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Larkspur Musts | Annual Events | Indigenous History | Fun Facts
Perhaps there’s something in the water, because Larkspur makes a strong case to be crowned Central Marin’s most charming city. Incorporated in 1908, Larkspur’s “Old Downtown” was officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. In the decades since, it’s continued to blossom into a region that today thrives as a bustling hub of retail, events, nature and more. Larkspur’s perpetual popularity is further compounded by its foot-traffic friendly layout, bountiful options for fantastic food and its crucial role as the home to one of Golden Gate Transit’s main ferry terminals.
Offering daily service from Marin to a range of local destinations, the Larkspur Ferry Terminal is also beloved by San Francisco Giants fans for providing rides directly to and from Oracle Park during the baseball season. On any given day, Larkspur plays host to a regular rush of locals, commuters, sports fans and tourists, all eager for a taste of the city.
That includes mountain bikers, who flock to a city that’s considered as a birthplace of the sport thanks to the early riders willing to brave trails on the original “fixies”: homemade bikes fitted to climb off-road trails. Larkspur’s appeal has even enticed an impressive list of notable names — including rock musicians Janis Joplin and Journey’s Steve Perry — to make their home in the city over the years.
A resident of Madrone Canyon, Larkspur Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marty Murphy now lives in the area where Joplin and other figures from the 1960s rock scene once resided. Murphy moved to Larkspur in 1999. Previously the owner of boutique stores in Corte Madera and Healdsburg, she’s a long term resident in the region and has been in her current role with the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce since November.
Reflecting on her favorite parts of Larkspur, she points to one of the city’s natural attractions available for all to enjoy. “This magical town is still steeped in Muir Woods-worthy Redwood groves,” Murphy says. “That’s why the local kids call Dolliver Park — on Magnolia and Madrone — ‘Dark Park.’ My kids grew up going there. It’s idyllic!”
The city has also had several brushes with Hollywood, serving as a setting in the 1949 film noir Impact as well and in the climactic final scenes of Clint Eastwood’s 1971 action-thriller, Dirty Harry. A love for film remains alive and well in the form of the Lark Theater, which received the prestigious 2025 Spirit of Marin award (in conjunction with the theater’s current director, Ellie Mednick), for their many cultural contributions to the local community.
To help you make the most of your time exploring this friendly, fascinating city, please enjoy our insider’s guide to the best of Larkspur.
Larkspur Musts
Just passing through? Here are five must-dos that may inspire you to stay awhile.
1. See a Movie at The Lark
In 2004, locals were finally treated to the long-awaited unveiling of a refurbished interior for the original 1936 Art Deco movie theater the Lark. Back from an era of disrepair, the Lark’s makeover came complete with a remodeled lobby, red velvet seats, a new mural, the installation of state-of-the-art sound and visual systems and finally, a revitalized marquee. Today, the Lark offers a broad range of programming that includes “first-run, independent, foreign and classic films, live broadcasts of opera, theater, ballet and art.” And the popcorn is delicious too!
2. Take a Ferry Ride
For some, grabbing a boat at Larkpur Ferry Terminal is simply the way they get to and from work each day. But if you’ve yet to experience the majestic novelty of bobbing across the Bay to reach your destination, you simply must give it a spin. In addition to offering a convenient way to reach San Francisco without a car, the Larkspur terminal also offers ferry service to utterly gorgeous Angel Island (an ideal daytrip) and, in season, rides straight to Oracle Park whenever the San Francisco Giants are home.
3. Enjoy a Taste of Paris at Left Bank
Since 1994, residents of Larkspur hankering for a sumptuous French meal have flocked to Chef Roland Passot’s Left Bank Brasserie. Boasting a menu truly devoid of wrong turns, highlights include their butter-bathed moules frites and a magically refreshing yet filling Nicoise salad. One of three Left Bank locations in the greater Bay Area, this restaurant also boasts exceptional ambience that includes limited outdoor seating.
4. Go Shopping on Magnolia Avenue
Malls have nothing on the quirky, delightful shops that line Larkspur’s Magnolia Ave. Highlights worth visiting include consignment shop Sugar Magnolias Powder Room, the French fashion of Coquelicot, the chic European-influenced clothing and accessories of Citrine and adorable stationary at Folio. If you find yourself in need of refreshments and a moment off your feet, stop by local favorite Emporio Rulli while strolling Magnolia Ave for excellent coffee, pastries and panini.
5. Forest Fun in Baltimore Canyon Preserve
Hidden within the city limits of Larkspur lies a forested oasis complete with a 30-foot waterfall. Truly tucked away above most of town, you’ll find the 193-acre Baltimore Canyon Preserve and the serene auspices of its shaded pathways, scenic views and plentiful birdwatching. With trails that cater to both novice and experienced hikers placed along an alluringly secluded canyon, it’s the path to Dawn Falls that remains a perennial favorite. Best enjoyed in late winter/early spring, hiking this trail at the right time of year offers a priceless payoff: hearing the majestic roar of a waterfall while just beyond the bustle of Larkspur’s daily life.
Larkspur’s Annual Events
Year-round, Larkspur hosts spectacular events that range from community gatherings to blowout bashes. Here’s a taste of one year in Larkspur.
13th Annual Downtown Larkspur Wine Stroll
Sept. 6
Care for a sip of something spectacular? Don’t miss Larkspur’s Wine Stroll, which welcomes patrons of all ages (but 21+ to taste) to stroll Magnolia Ave while sampling a hearty helping of fantastic wines for one night each fall. Paired with tasty bites from local restaurants and vendors, it’s easy to see why the community always comes out strong for this cherished tradition.
Rose Bowl Dances
TBD
For 50 years, one of Larkspur’s most endearing traditions was the Rose Bowl Dance. Originating in 1910, the occasion was initially conceived as a fundraiser for firefighters but quickly expanded into a summertime dance and Saturday night destination for the entire Bay Area. In 2024, the Larkspur Community Foundation helped bring it back to life for one memorable night in hopes the occasion will once again return as a regular Larkspur staple. Stay tuned for info on 2025 dates and be sure to keep a pair of dancing shoes handy.
Music in the Park
May & June 2026
Celebrate the start of summer in Larkspur’s Piper Park with a series of free live music performances. Taking place each year during May and June, the 2025 series included concerts from Papermill Gang, Sebastian St James, False Bottom Band, Funk Nugget and El Cajon. Each show includes live music from 6–8 P.M. and snacks, drinks, beer and wine available for purchase on-site.
Battle of the Dad Bands
June 2026
This year saw the inaugural installment of a competition that finds fathers coming together to rock. Hosted in June at Piper Park, the Battle of the Dad Bands featured seven groups hailing from across Marin County, all vying for the ultimate bragging rights. Plenty of food trucks were on-site for what was hopefully the start of a new tradition pitting paternal shredders against each other in pursuit of amplified glory.
Larkspur’s History
Indigenous History
Indigenous people had already been living in what’s now known as Marin County for more than 10,000 years by the time European colonists began arriving on their shores. At one time, the Coast Miwok’s territory is believed to have extended from Bodega Bay to San Pablo Bay via a series of villages strategically located along waterways that included as far inland as the Napa River. In 2014, construction on what is today Larkspur’s Rose Lane development was halted following the discovery of a 300-foot site utilized by the Coast Miwok to bury remains and artifacts. Dating back 4,500 years, the site’s contents included “600 human burials, tools, musical instruments, harpoon tips, spears and throwing sticks from a time long before the introduction of the bow and arrow.” Hailed by archaeologists as a “staggering” discovery, leaders of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria tribe were ultimately tasked with deciding its fate. By the end of 2014, they’d decided it was best to rebury the items and remains in accordance with their beliefs and customs. Today, only they know the exact location of these remains, which were reinterred with a ceremony according to Graton Rancheria tradition.
History Fun Facts
The history of Larkspur as we know it today stretches back to 1887, when Charles W. Wright laid out his plans for the town. By 1891, Larkspur had its first post office, leading to its eventual incorporation as a town in 1908. Larkspur City Hall and its Mission Revival style design — care of architect Charles O. Claussen — added another seminal building to the area in 1913.
Larkspur’s place as a central cog in the Bay Area’s water-based public transportation system became official in 1976 with the opening of a ferry terminal at Larkspur Landing at the former site of Hutchinson’s Rock Quarry. Across from the ferries, you’ll find a uniquely local state historical landmark: the former site of Remillard’s Brickyard Kiln. While today the Green Brae Brick Kiln is the only surviving structure, at one time the Remillard Brick Company played a vital role in helping San Francisco to rebuild following the 1906 earthquake.
