Tucked along the waterfront in Larkspur, Marin Country Mart brings together shopping and dining in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Bay Area. This outdoor center features upscale shops and a wide range of restaurants—seriously, from bagels to crepes, the choices are almost overwhelming.
Marin Country Mart isn’t just another shopping plaza. It’s a relaxed, waterside spot where locals and visitors mingle at farmers markets, browse boutique stores, and grab a bite to eat. The place feels cozy and welcoming, even with its more luxurious shops. It’s just as good for a casual stroll as it is for a serious shopping mission.
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If you drop by, check out the Trading Post—a quirky little shop with locally made goods that also works as a post office. The waterside setting really adds to the vibe. You can easily lose a few hours wandering between shops or just hanging out over a meal, soaking up those Marin County views.
Location and Accessibility
Marin Country Mart sits in a sweet spot, making it easy to get to from all over the Bay Area. Multiple transportation options connect here, so whether you’re a local or coming from farther away, it’s not a hassle.
Where is Marin Country Mart Located?
You’ll find Marin Country Mart in Larkspur, right at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Highway 101. It’s basically the front door to Marin County, just north of San Francisco. The mart is sandwiched between the Larkspur Ferry Terminal and the SMART Train Station, making it a real transit crossroads.
The waterside setting gives the place a chill vibe. It’s close to Marin favorites like Corte Madera, Mill Valley, and San Rafael.
If you’re exploring the Bay Area, Marin Country Mart is about 10 miles north of San Francisco—pretty doable for a day trip. The location is convenient, and the scenery is classic Marin.
Getting There: Transportation Options
Here are your main ways to reach Marin Country Mart:
Ferry: Golden Gate Ferry runs from San Francisco to Larkspur Landing, and the terminal is just a short walk from the mart. The 30-minute ride gives you some killer views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline.
SMART Train: The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit stops at Larkspur Station, right next to the mart, connecting you to northern Marin and Sonoma.
Car: Highway 101 brings you straight there, with Sir Francis Drake Boulevard as the main exit. Depending on traffic, it’s a 20-30 minute drive from San Francisco.
Bus: Golden Gate Transit buses serve the area, connecting to San Francisco and other Marin towns.
Bicycle: Bike paths—including the Bay Trail—make it easy to pedal in from nearby communities.
Parking and Ferry Terminal Access
Parking is free at Marin Country Mart, which is honestly a treat in the Bay Area. The main lot has plenty of spaces, though there’s a 3-hour limit during business hours. Overflow parking opens up during busy weekends and farmers markets.
If you come by ferry, it’s just a quick two-minute walk from the terminal. The ferry terminal has its own lot with daily and monthly options, but it fills up fast on weekday mornings.
Clear signs help you get from the ferry or train to the mart. Being right by these transit hubs, Marin Country Mart makes a great meeting spot or a jumping-off point for exploring Marin.
Shopping Experience
Marin Country Mart is all about quality over quantity, with a lineup of upscale boutiques and specialty shops. The vibe is intimate—no giant anchor stores here, just unique finds and friendly faces.
Overview of Shops and Boutiques
The Mart curates its shops carefully. Most are high-end, offering everything from stylish clothes to home goods. The boutiques are on the smaller side, which means you get more personal service.
The Trading Post deserves a second mention for its blend of local crafts and postal services—a real community touch.
Shops keep their inventory tight, focusing on well-made products. You can browse at your own pace without feeling like you’re lost in a maze of stuff.
Distinctive Brands and Products
What makes this place stand out? The brands. Hudson Grace, for example, has gorgeous home goods—think elegant serving pieces and tableware that actually feel special.
Plant lovers will spot some really cool little shops selling curated greenery and decorative containers. It’s not your average garden center—more like living art for your space.
Sweet Paper is a go-to for stationery and paper goods. Their selection of cards, journals, and gift wrap ranges from playful to classy.
A lot of the shops lean into sustainable and ethical products, which fits right in with Marin’s eco-conscious spirit.
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Jewelry and Specialty Gifts
Jewelry shops here focus on handcrafted pieces from indie designers. You’ll see everything from simple, everyday pieces to bold, unique statements.
Gift shopping is actually fun here, since the options feel thoughtful and personal. Aesop has a boutique, too—their botanical skincare and minimalist look really click with the crowd.
Some boutiques even offer custom jewelry and accessories, so you can put together a gift that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Dining and Culinary Highlights
The food scene at Marin Country Mart is impressive—lots of variety, from sit-down restaurants to casual spots for a quick snack. Locals and visitors both come for the eats.
Restaurants and Good Eats
Farmshop is a highlight, serving farm-to-table California cuisine in a stylish space. Their swordfish dish is a standout, always fresh and seasonal.
Hog Island Larkspur brings in fresh oysters and seafood, best enjoyed at outdoor tables with water views. It’s a laid-back spot for lunch or dinner.
Marin Brew Pub keeps it classic with burgers, fries, salads, and soups—a solid pick for comfort food and craft beer.
El Huarache Loco does authentic Mexican, while Little Goan serves up Goan/Indian dishes from a family-run kitchen that regulars swear by.
Cafés, Coffee, and Fantastic Drinks
Rustic Bakery is a must if you love coffee and pastries. Their artisanal treats are hard to resist with a hot drink.
Le Marais Bakery brings French-inspired pastries and strong coffee to the table. It’s a cozy spot for a morning boost or an afternoon break.
Not a coffee drinker? You’ll find places offering fresh juices, smoothies, and other specialty drinks, perfect for sipping while you shop or relax outside.
Wine bars here serve local California wines by the glass—great for winding down after exploring.
Signature Dishes and Must-Try Items
There’s a bit of buzz around the Asian chicken salad at a few spots in the mart—each place does it their own way, and it’s a solid lunch pick.
Rustic Bakery’s toffee shortbread cookies are kind of legendary. Locals and out-of-towners rave about them, and they make a sweet little gift.
For breakfast, fresh bagels are a highlight—several places open early for commuters and early birds.
At dinner, Farmshop’s seasonal menu is always changing, but the quality and creativity stay high.
Souvla is worth a try too, especially for their Greek-inspired rotisserie meats and salads with tangy yogurt sauces.
Farmers Market and Community Events
Marin Country Mart isn’t just about shopping and eating. The weekly farmers market and family-friendly events bring people together all year long.
Weekly Farmers Market
The Farmers Market happens every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. It’s a mix of vendors, with a bit more focus on prepared foods than produce.
Local sellers offer artisanal goods, baked treats, and specialty foods. Rustic Bakery and Three Twins Organic Ice Cream are favorites for a sweet bite.
The market isn’t huge, but it’s lively and the setting by the water is lovely.
A lot of folks grab food from the vendors and picnic right there. You see plenty of familiar faces from around Marin.
Special Events and Family Activities
The Mart really tries to keep things family-friendly. On Saturdays, you’ll often find free kids’ activities and live music alongside the market.
Food Truck Sundays add even more variety to weekends. These events make the mart feel like a true hangout, not just a place to shop.
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Seasonal celebrations pop up throughout the year, with special themes and activities for families.
Most of the action is outdoors, so the weather can play a role, but there are covered spots for rainy days. The open layout means kids can roam a bit while parents shop or eat.
Atmosphere and Ambience
Marin Country Mart has a vibe that’s hard to pin down—it’s upscale, but not stuffy. The waterside setting and natural touches make it feel welcoming and a little bit special.
Rustic Charm and Outdoor Spaces
The design mixes rustic and modern in a way that just works for Marin. Lots of wood and natural materials give it warmth. You can tell someone cared about the details here.
The water views are a real bonus. Many shops and restaurants look out over the bay, making everything feel more relaxed. It doesn’t feel like a generic shopping center—more like a community gathering spot.
On weekends, the energy shifts a bit with the farmers market adding even more life.
Outdoor Bench Seating and Picnic Tables
You’ll find plenty of benches and picnic tables scattered around. They’re perfect for taking a break, people-watching, or diving into something delicious from one of the eateries.
Picnic tables fill up fast during lunch and weekends—especially with folks grabbing food from places like Shake Shack or Loveski.
The outdoor spaces are made for hanging out. You can sip coffee and watch the ferry crowd, or just relax in the sun or shade. Families especially seem to appreciate these spots for quick meals or downtime.
Everything’s kept pretty clean, and there’s a good mix of sunny and shady spots, so it’s comfortable year-round (well, as comfortable as Bay Area weather allows).
Visitor Tips and Recommendations
A little planning goes a long way at Marin Country Mart. Here are a few things to keep in mind for a smoother visit.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are the most peaceful, with hardly any crowds. The farmers market on Saturdays (9am–2pm) draws a bigger crowd.
For dining, try to show up before noon or after 2pm if you want to dodge the lunch rush—especially at places like Hog Island Oyster Co., where waits can get long.
Summer weekends are the busiest, especially when the sun’s out. If you want a quieter trip, aim for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when things are slower.
Parking can get tight during the weekend market, so come early or, honestly, just take the ferry if you’re coming from the city.
Post-COVID Considerations
Most businesses at Marin Country Mart are back to their usual routines, though you’ll still spot extra cleaning and plenty of hand sanitizer around.
Outdoor seating has really grown since the pandemic days, which honestly makes the Mart even nicer if you love eating outside. That waterfront breeze? Hard to beat.
A few shops still offer things like virtual shopping or curbside pickup. If that’s your thing, it’s smart to peek at their websites before you head over.
Masks? As of April 2025, they’re mostly optional. Still, I’d throw one in your bag—some places might have their own rules.
Suggestions for Families and Kids
The big grassy areas are a hit with kids—perfect for running around or just flopping down on a blanket while you take a breather. On sunny days, you’ll see plenty of families picnicking or just hanging out.
If you’re with little ones, Johnny Doughnuts is basically a must. Their treats look wild and taste even better. Go early if you want the best selection; those doughnuts don’t last long.
Family-friendly events pop up throughout the year—think seasonal parties or the occasional craft workshop. Worth checking the event calendar before you go.
Bathrooms with changing tables sit near the main courtyard. They’re tidy and actually pretty decent for families with young kids.
For lunch, the picnic tables by the water are a favorite. The views are good enough to distract even the squirmiest kids.
Nearby Attractions and Marin County Highlights
Marin Country Mart makes a great launchpad for exploring Marin County. The area’s packed with natural beauty, and there are a bunch of charming towns close by if you feel like wandering.
San Francisco Bay and Ferry Connections
The Larkspur Ferry Terminal is right next door, so hopping over to San Francisco couldn’t be simpler. Just board the ferry—half an hour later, you’re downtown. The ride itself is worth it for the views of the Bay, Angel Island, and that iconic skyline.
There’s plenty of parking at the terminal if you’re driving. Ferries run often on weekdays, a bit less on weekends. Always check the Golden Gate Ferry schedule so you’re not left waiting.
Lots of folks like to pair a shopping trip at the Mart with a day in San Francisco. It saves you from driving across the Golden Gate Bridge and dealing with city parking—which, let’s be honest, is nobody’s favorite thing.
Exploring Larkspur and Surrounding Areas
Larkspur’s downtown feels like stepping back in time, with old brick buildings lining Magnolia Avenue. The Lark Theater—a lovingly restored 1936 art deco cinema—screens indie films, and you can catch something offbeat there if you’re in the mood.
If you’re itching to get outside, there are some solid hiking spots nearby:
- Ring Mountain Preserve – Springtime brings wildflowers, and the bay views stick around all year.
- Mount Tamalpais State Park – Over 60 miles of trails wind through redwoods and up to sweeping ocean views.
- Muir Woods National Monument – Towering coastal redwoods, but yeah, you’ll need to book parking ahead.
If you’re up for exploring, Mill Valley’s got a creative vibe, San Rafael mixes its old mission with downtown shops, and Corte Madera’s great if you want to squeeze in some extra shopping.
Trails weave these towns together, so whether you hike or bike, Marin’s honestly a dream for anyone who likes to get moving.
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