6YNXr) , there's a parking area there. Best on weekdays as the lot is small and can fill on weekends. Early or late is best for the same reason. We like a 5pm hike before dinner.
Sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, in the Bay. Very fun!
45 locals recommend
Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Center
2100 Bridgeway
45 locals recommend
Sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, in the Bay. Very fun!
Incredible hiking in a very unique, isolated wild area. A northern ca. treasure. Give yourself a whole day: it's about a 45-min drive but so worth it! Pack a lunch from Woodland Market or eat at one of the many good restaurants in the area. I love the Bear Valley Trail to the beach, and the Tomales Point Trail (see below). This area also has kayaking in the Tomales Bay.
273 locals recommend
Point Reyes National Seashore
273 locals recommend
Incredible hiking in a very unique, isolated wild area. A northern ca. treasure. Give yourself a whole day: it's about a 45-min drive but so worth it! Pack a lunch from Woodland Market or eat at one of the many good restaurants in the area. I love the Bear Valley Trail to the beach, and the Tomales Point Trail (see below). This area also has kayaking in the Tomales Bay.
Enormous, historic forest of redwoods! Can get busy so best to go early. Reservations required. The walk in the main part of the woods is amazing, but we always add on a less crowded hike up and to the right at the end.
660 locals recommend
Muir Woods National Monument
660 locals recommend
Enormous, historic forest of redwoods! Can get busy so best to go early. Reservations required. The walk in the main part of the woods is amazing, but we always add on a less crowded hike up and to the right at the end.
An absolutely gorgeous hike. The Pacific on one side, the Tomales Bay on the other. If you're lucky you'll see lots of wildlife; on my last time there I saw two herds of tule elk, a big coyote, two families of quail, a red-tailed hawk. In some seasons you can see whales migrating. It's a long there-and-back hike, but pretty flat, so the miles don't feel long and you can turn back whenever you choose. It's exposed and can get windy so bring warm layers. I'd suggest going around noon to give the fog time to burn off, or you won't see anything. Give yourself time at the end to explore the historic dairy ranch at the trailhead.
8 locals recommend
Tomales Point Trail
Pierce Point Road
8 locals recommend
An absolutely gorgeous hike. The Pacific on one side, the Tomales Bay on the other. If you're lucky you'll see lots of wildlife; on my last time there I saw two herds of tule elk, a big coyote, two families of quail, a red-tailed hawk. In some seasons you can see whales migrating. It's a long there-and-back hike, but pretty flat, so the miles don't feel long and you can turn back whenever you choose. It's exposed and can get windy so bring warm layers. I'd suggest going around noon to give the fog time to burn off, or you won't see anything. Give yourself time at the end to explore the historic dairy ranch at the trailhead.
Another local favorite. Small beach, one of the only ones that allows campfires! Get there early to stake out a pit, bring your own firewood and starters, and have a blast. It's a N.Ca beach, remember, so it can get cooooooold - bring layers! Still beautiful tho! We'll sometimes stop by the Pelican Inn on the way out to warm up, have a pint and play some darts :)
170 locals recommend
Muir Beach
170 locals recommend
Another local favorite. Small beach, one of the only ones that allows campfires! Get there early to stake out a pit, bring your own firewood and starters, and have a blast. It's a N.Ca beach, remember, so it can get cooooooold - bring layers! Still beautiful tho! We'll sometimes stop by the Pelican Inn on the way out to warm up, have a pint and play some darts :)
Where we go for a classic "beach day". It's a long, windy, beautiful drive out there. Located in the sweet little town of Stinson.
363 locals recommend
Stinson Beach
363 locals recommend
Where we go for a classic "beach day". It's a long, windy, beautiful drive out there. Located in the sweet little town of Stinson.
This is where you'll get the most incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the City. You can make it a hike or you can just drive up there and park, so it's good for all ages and ability levels. There are some interesting military fortifications to explore as well. A must-see.
194 locals recommend
Marin Headlands
194 locals recommend
This is where you'll get the most incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the City. You can make it a hike or you can just drive up there and park, so it's good for all ages and ability levels. There are some interesting military fortifications to explore as well. A must-see.
A lovely grassy field at the local elementary school to kick a ball around or have a picnic. Lots of families. A nice walk from the property: Right on Sir Francis, left on College, right at the bike path at the crossing light. This path takes you all the way to Ross Common.
Ross Common
Ross Common
A lovely grassy field at the local elementary school to kick a ball around or have a picnic. Lots of families. A nice walk from the property: Right on Sir Francis, left on College, right at the bike path at the crossing light. This path takes you all the way to Ross Common.

Sightseeing

Good local museum, fun for adults and kids.
85 locals recommend
Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Rd
85 locals recommend
Good local museum, fun for adults and kids.
Wine country! Take a day trip and visit 3-4 wineries. Unforgettable.
219 locals recommend
Napa Valley
219 locals recommend
Wine country! Take a day trip and visit 3-4 wineries. Unforgettable.
Pretty little Marin town at the foot of Mount Tam. Art galleries, shopping, restaurants. Farmers market every Wed. 9:30a-2:30p.
76 locals recommend
Mill Valley
76 locals recommend
Pretty little Marin town at the foot of Mount Tam. Art galleries, shopping, restaurants. Farmers market every Wed. 9:30a-2:30p.
My favorite Marin town to visit. Funky, authentic, very no. cal. hippy liberal - in a good way! Known for its live music scene.
65 locals recommend
Fairfax
65 locals recommend
My favorite Marin town to visit. Funky, authentic, very no. cal. hippy liberal - in a good way! Known for its live music scene.
You can drive to almost the very top of Mount Tam to get glorious views of the entire area. Park in the East Peak parking lot and it's a short hike to the top.
19 locals recommend
Mount Tamalpais East Peak
Old Railroad Grade Trail
19 locals recommend
You can drive to almost the very top of Mount Tam to get glorious views of the entire area. Park in the East Peak parking lot and it's a short hike to the top.
Because it's San Francisco! Only 30 min away, with endless sightseeing, restaurants, museums and fun.
102 locals recommend
San Francisco
102 locals recommend
Because it's San Francisco! Only 30 min away, with endless sightseeing, restaurants, museums and fun.

Drinks & Nightlife

Good food but even better cocktails. We often stop here just for cocktails and appetizers.
15 locals recommend
Guesthouse
850 College Ave
15 locals recommend
Good food but even better cocktails. We often stop here just for cocktails and appetizers.