SD Visitor Information
San Domenico School is located in Northern California, home to the beautiful county of Marin.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marin County remains a vibrant and healthy community with many natural and wide open spaces.
Please see the resources we have added to the right and contact Jimena Motta at jmotta@sandomenico.org with any questions about accommodations.
Established in 1850, the same year that San Domenico was founded as California’s first independent school, Marin was one of the original twenty-seven counties of California. The area is known for a natural diversity that offers its visitors unique and memorable experiences. Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and the lively city of San Francisco, Marin County has stunning beaches, protected redwood forests, extensive hiking and bike trails, and restaurants that cater to all food lovers.
FUN FACT: Marin County ranks as the #1 Healthiest County in California! Read more here.
San Domenico's 515-acre San Domenico campus is in San Anselmo, where a small-town feel is ever present and visitors can find independent booksellers, clothing boutiques, novelties, and friendly locals. Enjoy your visit to San Domenico School with some of the following suggestions for your accommodations, dining, entertainment, and more.
FUN FACT: San Domenico was recently ranked the #8 in the 14 Most Picturesque Private School Campuses in the United States.
Lodging
Hotels Offering a Discount for SD Families Who Must Quarantine
San Anselmo Inn
339 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
(415) 455-5366
www.sananselmoinn.com
Built in the early 1900’s, the San Anselmo Inn is one of many historical buildings that make up the picturesque town of San Anselmo.
To make reservations for quarantine, send an email to innkeepers@sananselmoinn.com and mention San Domenico and use Code: SDS-2020
Embassy Suites, San Rafael
101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael
(415) 499-9222
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sforfes-embassy-suites-san-rafael-marin-county/
The Embassy Suites hotel is located about 20 minutes from campus and is located just off of the 101 Freeway and near to walking paths around the Marin Civic Center.
To make reservations for quarantine, visit https://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/S/SFORFES-SDS-20200730/index.jhtml
Best Western
56 Madera Avenue, Corte Madera
(415) 924-1502
www.bestwestern.com
Convenient to the highway and major shopping centers.
To make reservations for quarantine, visit https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.05259.html?groupId=P71RZ2S4
More Hotels We Recommend
Aqua Hotel
555 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley
(415) 380-0400
http://www.marinhotels.com/acqua-hotel/home
Inspired by elements of sky and water, the Acqua Hotel melds stylish city sophistication with the natural beauty that surrounds it. Guest rooms are smart and simple with a Zen-like tranquility.
Casa Madrona
801 Bridgeway, Sausalito
(415) 332-0502
www.casamadrona.com
Casa Madrona was established in an 1885 mansion overlooking Richardson Bay. This modern hotel in downtown Sausalito offers elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and a world class Italian restaurant.
Cavallo Point
601 Murray Circle, Sausalito
(415) 339-4700
www.cavallopoint.com
Set on a former military base overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point offers upscale lodging, a health and wellness spa as well as a cocktail bar and restaurant.
Courtyard Larkspur
2500 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur
(415) 925-1800
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sfoll-courtyard-san-francisco-larkspur-landing-marin-county/
Located just off the Redwood Highway and near the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, this hotel offers contemporary rooms, an American restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, plus a seasonal outdoor pool.
Four Points by Sheraton
1010 Northgate Drive, San Rafael
(415) 479-8800
www.fourpointssanrafael.com
Enjoy a contemporary lobby and rooms, a relaxing outdoor heated pool, the Four Points comfort beds.
Holiday Inn Express
160 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
(415) 332-5700
http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/mill-valley/sfomv/hoteldetail
The Holiday Inn Express offers a picturesque location near Mount Tamalpais and Mill Valley, with convenient access to San Francisco, bike paths, and nearby wetlands.
Panama Hotel and Restaurant
4 Bayview Street, San Rafael
(415) 457-3993
www.panamahotel.comOccupying a Victorian Inn dating from 1910, this upscale hotel is individually decorated with antiques and art and offers a seasonal menu at their organic restaurant. Hidden away in old San Rafael.
Dining
Baan Thai Cuisine
726 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo
(415) 457-9470
www.baanthaimarin.com
Baan, meaning “home” in English, is committed to offering guests fresh, local, and seasonal food.
Barefoot Café
1900 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax
(415) 460-2160
www.barefootcafe.com
Barefoot Café offers a unique fusion of freshly prepared local, organic & natural ingredients from sustainable sources and innovative recipes.
Comforts
335 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
(415) 454-9840
www.comfortscafe.com
Comforts is a home-style cafe serving seasonal breakfast & lunch fare, with an on-site gourmet market.
Farmshop
2257 Larkspur landing Circle Larkspur
(415) 755-6700
www.marincountrymart.com
Farmshop is known for its novel eclectic plates & creative cocktails delivered in rustic-chic quarters and open kitchen.
Insalatas Restaurant
120 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Anselmo
(415) 457-7700
www.insalatas.com
Insalatas is an airy spot for Mediterranean fare, with a well-stocked wine cellar and popular take-out options.
MADCAP
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo
(415) 453-9898
www.madcapmarin.com
Madcap offers upscale, organic dining, in an intimate yet casual setting with an urban feel. Chef Ron Siegel is owner, operator
Marin Coffee Roasters
546 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
(415) 258-9549
Marin Coffee Roasters is a long-standing corner spot for coffee, light eats and relaxed patio seating.
Marinitas
218 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Anselmo
(415) 454-8900
www.marinitas.net
Enjoy a contemporary cantina offering Pan-Latin eats, margaritas and a lively atmosphere.
Pizzalina
914 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Anselmo
(415) 256-9780
www.pizzalina.com
Pizzalina is an industrial-chic pick for Neapolitan pies & daily seasonal menus, plus wine and beer on tap.
Poggio
777 Bidgeway, Sausalito
(415) 332-7771
www.poggiotrattoria.com
Enjoy this Northern Italian trattoria with dishes crafted from herbs and produce grown in an on-site garden.
Sorella Caffe
107 Bolinas Road, Fairfax
(415) 258-4520
www.sorellacaffe.com
Sorella Café is an inviting, high-energy eatery with a warm vibe serving classic Italian fare in a kid-friendly space.
Sushi 69
69 Center Boulevard San Anselmo
(415) 459-6969
www.shallwego69.com
Sushi 69 offers a cozy sushi bar with plentiful maki & sashimi options, with nighttime hours only.
Local Interests
ACME Bike Rental
1820 4th Street, San Rafael
(415) 456-4700
www.acmemarin.com
Welcome to San Rafael's best bike shop for Trek Bicycles, Santa Cruz, Foundry, Electra and Ellsworth Bikes. They have a huge selection of rental bikes and an expert bike mechanics.
Angel Island State Park
(415) 435-1915
www.angelisland.org
Angel Island State Park is a 740-acre mountainous island in the San Francisco Bay offering a variety of activities including hiking, biking, camping, picnicking, and tram tours. It also has some of the best views of San Francisco and the entire San Francisco Bay. Angel Island was an Immigration Station from 1910-1950, designed to control the flow of Chinese into the county. The Island used to also be a POW processing center during World War II.
Bay Club Gym and Spa
Town Center Corte Madera, 220 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera
(415) 945-3000
www.bayclubs.com/marin
With 60,000 square feet of luxurious facilities located in the scenic North Bay, Bay Club Marin is your everyday active lifestyle escape and home of the Sanctuary Spa. As part of the Marin Campus, members have access to the only squash courts in Marin, innovative group classes such as MyRide+, Pilates, a 25-yard indoor pool, and our team of certified personal trainers.
Cowgirl Creamery and Cantina
80 Fourth Street, Point Reyes Station
(415) 663-9335
www.cowgirlcreamery.com
Cowgirl Creamery is located at Tomales Bay Foods where there is a cheese counter for tasting and purchasing local cheese, and a nice selection of books, knives, boards and condiments to pair with cheese. You can see the cheese being made through a glassed-in viewing window. Tours are offered that consists of a 30-minute presentation, followed by a tasting of Cowgirl Creamery cheeses.
Fairfax 6 Movie Theater
9 Broadway, Fairfax
(415) 453-8505
http://www.cinemawest.com
Marin County’s first all digital projection movie theatre. It offers 6 auditoriums with rocker loveseats and stadium-style seating. In 2008, the theatre became the first modern multiplex theatre in the Unites States powered by solar generated electricity. Advanced ticketing through www.fandango.com.
Point Reyes National Seashore
1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station
(415) 464-5100
http://www.nps.gov/pore
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. Home to several cultures over thousands of years, the Seashore preserves a tapestry of stories and interactions of people.
Marin Art and Garden Center
30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ross
(415) 455-5260
www.magc.org
Marin Art and Garden Center's eleven wooded acres have long inspired artist, gardener, and conservationist alike with their shady gardens and sunlit lawns. Graced with a seasonal stream, fertile soil and verdant wildlife, the pesticide-free grounds contain diverse garden areas, including a Butterfly Habitat Garden, Native Basketry Garden, a Rose Garden with over 200 varieties, and more.
Marin County Farmer’s Market
Marin Civic Center, San Rafael
(415) 457-2266
www.agriculturalinstitute.org
The Marin Civic Center Certified Farmers Market has been chosen as one of the top ten markets in the country where local residents flock to their favorite farmers market each week to take home fresh, locally-grown produce. Chefs from Marin’s top restaurants also select fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and artisan breads at the local farmers markets to create their culinary delights.
*Farmers Market open every Thursdays and Sundays from 9:00am-1:00pm
Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
2257 Larkspur landing Circle Larkspur
(415) 461-5700
www.marincountrymart.com
Rain or shine purveyors from all over the Bay Area come together to feature fresh organic produce. Food trucks and musical entertainment create a lively expereince exploring what Marin County offers in one location.
*Farmers Market open every Saturday from 9:00am-2:00pm.
Marin History Museum
Located at the Boyd Gate House, 1125 B Street, San Rafael
(415) 454-8538
www.marinhistory.org
Since 1935, the Marin History Museum has fostered the discovery of local history for both adults and children. Through programs, lectures, exhibitions, and artifact preservation, the past is brought to life. The Marin History Museum provides cultural programs and educational resources for the community at numerous sites throughout the county and beyond.
Marin Symphony
4340 Redwood Highway Suite 409C, San Rafael
(415) 479-8100
www.marinsymphony.org
The Marin Symphony Association is one of the longest-running, most prestigious, cultural organizations in Marin County and the Bay Area. The orchestra was the inspiration of a small group of professional and amateur musicians who wished to bring classical music, performed by local artists, to the people of Marin.
Marine Mammal Center
2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito
(415) 289-7341
www.marinemammalcenter.org
The Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit hospital for sick and injured seals and sea lions, as well as an educational visitor destination, nestled in the Marin Headlands near Rodeo Beach. The Center’s mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals—their health and that of their ocean environment—and to inspire their global conservation.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley
(415) 388-2070
http://www.parks.ca.gov
Just north of San Francisco's Golden Gate is Mount Tamalpais. It has redwood groves and oak woodlands with a spectacular view from the 2,571-foot peak. More than 50 miles of hiking trails are within the park and connect to a larger 200-mile long trail system. The twisting roads challenge road bikers, and mountain bikers to enjoy the Coast View and multi-use trails.
Muir Woods National Monument
1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley
(415) 388-2595
http://www.nps.gov/muwo
Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge grows an ancient coast redwood forest named Muir Woods. Within this isolated forest, visitors from all over the world continue to marvel at 1000-year-old giant redwood trees that tower 260 feet high. In 1908 President Theodore Roosevelt declared Muir Woods a national monument. The forest was named for conservationist John Muir.
Outback Adventures
14 East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Larkspur
(415) 461-2222
www.outbackadventures.com
Explore adventure trips and classes for kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, and mountaineering throughout California, the Bay Area, and beyond. The rental shop is the most complete technical outdoor rental facility in the Bay Area.
Yoga Garden
412 Red Hill Avenue, Suite 12, San Anselmo
(415) 485-5800
http://www.yogagardenstudio.com
Join the community of yogis in a beautiful, peaceful space and focus on what has true and lasting value ~ health and inner peace. It is a sweet refuge from daily life and each class is an opportunity to collect and gather your energy and to nourish your body, mind and heart.
Airports
Local Shopping
Costco
Vintage Oaks At Novato, 300 Vintage Way, Novato
(415) 899-1332
www.costco.com
Members-only warehouse selling a huge variety of items including bulk groceries, electronics and more.
Good Earth
720 Center Blvd., Fairfax
(415) 454-0123
www.genatural.com
Long-running market and eatery showcasing sustainably sourced, natural and organic food.
Gioia Boutique
706 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
(415) 454-7874
A local gift shop featuring boutique items.
Kismet Clothing Boutique
601 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
(415) 454-2629
www.shopkismet.net
Refined shop for women's clothing and accessories featuring both dressy and casual options.
Marin Country Mart Shopping Center
2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur
(415) 461-5700
www.marincountrymart.com
Kid-friendly complex with shopping, eating and a Saturday-morning farmers market with crafts and music.
Marin Running Company
649 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
(415) 258-8190
www.marinrunningcompany.com
Retail store offering running equipment including clothing, shoe, etc.
Northgate Shopping Mall
5800 Northgate Mall, San Rafael
(415) 479-5955
www.shopatnorthgate.com
It is the only enclosed regional shopping center in Marin County. Stores include Macy’s, Kohl’s and Sears as well as a Century Theatres multiplex, a food court, and more than 90 specialty stores, services, and restaurants.
Safeway Grocery Store
838 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Anselmo
(415) 456-9157
local.safeway.com/ca/san-anselmo
Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.
Target
125 Shoreline Pkwy, San Rafael
(415) 299-6112
http://www.target.com/sl/San-Rafael
Toss Designs
343 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
(415) 455-8677
www.tossdesigns.com
Boutique retail store that offers handbags, totes, cards, jewelry and an assortment of gifts.
Town Center Shopping Center
100 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera
(415) 924-2961
www.shoptowncenter.com
European-style shopping mall with outdoor pedestrian areas amid upscale stores such as Barnes & Noble, REI, Container Store as well as dining options.
Village at Corte Madera Shopping Center
1618 Redwood Highway, Corte Madera
(415) 924-8557
www.villageatcortemadera.com
The Village at Corte Madera is an upscale shopping mall featuring Nordstroms, Macys and other specialty and brand-name stores.
Walgreens 24hour Pharmacy
830 3rd Street, San Rafael
(415) 455-9919
http://www.walgreens.com
Real Estate and Relocation Services
Coldwell Banker
Germana Fabbri, Previews Property Specialist
Greenbrae, CA 94904
415.302.6985
germana@comcast.net
Changing-Places
Beth Forsman, Relocation Specialist
888.802.9118
beth@changing-places.com