Woodacre, CA

Woodacre is the first town you reach heading west into the San Geronimo Valley, a long, narrow corridor in central Marin County that runs along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard from White Hill toward the coast. The valley holds four small communities, with San Geronimo, Forest Knolls and Lagunitas strung out to the west. Fairfax is the nearest bigger town, and San Rafael and Highway 101 are a bit farther along. The town is small and unincorporated, and it reads as one neighborhood. Its center is a short stretch of San Geronimo Valley Drive, and the rest is hillside streets that wind up from it. People come through for the Marin County Fire Department headquarters, the Creekside Equestrian Center and Spirit Rock Meditation Center, which draws visitors from around the Bay Area for retreats and classes. Most of the land around the valley is protected. Marin County's open space preserves ring the town, Roy's Redwoods is known for spring wildflowers, and Samuel P. Taylor State Park spreads over roughly 2,900 acres of redwoods, creek and trail a few miles west. San Geronimo Golf Course sits in the middle of the valley for anyone who plays. Food in the valley is a short, local list. Lagunitas Groceries and Deli is a regular stop for cyclists, and Rancho Nicasio Bar and Restaurant, a short drive north, books live music. Giaco's, a few minutes west in San Geronimo, is the sit-down dinner spot. Woodacre's own market and deli covers the quick lunch. Daily life here runs on the car. The valley has no big grocery store, so weekly shopping happens in Fairfax or San Rafael. A Marin Transit bus connects the valley with downtown San Rafael, though service is hourly at best. The San Geronimo Valley Community Center is where the valley gathers for events, and it hosts the local food bank. The honest limit is distance and a single road. A rush-hour drive to San Rafael or farther south takes planning, and a closed or backed-up Sir Francis Drake changes everyone's day. What you get back is a valley where the hills, creek and redwoods are the default scenery, and the pace stays slow.