Get to know San Anselmo from different perspectives: trails and parks open up the landscape and recreational opportunities, while historic walking tours and audio tours explore the town’s development. At Sorich Ranch Park, a gradually ascending trail and sweeping views meet a history that reaches back to the Coast Miwok and the railroad.

Trails and Green Spaces

In Sorich Ranch Park, a trail east of the parking lot gradually climbs to a ridge. From there, you can look out over San Rafael, San Francisco Bay, and San Francisco. The trail connects San Anselmo with the fire roads leading to Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery and Terra Linda Divide. The Sorich Park Trail is a 2.1-mile loop of moderate difficulty—a specific distance and difficulty rating to help you plan your hike.

At Creek Park, you can observe local birdlife and the creekside habitat. The spacious grounds of Robson-Harrington Park offer a different way to spend time outdoors: they’re suited to walking and picnicking, and there’s also a community garden. Memorial Park has sports fields, lawns, tennis courts, outdoor facilities, and a children’s playground for family outings and outdoor recreation.

Explore San Anselmo’s History

The historic walking tours cover the historic hub, the railroad’s role in the town’s development, and changes to the shops and architecture along San Anselmo Avenue. One date that puts this history in context is 1875, when the North Pacific Railroad completed a route from Sausalito to Tomales via San Anselmo. If you’re planning a historic walking tour, check the dates in advance.

The Historical Commission’s audio walks use GPS to trigger audio content at points of interest. You can walk at your own pace and stop along the way. The program also includes a tour of the San Francisco Theological Seminary, a historic and architectural gem in the heart of San Anselmo. The audio tours and historic walking tours offer different ways to explore local history and architecture.

The area’s earlier history is also tangible: artifacts discovered near the hub suggest that it was a crossroads where the Coast Miwok roamed the surrounding oak-covered hills and fished in the fresh waters of San Anselmo Creek. A large collection in San Anselmo includes photographs, memorabilia, historical records, walking-tour brochures, video and oral history materials, as well as material on the Miwok and railroad history.

Architecture and Community Gathering Places

Robson-Harrington House was completed in 1906 by Edwin Kleber Wood. Its picturesque design reflects the turn-of-the-century style. The town’s architectural history complements the walking tours, which also explore changes to the buildings along San Anselmo Avenue.

Imagination Park honors the creative legacy of George Lucas and the Star Wars and Indiana Jones film series. It features life-size statues of Yoda and Indiana Jones, created by sculptor Lawrence Noble. George Lucas gifted the park to the town in 2013. The park also hosts several town events, including an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

San Anselmo offers everything from birdwatching and hiking trails to architecture, railroad history, and audio tours. When planning, you can focus on the specific interests of your trip, such as an outing in the parks, a historic walking tour, or a self-guided audio walk.

Discover more destinations: Tiburon, Fairfax, Point Reyes Station, Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, Dillon Beach, Tomales, Larkspur.

For the broader travel overview: Marin.