Ross
Ross is a town of elegant old estates, large and small. Elm-tree lined streets and streams wind up the hillside, framing homes reminiscent of the best neighborhoods on the East Coast. We once visited an estate built about 1900 by the founder of one of the great San Francisco steamship empires. An acre or two of front lawn, planted about 1900, was still perfect. Another estate on a sprawling knoll-top, had a Mediterranean-style home with 360-degree views and housed a museum-quality collection of 16th and 17th century Flemish masters. These examples typify the quality that you’ll find in Ross.
Ross is quiet and community-oriented. Founded in 1857 by James Ross, a Scottish immigrant who came to San Francisco to sell wines in the booming gold rush economy, the town still reflects its British roots.Kilts are still in fashion on special occasions at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Ross is north-west of Greenbrae and Kentfield, along Sir Frances Drake Blvd.On the west side of Sir Frances Drake is the Ross Commons park with a small, quaint collection of shops, including a corner market and good restaurants.Residents pick up their mail at the post office that faces the commons. About a mile from the commons is a stream-side park that leads to Phoenix Lake, the smallest of the five, pristine Alpine lakes that are part of the Marin Municipal Water District. This is a great place to walk or go fishing.
On the east side of Sir Frances Drake is the Marin Art and Garden Center, a bucolic collection of non-profit shops, a library, and a small theater. Winding, hillside streets provide the setting for newer, elegant homes.
Ross Town Government Info
Favorite Places
Marin Art and Garden Center
Phoenix Lake, a lovely place to hike. Turn west on Lagunitas (from Ross Commons)
and follow it till it ends at the parking lot near the lake.
Eddie's Ross Market is a convenient local grocery with great sandwitches.
Brown Eyed Girl carries women's young hip clothing.
Restaurants
Marche Aux Fleurs is a husband and wife owned restaurant with country French food
and a great selection of California wines from family-owned wineries. We've personally
never eaten there, but know lots of people who rave about it.
Visit our Ross Photo Gallery.
