This charming, tight-knit community is a hidden gem within Marin. Tucked between San Rafael, Ross and Fairfax, San Anselmo seems to take some of the best from each. Exceptionally family friendly, this is a place you can ride a bike or take a stroll to a picture-perfect park, a local shop, or find new favorites amongst the amazing restaurants and cafes.
San Anselmo, as a whole, is known for its vintage style from the charming downtown to a good portion of its housing. Overlooking it all is the beautiful San Francisco Theological Seminary, which has operated since 1892. Here you’ll find a number of historic buildings, Victorian homes, chapels, and the “Castles on the hill” which were patterned after the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy.
At only 20 miles from San Francisco, and about 10 minutes from the 101, this tucked away sanctuary remains accessible to commuters. Looking to take advantage of nature opportunities? In San Anselmo, you’ll find them abound. With nearby Mount Tamalpais, Open Space Preserves and Point Reyes, you can spend countless hours without hitting the same spot twice on foot, mountain bike or horse.
In being community focused, it only makes sense that San Anselmo would have excellent schools. School District, which covers both elementary and middle, performs in the top 5% of California public schools academically. Wade Thomas (Elementary) School accepted a California Distinguished School award in 2018. Sir Francis Drake High School, in the Tamalpais Unified School District, services high school students. Other options include San Domenico, and independent K-12 private school, with impressive 85% of graduates being accepted to one of their top choice schools.
Out of the fog that impacts some areas further south or west, San Anselmo is enjoyed for its excellent weather. About six months of the year range from 70-85F.
Fun Fact
Gary Fisher, who invented the modern mountain bike, opened his first store in San Anselmo in 1979.
San Anselmo Resources
- Town of San Anselmo – https://www.townofsananselmo.org/
- Ross Valley School District – https://www.rossvalleyschools.org/
- Sir Francis Drake High School – https://www.tamdistrict.org/drake
- San Domenico, K-12 – https://www.sandomenico.org/
- San Francisco Theological Seminary – https://sfts.edu/
- San Anselmo Open Spaces – http://www.sananselmoopenspace.org/link.html
- Local Parks – https://www.townofsananselmo.org/106/Parks
- San Anselmo Historical Museum – https://sananselmohistory.org/
- Community Events – https://www.townofsananselmo.org/316/Community-Events
- Comforts Café – https://www.comfortscafe.com/
- Mi Pueblo Restaurant – http://eatmipueblosananselmo.com/
- Gluten-free Flour Craft Bakery – https://flourcraftbakery.com/
