Welcome to Corte Madera
Population 9,864 approximate
The small, charming town of Corte Madera lies at the foot of legendary Mt. Tamalpais. The town reflects the easy, outdoor living long associated with a California lifestyle. It has a magical blend of contrasts, from its rural, sprawling hillsides and bay views to its cosmopolitan, upscale homes and businesses.
Situated at the intersection of Corte Madera Creek and San Francisco Bay, Corte Madera’s natural setting is breathtaking, with Mt. Tamalpais as its backdrop. This small vital town of nearly 9,425 residents, located 12 miles north of San Francisco, is generally alight with sunshine that peeks through fog shrouded Mt. Tamalpais. The town reflects the easy, outdoor lifestyle long associated with California, with open space, and parks in every direction.
The biking and hiking trails a popular destination for many locals.
Centrally located, Corte Madera is home to two of Marin County’s finest shopping centers: The Town Center, home of PF Changs, IL Fornaio, Verizon Wireless, Z Gallery, Barnes & Noble book store, the Bay Club and much more. The Village Shopping Center; anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s, including upscale retailers like Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Anthropology, True Religion trendy jeans, J.Crew, Bebe, Banana Republic, The Gap. Dine at the popular Cheesecake Factory or Boudin Bakery.
The Corte Madera Certified Farmers’ Market, overflowing with California grown produce, occupies the central courtyard in the Town Center every Wednesday afternoon. Corte Madera has its share of outstanding California restaurants, including Marin Joe’s, a Marin County institution for 50 years. Lodging for short-and long term visitors is readily available at reasonable prices. see below for list of accommodation.
Teams of rowers from the Marin Rowing Association can be observed practicing every morning on Corte Madera Creek. Birdwatchers flock to the Corte Madera Ecological Reserve, which provides feeding and nesting areas for migrating meadowlarks, great egrets, snowy egrets, avocets and sandpipers.
Just north of The Village shopping center is Shorebird Marsh, a 31 acre wildlife habitat, also a prime spot for bird watching. At the southeastern edge of town lies the Ring Mountain Preserve, a significant area of designated open space overlooking the San Francisco Bay. All of these protected natural areas are examples of the town’s commitment to preserving the area’s wildlife and habitat.
The History Of Corte Madera
Corte Madera was once part of the original land grant, Corte Madera del Presidio, given to John reed in 1836. The area was used to supply lumber to build the San Francisco Presidio. By 1860 many of the old growth redwoods had been harvested and the hills were then used for ranching and dairy by a new generation of settlers.
At the turn of the century Corte Madera had attracted a number of families from San Francisco who came for the summer. Christmas Tree Hill was subdivided in tiny 25’ x 25’ lots for use as tent sites on the weekends. After the 1906 earthquake, many of these tent sites were used to build permanent homes, some of these tiny cottages remain to this day. Corte Madera became a town in 1917.
Extending from San Francisco Bay on the east side to Mt. Tam on the west, Corte Madera illustrates the wonderful Marin County blend of nature along with all the amenities of city living.
