Things To Do
in San Anselmo
San Anselmo is a picturesque, family-friendly town in Marin County just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. It blends quaint, walkable streets with access to lush hills, redwood groves, and scenic creeks. The town centers on a charming Main Street lined with independent shops, bakeries, and cafes that invite lingering.
Year-round mild weather and easy access to outdoor adventures make San Anselmo a convenient base for exploring the wider Bay Area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and artisan pastries. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of downtown San Anselmo, admiring the eclectic shops and small art galleries. Make your way to the nearby San Anselmo Historical Museum to learn about the area's rich history.
Head to the bustling Red Hill Shopping Center for lunch and enjoy a variety of dining options, from gourmet sandwiches to authentic Mexican cuisine. Spend the afternoon hiking in the nearby Marin County Open Space District, where scenic trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Don’t forget to pack your camera to capture the beauty of the region!
As the sun sets, treat yourself to dinner at a cozy restaurant known for its locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the warm ambiance and perhaps indulge in some live music that often fills the air in this vibrant community. Wrap up the night with a stroll along the quaint streets, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Begin your second day with a visit to Marin Coffee Roasters to fuel up with some of the best brews in town. After your caffeine fix, explore the nearby Marin Art and Garden Center, where beautiful gardens and art installations blend seamlessly. Take your time wandering through the paths, soaking in the tranquil surroundings.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the center or head to a nearby park where you can relish your meal in the fresh air. After lunch, consider visiting some local galleries to appreciate the vibrant arts scene and perhaps find a unique piece to take home. Engage with local artists as many often showcase their work and share their inspiration.
For dinner, discover a hidden gem featuring farm-to-table cuisine that mirrors the natural beauty around you. Join a community event or concert in town for an opportunity to connect with locals. The evening is perfect for experiencing the warm, welcoming vibe of San Anselmo.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $3-5 |
| 🥗Lunch for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| 🛍️Basic groceries for a week | $60-120 |
| 🏥Doctor visit | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, walkable town with easy access to nature and San Francisco
- Strong local dining scene and farmers markets
- Proximity to parks, beaches, and redwood forests
- Limited nightlife compared to the city
- Higher costs typical of Marin County
- Busy during peak commute times along major routes
Places to Visit in San Anselmo
Visit one of these nice places.
Photogenic storefronts, brick sidewalks, and period architecture along a charming, walkable street.
Quaint creekside scenes featuring water reflections and greenery, especially in spring.
Vibrant wall art and community murals offering colorful backdrop opportunities.
Ridge views and sweeping Bay Area panoramas accessible via nearby trails.
Food in San Anselmo
San Anselmo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty seafood stew featuring local catches in a tomato-based broth; widely available at Marin County seafood spots.
Must-Try!
Simple, fresh preparations highlighting seafood caught in nearby waters like Tomales Bay.
Seasonal tomatoes from regional farms paired with creamy burrata and basil for a bright, fresh bite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, bread, prepared foods, and period specials from nearby farms.
Compact market spot with prepared foods, artisanal snacks, and fresh produce to sample or take home.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings and a friendly demeanor are valued; casual conversations about local happenings are common.
Queue politely in lines for coffee, food, and markets; wait your turn.
Respect quiet hours in residential areas and keep noise moderate in shops and cafés.
Safety
Tipping in San Anselmo
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., typical tips are 15-20% for service staff at restaurants; rounding up at cafés is common; tips are expected for good service.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; many places also take mobile wallet payments; cash is still useful for small markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cooling Bay breeze; fog can roll in mornings/evenings. Pack layers; enjoy outdoor markets, patio dining, and coastal day trips.
Crisp air and clear skies; excellent for hiking with fallen leaves and harvest-driven menus.
Mild and wet season; expect occasional rain; great for redwood-filled hikes and cozy cafés.
Blooming gardens and green hillsides; perfect for strolling Main Street and outdoor photography.
San Anselmo at Night
Hiking in San Anselmo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular fog-free trails with sweeping Bay views and redwood-lined sections.
Ridgeline trails with panoramic Bay Area vistas and interesting geology.
Coastal hikes with dramatic cliffs, sea views, and diverse ecosystems.
Airports
How to reach San Anselmo by plane.
Major international hub about 30-40 miles south; well-connected by car, BART/rail options, and rental services.
Alternative Bay Area airport around 25-35 miles southeast; good for regional flights and easier access for certain routes.
Further south in the Bay Area, about 60 miles away; useful for certain carriers and destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A stable, family-friendly community with good schools and active neighborhood associations.
A mix of residents drawn to the scenic lifestyle and access to both city amenities and outdoor recreation.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lanes and scenic routes around Marin attract both casual and avid cyclists.
Kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular in nearby Tomales Bay and San Francisco Bay waterways.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Anselmo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most spots in Marin County offer vegetarian options; look for seasonal vegetable mains, salads, and vegetable-forward dishes; many menus can be adjusted on request.