Communities: Tiburon ("Shark")

8,666 people, 3,712 households, and 2,409 families in Tiburon as of the 2000 Census.

Originally named “Punta de Tiburon” (Point of Sharks) by Spanish Explorers in 1776, the historic railroad town of Tiburon is now an affluent picturesque bayside town blessed with plentiful marinas, yacht clubs, tennis courts and swimming facilities.

The smaller exclusive town of Belvedere (formerly a separate island) occupies the south-east part of the peninsula and is contiguous with Tiburon.

In the early part of the 20th Century, Tiburon was the southern terminus of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad. This railroad carried freight, mostly lumber, to the town for transfer to barges for shipping to cities around San Francisco Bay. It is now linked by fast ferry services to and from San Francisco and Angel Island. The boats, which dock near a concentration of restaurants and clothing shops, provide the ideal commute: walk or bike down to the ferryboats, glide into San Francisco, and walk or bike (carefully) to work through San Francisco's streets.

Favorite mornings in Tiburon include grabbing a cup of coffee and strolling along the waterfront to pick wild blackberries for breakfast (which can actually be done in many Marin cities). Special Tiburon evenings include dining along the waterfront, sailing or kayaking through glistening waters of Racoon Straits during a full moon, or watching Sea lions herd the annual run of herring into a Tiburon cove and feeding from the entrapped school.

The former railroad right of way now forms part of the San Francisco Bay Trail, used by hikers and cyclists. This part of the trail passes through the Richardson Bay Park and alongside the Audubon Society's Richardson Bay Sanctuary, both of which provide excellent opportunities for observing wildlife.

Tiburon is also a major gateway to Angel Island State Park, the largest Island in San Francisco Bay, located one mile south of the Tiburon Peninsula. The Island is accessible by ferry boats from Tiburon, by private boats, and by kayak. There are picnic areas on the island, a snack bar, kayak and bike rentals, and great hiking with splendid views of the cities ringing San Francisco Bay.

If you are interested in buying a home in Tiburon, they can be viewed here: Tiburon Homes.

Note on the "Walk Score" below, that Tiburon is not necessarily car-dependent. Exactly where you live on the Peninsula determines accessibility to amenities. Many places are within easy distance, especially for people who enjoy walking.