Greenbrae, CA Local Info

Greenbrae, a charming enclave next to Larkspur, Corte Madera, Kentfield, and San Rafael to the north, offers a serene escape just under 15 miles from the bustling city of San Francisco. Boasting convenient access to transportation hubs such as the Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal and the 101 freeway, visitors appreciate the intimacy and seclusion afforded by this idyllic town.
This charming unincorporated community of Marin County, California, lies just 1.5 miles south-southeast of downtown San Rafael, at the gateway of the Ross Valley. Embraced by the majestic Mount Tamalpais to the west and the sparkling waters of San Francisco Bay to the east, Greenbrae boasts a picturesque landscape of hillside and waterfront terrain. The name "Greenbrae" derives from Scottish and Northern Irish dialects, translating to "green hillside," aptly capturing the verdant beauty of the area.
The Greenbrae Marina, situated along the tranquil banks of Corte Madera Creek, invites visitors to stroll along its shores, where rowers and boaters revel in the waters. Nearby, the Bon Air shopping center and Marin Country Mart at Larkspur Landing offer excellent shopping experiences, featuring weekly farmer's markets, delectable food trucks, live music, and family-friendly events.
Greenbrae's history traces back thousands of years when Coastal Miwok tribes frequented the region during summer and winter seasons to harvest berries abundant on the hillsides. In 1840, Captain Juan Bautista Cooper was granted the area, known as Punta de Quentin Rancho. Subsequently, ownership passed to James Ross, who established the Greenbrae Dairy after clearing the land of lumber. Over time, the property changed hands until 1890 when Archbishop Patrick William Riordan of the Catholic Church of San Francisco acquired it, leasing it as a dairy ranch for the next half-century.
During the late 1800s, Greenbrae witnessed various endeavors, including the establishment of Remillard brickworks by the Remillard brothers, whose bricks played a significant role in rebuilding San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. The area also boasted the Bon Air Hotel, a popular summer resort, which eventually made way for the construction of Marin General Hospital in 1949.
The post-1940s era marked a period of residential development in Greenbrae under the vision of developer Niels Schultz, Sr., who aimed to create a cohesive community complete with shopping centers, schools, and churches amidst the area's natural splendor. Initially spanning 635 acres of farmland, Greenbrae saw extensive development with over 1,000 homes, 1,500 apartments, and numerous businesses. Larkspur eventually annexed Greenbrae, leading to its classification as a neighborhood within the city.
Through its rich history and enduring charm, Greenbrae stands as a testament to the harmony between urban amenities and natural beauty, offering visitors alike a serene retreat in the heart of Marin County.