Overview
The "twin cities" of Larkspur and Corte Madera are a pair of towns in Marin County in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Larkspur is the main gateway to Marin by ferry, while Corte Madera is known for upscale shopping.
2 things to do · 4 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Larkspur and Corte Madera
Fourth of July Parade
Larkspur and Corte Madera have a shared Fourth of July parade every year, starting at Redwood High School in Larkspur and ending at Town Center in Corte Madera. If the county fair in San Rafael is a bit much for you, joi…
Lark Theater
Art deco theater showing blockbusters, independent films, and live performances.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 72°F; winter lows dip to about 44°F. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby San Francisco)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- OAK Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, Oakland — 22 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SFO San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco — 23 mi away (major hub). Directions
Most people drive.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fourth of July Parade
- Lunch Picco
- Afternoon Lark Theater
- Dinner Emporio Rulli
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Most people drive.
Larkspur is the location of the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, with Golden Gate Ferry service from San Francisco.
The SMART light rail system serves Larkspur Landing (where the ferry terminal is) from San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, and Santa Rosa.
Bus service is provided by Marin Transit. Lines 17 and 228 serve the Larkspur Landing ferry terminal area, line 22 serves downtown Larkspur and Corte Madera, and line 29 (weekdays only) serves Larkspur Landing and areas near both downtowns. All of these start from the San Rafael transit center.
From San Francisco International Airport, the Marin Airporter stops in Larkspur.
It's very feasible to bike in from San Rafael, Mill Valley, or elsewhere, and it's also possible to walk to Larkspur from San Rafael using the bike path that hugs the SMART tracks. Walking from Mill Valley is more of a challenge; it's possible by walking on the Horse Hill bike path that hugs the west side of 101, but at the north end of this path you'll have to take Meadowsweet Drive, which has no sidewalks but is quiet enough that pedestrians do use it.
Get around
Aside from the downtown cores, this is not a particularly pedestrian-oriented area. Sidewalks exist but are sometimes inconsistent. Biking is convenient and popular, though.
Do
Do Fourth of July Parade
Larkspur and Corte Madera have a shared Fourth of July parade every year, starting at Redwood High School in Larkspur and ending at Town Center in Corte Madera. If the county fair in San Rafael is a bit much for you, join the festivities here instead, where you'll see classic cars; local figures like the Twin Cities' mayors, citizens of the year, and beautification committees; local kids' sports teams; and maybe a marching band or a cheerleading squad. Food and handicrafts are sold nearby and the event has a community feel.
Buy
Corte Madera's twin upscale shopping malls, The Village and Town Center, are popular spots for locals to shop and eat. Residents of nearby towns often drive over for specific purchases.
Eat
Eat Marin Joe's
A great Italian restaurant with gourmet sandwiches and a beautiful atmosphere which features a wine bar and a piano.
Eat Il Fornaio
Upscale Italian restaurant, branch of a regional chain.
Eat Picco
Upscale Italian restaurant that also runs a wood-fired pizzeria next door.
Eat Emporio Rulli
Italian cafe and bakery with a wide range of pastries and a charming atmosphere. Expensive but delicious.
Sleep
Go next
- Mill Valley, gateway to Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais
- San Rafael, the county seat
- San Francisco's Embarcadero is a ferry ride away
Nearby
Mill Valley
City / town · 22 listings · 2 mi away
San Rafael
City / town · 27 listings · 4 mi away
San Anselmo
City / town · 4 listings · 4 mi away
Tiburon
City / town · 14 listings · 5 mi away
Sausalito
City / town · 33 listings · 5 mi away
Fairfax
City / town · 14 listings · 5 mi away
Angel Island
Park · 5 listings · 7 mi away
Stinson Beach
City / town · 5 listings · 7 mi away
My experience
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