Though serene Larkspur is nestled against the Marin Hills just 20 minutes north of the city (adjust for rush hour traffic), it feels much farther away.
Magnolia Avenue, in the heart of downtown, exudes a small-time appeal reminiscent of an early 1900s mill town, which, indeed, it was, with two sawmills that supplied lumber to the Presidio.
Today, Larkspur is better known for its cute and quirky shops, historic landmarks, classy restaurants, and abundance of hiking trails. This curated modern guide highlights our favorite things to do in town.
Where to Eat and Drink in Larkspur
The lovely outdoor space at Perry's is perfect for a drink or meal.
(Joan Walsh)
Keiko Fish
Clean, sleek Keiko emits style and projects a minimalistic look. The restaurant is not too big, with a small cluster of tables and bar seats where you can watch the chef prepare sushi. On the menu is an assortment of omakase, crudo, nigiri, and sushi rolls. The fare is on the pricier side, but the fish is very fresh. Bottles of sake range from $29-$72. // 250 Magnolia Ave B., keikofish.net
Picco
Busy and bustling Picco is probably the most jam-packed restaurant in town. Reservations are recommended (especially for big parties), but the outside seating is reserved for walk-ins. The fare is Cal-Italian and designed to share. (Protip: Try the popular avocado bruschetta.) Other fare includes pasta, seafood, meat, and ample vegetarian options. // 320 Magnolia Ave., restaurantpicco.com
Pizzeria Picco
Right next door to Picco, Pizzeria Picco specializes in Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas, along with some menu options from Picco like mini smashburgers and other appetizers. The setting is more casual and more walk-in-focused than its sister restaurant. // 316 Magnolia Ave., restaurantpicco.com
Left Bank
Step into Larkspur’s version of Paris at this popular French brasserie. The French onion soup is an essential appetizer filled with gooey cheese and savory onions, while other seasonal soups rotate daily. Sit inside or outside—the bistro chairs are the same—but outdoors, your pup can make use of Left Bank’s dog menu, ten percent of the proceeds of which are donated to the Marin Humane Society. // 507 Magnolia Ave., leftbank.com
World Green Acai
This tiny acai bowl eatery has a decent-sized patio area with potted succulents adorning each table. They serve 100 percent organic and fresh acai berries in every colorful bowl, in addition to empanadas, Brazilian cheese bread, salads, kombucha, beer, and Champagne. // 546A Magnolia Ave., worldgreenacai.com
Perry’s
Since a car rammed into the beloved Silver Peso last year, downtown Larkspur has been missing a proper bar. Perry’s is one of the restaurants serving as a de facto drinking den in lieu of the famous dive—which has no reopen date as of now. It’s the place to go for a cocktail or glass of wine and sit outside at a table among the redwood trees or by the creek. The cocktail menu has a diverse selection of libations, from Budweiser to Manhattans. Perry’s is also a full-service restaurant serving American-style fare out of a homey, old Victorian. // 234 Magnolia Ave., perryssf.com
Backstage Marin
Enjoy a glass of wine next to a firepit while people-watching on Magnolia Ave. at Backstage Marin. This spot has 29 different wines available, and all of them can be ordered in a glass or two ounce taster, especially nice for people who do not enjoy the same wine as their friends. The food includes snacks, boards (cheese, veggie, and charcuterie), small plates, and flatbreads. // 295 Magnolia Ave., backstagewines.com/marin
The Shack
This newer ice cream shop in a bright, airy setting sells coffee drinks in addition to their mainstay. A generous selection of toppings is available to fancify any concoction. The Shack is popular with the kiddos after sports games because of their two video game consoles, and they host calligraphy and floral watercolor workshops monthly. // 236 Magnolia Ave., theshackicecream.com
Emporio Rulli
This Italian café will transport you to Italy with its design, décor, and pastries. The space is large, with two rooms and an outside patio, but the tables inside are relatively small. Don’t be surprised if it is hard to find seating in the day; late afternoon is more manageable. Try the bomboloni, the Italian version of a jelly donut, or take home a prepackaged Panettone bread. // 464 Magnolia Ave., rulli.com
What to Do in Larkspur
Baltimore Canyon in Larkspur
(Joan Walsh)
Dawn Falls
The approximately mile-long trail to Dawn Falls lies at the end of Madrone Avenue. But since parking can be very limited, you may want to consider adding an extra mile by parking in town and walking in. The trail goes through a canopy of redwood trees and is very shaded, making it perfect for a hot day—though the waterfall is at its best following winter rains. // Trailhead at end of Madrone Ave., alltrails.com
Baltimore Canyon
Baltimore Canyon is a 193-acre preserve that has several hiking trails. The easiest spot to enter (Piedmont Trail) is at the end of Baltimore Avenue. Park on the neighborhood streets and walk in (don’t miss catching a look at Janis Joplin’s former house at 390 Baltimore Ave.). The Piedmont Trail connects to Dawn Falls, but there are also trails that can take you to Corte Madera or even Mount Tam if you have time. // Trailhead at end of Baltimore Ave., marincounty.gov
King Mountain
This three-and-a-half-mile loop hike takes about two hours. King Mountain is mostly shaded, with an overlook on the east side with a lovely view of the bay, San Rafael Bridge, and Mount Tam. The trail is easy to moderate with some bouts of elevation. // 17 Willow Ave., alltrails.com
Arch Street Stairs
Many locals come to run the stairs at Arch Street, which connect Magnolia Avenue to Walnut Avenue. It is worth it if you ate too much for dinner: the 138 steps up to the top are more strenuous than they look. // 261 Magnolia Ave., yelp.com
Historic Larkspur Walking Tour
Numerous old buildings are located in downtown Larkspur, mostly on Magnolia Ave., a district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city lists more than 30 of them on their website so you can create your own walking tour. Don’t miss the Blue Rock Inn, which many people mistake for a hotel, but is actually an apartment complex above the Left Bank restaurant. // More info at ci.larkspur.ca.us
Lark Theater
This Art Deco-style theater has sat on Magnolia since the 1930s. Although it has seen a few ups and downs, including a closure for many years, the 205-seat Lark is now run as a nonprofit community film center showing independent, classic, and sometimes first-run movies. // 549 Magnolia Ave., larktheater.net
Where to Shop in Larkspur
Nicolette offers lots of sweaters and cashmere.
(Courtesy of @nicolettelarkspur)
St Patrick’s Thrift Store
St. Patrick’s Thrift Store is cute and homey, with books, kitchenware, furniture, dinnerware, clothing, and various other things for the home. There is something for everyone here and the money raised goes to St. Patrick’s Church next door. // 457 Magnolia Ave., stpatricksparish.com/thrift-shop
Citrine
With clothing and crystals, Citrine fuses a boutique with a holistic wellness studio. A studio space at the back of the store hosts classes such as yoga, meditation, and crystal activation. It's also the only place in Marin with a salt sanctuary room, which can be booked in 15- and 30-minute increments. // 489 Magnolia Ave., citrineca.com
Folio
Part card store, part gift store, Folio bursts with colors. Stock up on cute items ranging from candles and frames to unique glassware and cards. They do custom stationery and have a surprisingly large collection of different tiaras for that queen-for-the-day vibe. // 489C Magnolia Ave., folioinvites.com
Coquelicot
Another truly colorful store, Coquelicot resides on the corner in a beautiful yellow building. French for wild corn poppy, vases of flowers greet you upon entrance to the shop where they sell candlesticks, soap, scarves, placemats, and general household items. // 503 Magnolia Ave., coquelicotfromprovence.com
Sugar Magnolias Powder Room
Sugar is a consignment store with a wide range of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. The shop is cozy and fits a large amount of merchandise in its space. The owner, who works onsite and is deeply knowledgeable about fashion and trends, also has a Poshmark site so you can see what is available in-store. // 546 Magnolia Ave., instagram.com/sugarspowderroom
Nicolette
One of many of Larkspur's trendy and fashion-forward women’s clothing stores, Nicolette is well curated and displayed. On the smaller side, the shop nevertheless has plenty of sweaters and cashmere pieces. // 499 Magnolia Ave., instagram.com/nicolettelarkspur
Two Birds
Shop for a great selection of clothing, jeans, jewelry, and home accessories at Two Birds. They have an impressive website so you can see what’s available before going into the store. (They also have a location in the city.) // 482 Magnolia Ave., shoptwobirds.com
Brownie’s Pet Boutique
Tucked clandestinely into the Lark Creek Shops parking lot, Brownie’s sells products for both cats and dogs, but is more focused on the latter. Browse all the niceties your special pet deserves, including grooming equipment, dog beds, treats, toys (lots of toys!), and dog clothing. // 482 Magnolia Ave., browniespetboutique.com
