Discover Fairfax: A Hidden Gem of Marin County for Families, Outdoor Enthusiasts, and History Buffs

Fairfax is a wonderful town and let me share a few reasons why..

Fairfax has a rich history as a hub for musicians and artists, and its progressive, environmentally-conscious ethos remains strong today. 

Fairfax is a close-knit, family friendly community with a history that continues to shape its culture. In fact, in an issue of Men's Journal of Health, Fairfax ranked in the "Top 50 Places to Live." Surrounded by extensive open space, the town is a hiking and mountain biking mecca and this environment is preserved through the local advocacy of environmental sustainability and community building. The vibrant downtown has many stores, charming restaurants, and the most vibrant nightlife in Marin County. Many events take place year round as well. The residents of Fairfax celebrate its uniqueness and recognize the part their town has played in the history of Marin County.

Buying a home in Fairfax is reasonable by Marin standards. It is situated amongst the picturesque sylvan setting of Northern California, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and is considered the most progressive of Marin's eleven incorporated cities, yet home prices in Fairfax are under the median prices for the rest of Marin real estate. It is an affordable, central Marin location which is included in the distinguished Ross Valley School District.

Fairfax History

The fascinating history of Fairfax begins with the Coastal Miwok tribes who occupied stretches of land along the many creeks and springs. In 1839, as part of a Mexican Land Grant, this area was given to Domingo Sais. Marin's first and most beloved physician, Dr. Alfred W. Taliaferro, settled in the area and later transferred his property to a Scotsman by the name of Charles Snowden Fairfax. This was how the town's name came to be.

Fairfax experienced gradual growth and in 1876 the residents of Fairfax were granted their own school district. After the turn of the century, the town began to expand significantly and was introduced to modern development. Land was subdivided, the Fairfax Incline Railway was created, and in 1917 the Alpine Dam was built. With the advent of all this modernization there was an influx of people. Fairfax was incorporated in 1931. After its integration, the town slowly became a coveted community. During the 1960s, Fairfax was a popular haven for musicians, artists, political activists, and those disillusioned with urbanization and modern American society. Many of these people moved to Fairfax permanently and the culture that persisted during that time can still be felt here today. Fairfax's rich history has established one of the most creative, progressive, yet down-to-earth communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Location, Climate, and Weather in Fairfax

Fairfax is located in Central Marin. It is four miles west of Highway 101, and 18 miles north of San Francisco. Situated on 2.2 square miles of thriving forested hills, it is the gateway to the gorgeous countryside of West Marin. Fairfax has some of the best weather in the county as well. It is sheltered from the wind and fog by Mount Tamalpais, and gets more sunlight because of its western location. The climate is temperate, with summers averaging 80 degrees and winters that average 40 degrees with an average 47.5 inches of rain.

Fairfax Real Estate

Fairfax's downtown includes the Fairfax Theater, historic Alpine Building and multiple restaurants, music venues, and shops. Fairfax is filled with former summer cottages converted to single family homes along winding tree lined lanes. With Fairfax's outstanding schools, city services, shopping, activities, and easy commute, property owners are insured a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Overall Fairfax is a great place to make a real estate investment. Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty's agents are the most experienced in the area.

Fairfax Schools

The Ross Valley School District is an elementary school district (grades kindergarten through 8) serving the central Marin communities of San Anselmo, Fairfax, and Sleepy Hollow. The district includes four schools: Brookside Elementary School, Manor Elementary School, and Wade Thomas Elementary School, all serving grades kindergarten through 5th grades, and White Hill Middle School for grades 6th, 7th and 8th. All schools in the districts have California Department of Education's APIs rating over 890, and all schools are ranked at a 9 or better on the statewide ranking system.

The Ross Valley School District provides a full continuum of special education programs and services. Each site has resource specialist services, occupational therapy services, speech/language services and other services as identified by the Individual Education Planning (IEP) teams. The district has information literacy/library specialist services, counseling services and school nurse services, and a Multi-Age Program (MAP). The district also offers an alternative education program, Title I, and services for homeless, foster youth, and students with 504 plans.

Parent participation is encouraged through Parent Clubs, PTAs, School Site Councils, many district committees, volunteer work at the schools, and ongoing dialogue. Parents, community members, and local businesses support the schools through a parcel assessment, bond measures, and contributions to the YES Foundation. The YES Foundation provides supplemental funding for district programs, such as art, music, and technology, as well as after school enrichment classes and musical theater.

Most Ross Valley graduates attend Archie Williams High School in the Tamalpais Union High School District, although some elect to attend either Redwood or Tamalpais High Schools. Archie Williams High School has grades 9 to 12 and with a API rating of 856, ranking a 9, all with thriving athletics and sports programs.

Transportation and Commuting from Fairfax

Fairfax has a bus hub on Broadway Street and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to reach San Rafael. The bus ride to San Francisco is about 1 hour. Fairfax is located 18 miles from Lombard Street in San Francisco and estimated drive time is 28 minutes without commute traffic. Alternatively, the Larkspur Ferry Terminal is located just down the road in Larkspur Landing. The ferry ride takes 40 minutes to cross the Bay to San Francisco. For schedule and fees, please visit the Golden Gate Transit site for more details.

Activities and Things To Do in Fairfax

In the forested hills just a few short miles from San Francisco, Fairfax is a breath of fresh air. Fairfax offers the best balance of work and play, while retaining its small town atmosphere, charm, and identity.

Fairfax is well known for its thriving music scene with many venues and styles to choose from. Mountain biking was invented in Fairfax, which is the gateway to Mount Tamalpais' numerous biking and hiking trails. Marin Museum of Bicycling is open to all visitors to Fairfax.

Fairfax is home to over 20 locally owned independent restaurants and cafes, plus shops, bookstores, and galleries all within a few easy blocks of each other. The residents of Fairfax love to walk and ride their bicycles around town. Besides the ubiquitous mountain bikes, it's quite common to see bicycles built-for-two, cargo bikes carrying children and dogs, and the reusable grocery bag or two.

Fairfax Farmers Market: 

Every Wednesday in spring and summer, locals flock to this vibrant market for fresh, organic produce, handcrafted goods, and live music. It’s not just shopping; it’s a lively community gathering!

Fairfax Theater:

This upgraded historic theater, dating back to the 1920s, shows indie films and documentaries, hosts community events, and is a cultural hotspot for film lovers.

Live Music Scene: 

Fairfax boasts a lively music scene. Peri’s Silver Dollar Bar features local bands playing everything from jazz to rock, while 19 Broadway offers a mix of performances, from reggae to blues. The town’s musical legacy lives on through its vibrant community.

Marin Museum of Cycling: 

This museum celebrates Marin’s pivotal role in mountain biking, showcasing local legends and events that shaped the sport.

Fairfax Festival: 

Held in early June, this beloved festival brings together families for fun activities that highlight local culture and the area’s natural beauty.

Outdoor Recreation and Parks in Fairfax

Outdoor recreation is something Fairfax is renowned for. It is the birthplace of mountain biking, with pioneers Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly organizing the first races on Cascade Fire Trail in Fairfax. The Mediterranean climate and lush landscape encourage outdoor activities year round. There is Bolinas Park, Peri Park, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, Bon Tempe Lake, Phoenix Lake, Lake Lagunitas, and even Meadow Club Gold Course. Fairfax has extensive, undeveloped land allowing for healthy outdoor recreation for the whole family. Fairfax prides itself in maintaining the semi-country feel and family friendly atmosphere that allows children to play, dogs to run and people to walk the lanes and hillsides.

Hiking and Biking Trails:

Cataract Falls: 

A scenic 2.5-mile hike leads to beautiful waterfalls, especially stunning after rainfall.

Bolinas Ridge: 

Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean along this 7-mile trail, perfect for hiking and biking, with incredible sunset views.

Marin Municipal Water District Lands: 

With over 20 miles of trails, you can explore diverse ecosystems and enjoy scenic views on popular routes like the Alpine Lake Loop.

Pine Mountain Loop: 

This challenging trail offers breathtaking views for hikers and bikers alike.

Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve: 

A tranquil spot known for lush forests and seasonal waterfalls, ideal for a peaceful hike.

Camp Tamarancho: 

A multi-use area with trails maintained for both hikers and bikers, promoting outdoor activities in a sustainable way.

Dining and Shopping:

Village Sake: 

A great place to explore a wide range of sakes.

Gestalt House: 

Focuses on holistic well-being with workshops and retreats.

123 Bolinas: 

Known for creative dishes that blend various culinary styles.

Fairfax Scoop: 

This iconic ice cream shop serves organic, small-batch ice cream in unique flavors.

Barefoot Cafe: 

Offers a cozy atmosphere with a farm-to-table menu, famous for brunch.

The Hummingbird Cafe: 

A family-owned spot with delicious Creole-inspired dishes.

Boutique Shopping: 

Explore independent boutiques for eco-friendly products, vintage finds, and unique fashion.

Fairfax Events

The annual Fairfax Brewfest occurs in March, features over 20 local breweries and is held at the Fairfax Pavilion. The seasonal Farmer's Market occurs each Wednesday evening beginning in May and runs through October. The annual Fairfax Festival is held in Bolinas Park and Peri Park. You can enjoy local musicians performing on three stages, shop for crafts in Bolinas Park, and for treasures at the Peri Park flea market. Enjoy wine tasting and fresh, wholesome food throughout the Fairfax Festival, entertain the kids in the expanded children's area, and explore the social and environmental issues at the ever growing Ecofest. 

Biketoberfest takes place in October and features beer tasting, bikes, live music and family activities. Also in October is the annual Halloween Parade, held in downtown Fairfax and sponsored by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. 

Schools and Family Life

Fairfax is served by the Ross Valley School District, which is known for its excellent schools. Parks like Bolinas Park and Peri Park are perfect for family outings, picnics, and outdoor fun, with community gardens for sustainable urban farming.